i didn't quite know where to put this but i have recently started up on the footplate at Avon Valley Railway. i have the correct clothing except a grease proof hat as i cant stand wearing them. Is it vital or could i get away with wearing a flat cap???
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Is a grease proof hat necessary?
- Thread starter wri9hty
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R
RailUK Forums
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I think you would best ask the volunteer co-ordinator / your colleagues this question as policies can vary.
TP
TP
Not even the pretty boys at the Bluebell would be that anal!
You're misunderstanding what preserved railway work us about, especially footplate. Why matters is your effort, aptitude and depending on the outfit, how well you fit in.
It's not a dressing up competition, and there should be absolutely no need to buy expensive kit straight away. All you need is a cotton boiler suit and safety boots. Buy more slowly if you find you like the work, and more importantly can do it.
I am always deeply suspicious of new cleaners that turn up with all the gear straight away. Experience says they tend to be the ones who haven't recognised what is going to be required.
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Try http://www.nymr.co.uk/shedshop/Firing_Shovels.html for overalls - they are the proper BR cut, but I still think they are being free and easy with your money when you've just started. Consider other railway options!
The Decapod
Member
Useful as a spare cloth if you need to grab something hot in a hurry and you've lost your main cloth.
ChrisCooper
Established Member
Whilst strict uniform policy is fine for paid staff, I've never known any volenteer work with a uniform policy anything beyond what is reasonable for safety and reasonable appearance. In recent years I've volenteered at 4 places (2 transport, 2 none transport) and the only policy any had on clothing was in relation to safety clothes for certain jobs, and in a lot of cases they were provided along with other safety equipment. They also expected anyone customer facing to be reasonably smart.
I know both in both the transport groups there has been mention of authentic clothing before, but oviously the issue of cost, especially for volenteers, comes up, as does practicality and safety (there are many situations where modern clothing is more practical and safe than what would be authentic). There is also the fact that unless you are portraying one particularly era then uniforms are unlikely to be totally correct anyway.
To be honest it only pleases the purists and rivet counters anyway (who are also the ones who would pick on the fact that the particular train or vehicle is in 1960s condition but the staff have uniforms in the style worn in the 50s as they changed the buttons in 1958). Most people won't care.
I know both in both the transport groups there has been mention of authentic clothing before, but oviously the issue of cost, especially for volenteers, comes up, as does practicality and safety (there are many situations where modern clothing is more practical and safe than what would be authentic). There is also the fact that unless you are portraying one particularly era then uniforms are unlikely to be totally correct anyway.
To be honest it only pleases the purists and rivet counters anyway (who are also the ones who would pick on the fact that the particular train or vehicle is in 1960s condition but the staff have uniforms in the style worn in the 50s as they changed the buttons in 1958). Most people won't care.
Kinghambranch
Member
Roylang
Member
Is grease proof also a phrase used for these hats or just a typo? I have always known them as Grease Top hats. Certainly that was what mine was called when I bought it.
Roy
1018509
Member
If your anything like me you need to be completely greaseproof.
While on the Underground I only had to walk past a nice greasy axle box or gear casing and the grease leapt out and covered me. Was like that for years, I just got used to it.
While on the Underground I only had to walk past a nice greasy axle box or gear casing and the grease leapt out and covered me. Was like that for years, I just got used to it.
PUFFINGBILLY
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Judging by the £29 The Bluebell Railway sells them for I bet they hope volunteers think there are essential.
Spamcan81
Established Member
Knotted hankies were not uncommon amongst loco firemen in the 60s but can't say I ever saw a driver wearing one. No doubt someone will now post a pic of a driver so adorned.
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