Network Rail Mobile Operations Managers (MOMs)

[Scotrail344Lad]

Hello all,

I was wondering what requirements I would need to become a MOM and what role do they uphold. E.g. what situations would they respond to etc. What equipment do they carry?

 

[jaybon92]

Hello all,

I was wondering what requirements I would need to become a MOM and what role do they uphold. E.g. what situations would they respond to etc. What equipment do they carry?

I believe they respond to any sort of emergency you can think of. From one unders to struck bridges, breakdowns i assume they turn up to make decisions and keep in touch with control.

Funny enough I watch alot of them behind the scenes at Paddington and all them rail programmes and they show some of what MOMs do

Don't think they really carry tools maybe a few bits to assist. Not sure on that one

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Cheers. I have watched the Paddington show as well, one of my favourite aspects of the show actually.

 

[Horizon22]

This advert has expired, but gives you ideas on the job role and description - https://talents.studysmarter.co.uk/...bile-operations-manager-harlow-mill-10817312/

They come up fairly often and are basically the "first line" response to any incident that occurs on or near the railway, alongside the relevant engineering discipline (S&T, P-way etc.) if there's a fault. And also as a "representative of the railway" on site to - for example - correspond with emergency services.

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Cheers, thanks

 

[Swall]

Tickets you will hold as a MOM would include things like

Bridge strike nominee
Track defect nominee
Handsignaller
PTS
COSS (controller of site safety)
PILOT
Rail incident Officer
Level crossing attendant
Points operator
Route setting agent

Anything that effects the operational running of the railway control usually send you to either to try and do what you can to get trains moving or to give updates.

A lot of areas a signalling background is a prerequisite however on my MOM course there were moms from London way who I believe take there’s from the pway/S&T grades.

When there’s no incidents going on there are things like signal box visits to be doing, trespass and vandalism checks such as checking access gates are closed. There can be a lot of downtime but you’re expected to be able to switch it on whenever it goes wrong and most cover big geographical areas so knowing how to get to a certain set of points/signals etc from any location you may be is all down to you. It can be a stressful role as most of the time when that phone or radio goes off the control want you there yesterday! It’s well documented but you WILL see things you don’t want to see so that would be something you would have to be prepared for.

With the car crash that was modernising maintenance there is a lot of COSSing for S&T teams as they are always short staffed. Other jobs include going out to trespass incidents and checking for fencing issues after. Setting up Single line working and acting as PILOT. Also with the creation of the helpline you will also be sent out to a lot of random things that members of the public have reported from this doesn’t look right or theres a unicorn on the railway and I can see it from my house.

If you’re not already in the signalling grades I would say this would be the best place to start with progression from there more likely.

Equipment can vary but clips and scotches for points, flags, dets, bars for baring over points, de icer in winter, snow shovels, autumn sandite applicators, first aid kits, defibs, RIO vests, small tools, cable ties and fence repair equipment, spare Samaritan signs. List is endless really and will vary from location to location.

Hope this helps

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Cheers

 

[BrummieBobby]

In many areas, MOMS are also required to sign all signal boxes on their patch, meaning that if a box can't be covered due to last minute sickness or a signaller being stood down due to an incident, the MOM may be called for to keep the box open.

This happened a few months ago in an area near me, where the dayshift signaller had a road accident on his way to work and was unable to relieve the night shift signaller.

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Okay, thanks

 

[axl88]

You could also be called out to the most simplest thing, like a broken padlock on a access gate.

 

[Straus]

You could also be called out to the most simplest thing, like a broken padlock on a access gate.

There seem to be a lot of "retrieving earpods" duties around London stations

 

[Scotrail344Lad]

Really? Never would of thought that

 

[Straus]

Really? Never would of thought that

Yeah, I guess the logic is that people are likely risk retrieving a high value item, so using the MOM reduces the risk of MoP on the track which is especially hazardous in 3rd rail areas.