Driver questions - anything you'd like to ask

[RJ]

, need to improve your facts there yorkie hes 14 like myself.

Yorkie's point still stands.

 

[O L Leigh]

How did you just become a driver then? As don't most driving jobs require previous training anyway?

I applied for the position when they advertised it. Simple.

Well, not simple actually. There will always be a huge response whenever a TOC advertises for trainee drivers, so it's important to make sure your application ticks all the right boxes so that you get through the first sift and secure a place on an assessment. Of course it's much easier if you already work for the TOC in question in some other capacity because I'm lead to believe that you will get an assessment automatically. But that's not the same thing as saying that they only route into driving is through the other grades.

All training is given on the basis of no previous knowledge. If you already hold, say, PTS then you get an easy week. However, you're still required to do it.

O L Leigh

 

[Respite]

Been away for a while, just catching up.

Errr in no particular order.
-No points Coxster. I'm innocent!8)

-Funniest thing hit, hmm Giz. I ran over a motocross bike & a pile of troughing shaped like a ramp on the flangeside of the rail at 90mph in a 175 between chester & crewe. The whole cab felt like it got airborne. 50p/20p moment at the time but funny after.Also managed to punt a pigeon into a crowd of people at shifnal whilst going through at 70mph (ish).

-I blow the horn at lots of stuff, who cares what the OTMR records (Unless it's not in hornage hours:roll::grin. I always blow the horn at young mums & wave at the kids. I remember doing the same when I was one (Kid that is not young mum). Yoofs I ignore apart from pulling the armrest up on the seat nearest the gangway door just incase I need to dive to the ground in a hurry. Although most of them are about as good at aiming stuff as they are at being decent people. I wave at spotters if they are not acting like idiots, sometimes I give em a blast. I also say hello to them at stations.

-Not a boil in the bag driver I'm afraid, although I didnt do the standard old rise through the grades way either. Started as a box lad(wolves) then a shunter (Wolves/Oxley), Signalman (Madley Jcn,Salop line relief,Hartlebury,Birmingham New St/Stourbridge Jcn), then Mobile Ops manager (Based at Walsall/Wolves also covering Bham/Cov/nuneaton/Salop/Lemington) then driver at Salop.

 

[Mojo]

What would happen if you were caught smoking in the Cab?

I was on a 153 today and the train stank of cigarettes, I got off and had a look through the cab window and saw the driver smoking.

 

[devon_metro]

Pull the emergency handle...

 

[AlexS]

Was sat at Stourbridge Jn waiting for my train to depart when I noticed fag smoke coming under the toilet door - who should wander out 2 minutes later but the train driver!

 

[devon_metro]

Pull the emergency cord, claim you could smell smoke and thought there was a fire and watch the fun unfold 8)

 

[Mintona]

Pull the emergency cord while sat at the station? Would that apply the emergency brake so the driver couldn't move off?

 

[westcoaster]

Pull the emergency cord while sat at the station? Would that apply the emergency brake so the driver couldn't move off?

it would do but not the best thing to do.

 

[D306]

but surely it would teach the driver not to smoke in the cab

 

[westcoaster]

iv'e known people pull the chord and the brakes not release on reset, brakes jammed on until fitter attends or ebs pulled, in both casses train is delayed or cancelled, best thing say something to him/her or threaten to report them, the company know which driver is driving which train.

 

[yorkie]

Smelling smoke would surely be classed as a good reason, and the BTP would be duty bound to take action against the unlawful smoking (rightly or wrongly it is the law).

 

[ungreat]

What would the council be able to do about smoke on a train?

 

[Mojo]

What would the council be able to do about smoke on a train?

They are partly responsible for enforcement of workplace and public area smoking bans.

I'd also like to add that I also saw the same driver smoking again this afternoon and also that, in my opinion, smoking smells completely different to burning. Pulling the emergency cord would cause more trouble than it's worth. I always think it's polite in these circumstances.

Next time I have a meeting with our regional manager at FGW I'll mention it to him, after all, it is their responsibility.

 

[AlexS]

Not bothered about train crew smoking on board per sé, but am bothered about having the only bog on the train filled with smoke because a lazy driver can't be arsed to do what his guard has done during his turnaround - about a 15 feet walk away through an open gate on that platform is the car park with cigarette bins! No excuses about lack of time there please, he's just as equally not doing anything productive in the bog while having a fag in there

As for unskilled workers Shane, check your pay packet compared to the office wallahs

The warm fuzzy feeling should suffice when you compare it to what the guard is on in the same situation, heh.

I've had more than one guard describe the drivers as like the mafia in their own way!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

There was a driver who stopped to pick up a couple of trespassers and performed the citizens arrest he thought he was entitled to do. The police were waiting at the next stop and arrested the driver for false arrest and let the trespassers go free!

Just goes to show anything is possible on the railway!!

 

[ungreat]

Anyway..back to the questions after the smoking debate!

Any more?

 

[Bayum]

Not a strict "Driver Related" Question, but - all drivers have to be free of physical limitations, have no disabilities and all that - are there any people that you know of that work on the trains as Train Managers etc? I've quite liked the idea of being a Train Manager for FTPE or AXC, but im only 18 and still in College until at least next year, so depending on results etc could be another year.


Oooooooh, another question as well - say you happened to develop Arthritis or something, say 15 years into driving. What would happen then?? Would you be deemed "irresponsible and of inadequate health to be in charge of people" or what?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Ooooh, and another question.

My dad works for Network Rail at Huddersfield, and he's not allowed to have drunk any alcohol, had less than a certain amount of sleep or have any intoxicating substances present in his body or bloodstream a certain number of hours before hes working. Does this also apply to you guys?? I'm guessing yes, but just thought i'd make sure!!

Also - he is "on call" quite a bit - where he has to go in when others are ill, or there are potential problems no one else can handle. This happen with you guys??


AND another question cos im amazing like that and I have all my inspiration between the hours of like midnight and two in the morning... What class would you most like to drive?? Classes that are present in your field of work though - say you worked with NXEC - you can't say 37's or something - has to be passenger stock if you get me

 

[TheSlash]

So now that we have broken in the Train Driver fraternity

Why do you excessively blow your horn at trackside staff even after they have acknowledged?
Why do you report a near miss with a work group who were in a position of safety a minimum time of 10 seconds before you passed?
Is the excessive horn blowing all part of creating the OTMR drama?
What's the going rate for a near miss these days?
How many times have you disabled a unit to end your day early?
Working 34 hours a week, do you feel the temptation for a 2nd job, such as HGV or Coach driving?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Not a strict "Driver Related" Question, but - all drivers have to be free of physical limitations, have no disabilities and all that - are there any people that you know of that work on the trains as Train Managers etc? I've quite liked the idea of being a Train Manager for FTPE or AXC, but im only 18 and still in College until at least next year, so depending on results etc could be another year.

You have to have full movement of your body, you must have good eyesight or glasses which provide you with good eyesight. You must be able to negotiate the train without hinderance.

Oooooooh, another question as well - say you happened to develop Arthritis or something, say 15 years into driving. What would happen then?? Would you be deemed "irresponsible and of inadequate health to be in charge of people" or what?

Full medicals are made every few years depending on the age of the driver, etc, etc. If you are not able, for whatever reason, to drive a train, or would pose a risk whilst driving, you will be found another job.

Ooooh, and another question.

My dad works for Network Rail at Huddersfield, and he's not allowed to have drunk any alcohol, had less than a certain amount of sleep or have any intoxicating substances present in his body or bloodstream a certain number of hours before hes working. Does this also apply to you guys?? I'm guessing yes, but just thought i'd make sure!!

You should not CONSUME alcohol within 8 hours of starting your shift or whilst on duty, you must be free of alcohol whilst on duty.

Also - he is "on call" quite a bit - where he has to go in when others are ill, or there are potential problems no one else can handle. This happen with you guys??

There are usually 'spare' drivers at certain points so that illness can be covered.

AND another question cos im amazing like that and I have all my inspiration between the hours of like midnight and two in the morning... What class would you most like to drive?? Classes that are present in your field of work though - say you worked with NXEC - you can't say 37's or something - has to be passenger stock if you get me

with that the choice is 317 or 319, Chalk or cheese, cannon or ball.

So now that we have broken in the Train Driver fraternity

Why do you excessively blow your horn at trackside staff even after they have acknowledged?
Why do you report a near miss with a work group who were in a position of safety a minimum time of 10 seconds before you passed?
Is the excessive horn blowing all part of creating the OTMR drama?
What's the going rate for a near miss these days?
How many times have you disabled a unit to end your day early?
Working 34 hours a week, do you feel the temptation for a 2nd job, such as HGV or Coach driving?

Bad day?

 

[jv3531]

How about finding a set of teath on ur coupler! Doesn't "pullin the chain" mean creat vacuum

 

[westcoaster]

So now that we have broken in the Train Driver fraternity

Why do you excessively blow your horn at trackside staff even after they have acknowledged?
Why do you report a near miss with a work group who were in a position of safety a minimum time of 10 seconds before you passed?
Is the excessive horn blowing all part of creating the OTMR drama?
What's the going rate for a near miss these days?
How many times have you disabled a unit to end your day early?
Working 34 hours a week, do you feel the temptation for a 2nd job, such as HGV or Coach driving?

1. us acknowledging you, acknowledging us?
2. because there are some p-way guys out there that think they have 9 lives
3. we use it as we see fit, that is what it is there for
4.report form and a stiff drink
5.cant comment for others but i believe it happens, never done it.
6. if only, not really think of the tax.

 

[O L Leigh]

So now that we have broken in the Train Driver fraternity

Why do you excessively blow your horn at trackside staff even after they have acknowledged?
Why do you report a near miss with a work group who were in a position of safety a minimum time of 10 seconds before you passed?
Is the excessive horn blowing all part of creating the OTMR drama?
What's the going rate for a near miss these days?
How many times have you disabled a unit to end your day early?
Working 34 hours a week, do you feel the temptation for a 2nd job, such as HGV or Coach driving?

1. What counts as "excessive"...? Quite often I toot and don't see the acknowledgement, so I toot again. I also give a little toot on the low tone once I get the acknowledgement. Is that excessive...?

2. Never have reported a near miss with a gang, although there are times when I feel that my interpretation of 4 feet and theirs seem to be at odds with each other.

At this point, perhaps I should register my protest that you appear to be using a very broad brush. What about the Tango's who fail to give any acknowledgement, stand in limited clearances or hide behind things only to pop out at the very last minute to give the driver a heart attack. Typical behaviour...? No, I thought not.

3. What's an "OTMR drama...?"

4. We get nothing out of it other than the Bobby asking if we're fit to continue and a request for a written report. Frankly it's more trouble than it's worth.

5. Never.

6. No thanks.

O L Leigh

 

[ungreat]

So now that we have broken in the Train Driver fraternity

Why do you excessively blow your horn at trackside staff even after they have acknowledged?
Why do you report a near miss with a work group who were in a position of safety a minimum time of 10 seconds before you passed?
Is the excessive horn blowing all part of creating the OTMR drama?
What's the going rate for a near miss these days?
How many times have you disabled a unit to end your day early?
Working 34 hours a week, do you feel the temptation for a 2nd job, such as HGV or Coach driving?

1 A lot of trackworkers dont acknowledge and I will keep hooting until they do

2 A lot of trackworkers interpretation of this is vastly different..personally thats not a near miss for me.

3 OTMR drama...from that I'm guessing you are insinuating that in order to "prove" a near miss we drivers sound the horn a lot to give the impression of a near miss on the "black box"(OTMR) recorder...what an a**ehole comment that is

4 Disabling a unit...deliberate tampering would be picked up on the OTMR.Most units are readily capable of disabling themselves without any interference from us!

5 34 hours? Where do you get that from...its 35 8) And no,absolutely not..we earn enough thankyou!

Personally,your post smacks of jealousy my dear boy/girl,and is a thinly disguised dig at us...failed the aptitude test did you?

 

[TheSlash]

Never been up for driving, not got my head stuck up my own arse.
Everyone in my gang always acknowledges a warning and immediatly moves to a position of safety. Anybody who doesn't can expect to find themselves out of my gang.
Despite this, some drivers insist on giving urgent warnings and lengthy warnings long after we have acknowledged and moved to a position of safety
The only thing my post smacks of is someone tired of the same old day dreamers and they're impressionable followers.
I'm surprised One Technical Numpty {i forget his latest name} had time to write that post as he's always so busy saving the railway
I've done OTMR downloads, i know how the 'system' works.
The same with disabling a unit "Opps i spilt my coffee all over the desk, looks like this one won't be going *sigh* i'll just have to settle for an early finish on this fine Friday afternoon"
Now, while i go off and do some real work, i'll let you get back to supervising a computer under the guise of driving a train.

 

[O L Leigh]

The only thing my post smacks of is someone tired of the same old day dreamers and they're impressionable followers.
I'm surprised One Technical Numpty {i forget his latest name} had time to write that post as he's always so busy saving the railway

I'm sure I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about. Perhaps you'd like to PM me rather than making insinuations on-list.

O L Leigh (one TN)

 

[Coxster]

"Slash on the Warpath - an insight into the mind of a monkey"

Anyone else up for making a Channel Four-style documentary?

 

[TheSlash]

"Slash on the Warpath - an insight into the mind of a monkey"

Anyone else up for making a Channel Four-style documentary?

Certainly, they can follow me as i burn down your house

 

[Coxster]

Certainly, they can follow me as i burn down your house

...then getting taken into police custody after they find a confession from yourself written on a public railway forum

 

[me123]

You know, if Coxster's house really does burn down in the next few weeks...