First Day Volunteering

[MistaMatthews]

Hi All,

This weekend I am starting my first days of volunteering on a preserved railway as a “third man” with the diesel locomotive crew. I am told basically this is training for the second man role. Could anybody with some experience give me a heads up as to what this might include? The only thing that’s really been mentioned is learning how to split a train. I’m a bit of an enthusiast but when it comes to actually working with trains, I’m completely fresh. If anyone has any info, pics or video links that might be useful that would be much appreciated. Hopefully I can spend my Friday night learning something so that I’m not completely useless when it comes to it.

Many Thanks

 

[Trainguy34]

Hi All,

This weekend I am starting my first days of volunteering on a preserved railway as a “third man” with the diesel locomotive crew. I am told basically this is training for the second man role. Could anybody with some experience give me a heads up as to what this might include? The only thing that’s really been mentioned is learning how to split a train. I’m a bit of an enthusiast but when it comes to actually working with trains, I’m completely fresh. If anyone has any info, pics or video links that might be useful that would be much appreciated. Hopefully I can spend my Friday night learning something so that I’m not completely useless when it comes to it.

Many Thanks

Can you tell us what railway as it sometimes varies?

 

[MistaMatthews]

Spa Valley. So apart from a thumper, it appears that it is mainly mk1 carriages hauled by steam & diesel. As previously mentioned, I’m focusing on the diesel crew. Thanks

 

[transportphoto]

Don’t worry about trying to learn in advance - it’s easier to learn afresh than try to right incorrect knowledge. Go in with an open mind, get to know people, listen, learn, and have fun!

 

[30907]

And if you don't understand what your trainer is telling you, ask. Not everyone is good at explaining.

 

[50002Superb]

Hi All,

This weekend I am starting my first days of volunteering on a preserved railway as a “third man” with the diesel locomotive crew. I am told basically this is training for the second man role. Could anybody with some experience give me a heads up as to what this might include? The only thing that’s really been mentioned is learning how to split a train. I’m a bit of an enthusiast but when it comes to actually working with trains, I’m completely fresh. If anyone has any info, pics or video links that might be useful that would be much appreciated. Hopefully I can spend my Friday night learning something so that I’m not completely useless when it comes to it.

Many Thanks

How did it go?