FGW Drivers : Pros n cons Reading or Oxford depot ?

[Downtheline]

I'm a potential trainee driver - I was asked today at interview for preference Reading or Oxford depot.

I'm fairly equi-distant to both by car, but RDG being easiest by train as my nearest station is NBY.

I'd be interested in thoughts on working at either, routes, traction, opportunities in longer term, best place for a new driver etc.

I said RDG, but could potentially change it.

Thoughts welcome, any inter-depot humorous jibes welcome too !

thanks

Downtheline

 

[Captain Chaos]

Reading drivers don't sign Greenfords. Always a bonus...

 

[welshjpc]

I've applied for Oxford so keep with Reading, that means one less competitor for a place!

 

[Downtheline]

I've applied for Oxford so keep with Reading, that means one less competitor for a place!

hee hee, all the best then welshjpc !

 

[Northerner]

Oxford , without a doubt, you may get the greenfords ! But you won't get the marlow's or Windsor's
You'll also get to drive to Banbury which is lovely!!

 

[Captain Chaos]

Oxford , without a doubt, you may get the greenfords ! But you won't get the marlow's or Windsor's
You'll also get to drive to Banbury which is lovely!!

Oi! Don't knock the Marlows! They're lovely! For us Guards anyway! Windsors are maddening though. Doing 8 round trips in one go. Ugh!

Reading drivers get:

Bedwyns, Basingstokes, Marlows, Henleys, Windsors, Padd (stoppers and fasts), Oxford (stoppers and fasts). Top link gets Banbury still (I think) and Links 3 and 4 get Gatwicks and Redhills. Though you'd be many years away from getting in there most likely.

 

[KT530]

Reading have earlier earlies and later lates than Oxford and approx 2 weeks of nights per year

At Oxford you'll also learn the 180s, which Reading don't sign (Reading 165/6 & 150s)

Good luck

 

[455driver]

Reading will probably see most of its drivers PTR&R over to Crossrail (they will go with the work just like everyone gets PTR&Red now at franchise change-over time) so I would go for Oxford.

The 'T' stands for transfer so if the work gets transferred so will the drivers.

 

[Downtheline]

Thankyou all, very useful. Those who sent me direct messages, much appreciated will respond a bit later.

Any more thoughts welcome and I'm sure other candidates find it useful too.