Freight trains - driving without a break

[deltic]

What is the maximum time freight train drivers are allowed to drive without a PNB. Looking on Real Train Times I see it is not un-usual for trains to be timetabled to run non-stop for just over 3hrs eg mail trains from Willesden to Warrington and then Shieldmuir. The amount of tea I drink I dont think I could survive 3hrs without a leak.

 

[DarloRich]

What is the maximum time freight train drivers are allowed to drive without a PNB. Looking on Real Train Times I see it is not un-usual for trains to be timetabled to run non-stop for just over 3hrs eg mail trains from Willesden to Warrington and then Shieldmuir. The amount of tea I drink I dont think I could survive 3hrs without a leak.

there are mobile pee break options available

 

[HLE]

An empty bottle would come in handy.

 

[craigybagel]

3 hours isnt that long surely? Even at my passenger TOC on one route I regularly work as a guard the routine for me and my driver is normally

40 minute run to a big city.
15 minute turn around (usually time for a pee if necessary but no PNB is booked, so if you're late its a straight in and out job)
3-3.30 hour run to a slightly smaller city, passing through your home depot on the way.
Then you get your break.

 

[Minilad]

We do Birmingham - Bournemouth in one sitting. That a touch over 3 hours. So it isn't just the freight boys who do it. We also do Birmingham - Cardiff and back which is 4 hours 15 mins and if you are late at Cardiff or the west end shunt takes longer than normal you can find yourself doing that without a break too

 

[westcoaster]

At thameslink we regularly drive for 3hr 15 mins non stop luton-sutton-St Albans, but we also have 2 jobs at 4hr 19 mins of continuous driving bedford-sutton-bedford and one is 0430-0849 now that's some going. And because it's a loop service there is no changing ends or lay over at Sutton.

 

[455driver]

We have some jobs where you can be on the train for nearly 5 hours, maximum turn around time is 5 minutes although most are just 3 minutes so no time for a wee wee.

 

[scotraildriver]

We do Glasgow to Oban 3hrs 12 mins. If you need to go then you go. Stuff the delay!

 

[Rich McLean]

Oxford - Pad (Pass) 60mins
15-20 mins turnaround
Pad Hereford 3hrs
PNB
Hereford Oxford (2hrs) - where another driver takes over

Not much opportunity there

 

[hello]

Oxford - Pad (Pass) 60mins
15-20 mins turnaround
Pad Hereford 3hrs
PNB
Hereford Oxford (2hrs) - where another driver takes over

Not much opportunity there

apart from the 1 hour and 20 mins before you do anything, and then the physical needs break inbetween doing something
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

We do Birmingham - Bournemouth in one sitting. That a touch over 3 hours. So it isn't just the freight boys who do it. We also do Birmingham - Cardiff and back which is 4 hours 15 mins and if you are late at Cardiff or the west end shunt takes longer than normal you can find yourself doing that without a break too

do you not change ends in both of those instances?

 

[Minilad]

apart from the 1 hour and 20 mins before you do anything, and then the physical needs break inbetween doing something
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


do you not change ends in both of those instances?

I would hardly describe changing ends as a break

 

[vikingdriver]

When I change ends, even if it is a tight turnaround, If I really really need to go, I'll go! At least then I can concentrate on the job again! Plus it makes room for a cuppa going the other way!

 

[MichaelAMW]

Surely the point of the OP is that on a freight train there's really nothing you can do - other than those "mobile" options that have been mentioned! If you're driving a passenger train then there's always the opportunity to nip back into the train for a quick loo break at a station stop if things get desperate. OK, I know someone will now mention delays etc. but we're talking about one minute and a consequent huge improvement on subsequently being able to concentrate.

 

[GB]

We have a service that departs one place at 1720 and arrives at the next place at 2310. Theres a 40 minute pathing stop en route but is not pnb stop and again, if the train is late it runs straight through.

 

[route:oxford]

There are other options.

Self-catheterisation.
Adult nappies.

One the chaps I used to work with catheterised himself when he was studying to avoid losing focus.

 

[HLE]

There are other options.

Self-catheterisation.
Adult nappies.

One the chaps I used to work with catheterised himself when he was studying to avoid losing focus.

A little over the top?

 

[theageofthetra]

Given that dehydration is linked (according to our 'health & wellbeing' group) with a drop in concentration levels, I wonder how many train crew don't hydrate enough due to inadequate toilet break provision?

 

[telstarbox]

On trains with catering will the person with the trolley offer the driver a drink en route?

 

[6Gman]

I would hardly describe changing ends as a break

Interesting question that. Some years ago we did a rediagramming exercise on the Cambrian which depended on Pwllheli men accepting "Change Cabs" at Barmouth as "a break from the driving environment". (i.e. exchanging cabs with the Machynlleth men coming the other way)

They accepted it.

Can't think of many other depots which would.

 

[Bevan Price]

Other alternatives in quiet locations -
1. Cab Door opened - probably needs to be done in several short sessions to avoid dead man's control activating.
2. Stop at signal and "water" fence or vegetation -(last observed on branch from LBT whilst waiting to photo a Class 60).

 

[D6975]

Surely the point of the OP is that on a freight train there's really nothing you can do - other than those "mobile" options that have been mentioned! If you're driving a passenger train then there's always the opportunity to nip back into the train for a quick loo break at a station stop if things get desperate. OK, I know someone will now mention delays etc. but we're talking about one minute and a consequent huge improvement on subsequently being able to concentrate.

How many freight turns are there where the train runs for 3 hours without being held at a red at a junction or getting looped?
I wouldn't have thought that there were that many, but the drivers on here will let us know..

 

[deltic]

Surely the point of the OP is that on a freight train there's really nothing you can do - other than those "mobile" options that have been mentioned! If you're driving a passenger train then there's always the opportunity to nip back into the train for a quick loo break at a station stop if things get desperate. OK, I know someone will now mention delays etc. but we're talking about one minute and a consequent huge improvement on subsequently being able to concentrate.

Precisely the point - I am surprised the unions and health and safety reps havent pushed this more, it is a major issue for female drivers, It is notable that many rail work sites now have welfare facilities provided where previously they wouldnt have bothered.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

How many freight turns are there where the train runs for 3 hours without being held at a red at a junction or getting looped?
I wouldn't have thought that there were that many, but the drivers on here will let us know..

Quite a few - and how do you know if you are likely to be held at a red signal - not something you can usually plan for

 

[FordFocus]

On tight turnarounds if I need a pee, I'll have a pee.

Simple as that, not interested in the 2 minute delay sorry. Diagramming should be made better.

We're all humans.

 

[keith43003]

Eat when you can, sleep when you can, pee when you can.

Every freight man's mantra!

 

[talltim]

there are mobile pee break options available

That's what the window washer bottle is for

 

[CockneySparrow]

I would hardly describe changing ends as a break

Break in concentration