Railtour Driver Traction & Route Knowledge

[Whistler40145]

As a non-railway worker, I have always wondered when a Railtour visits an area with unusual traction, how hard is it to source the traincrew that know the traction and route?

I have travelled on a few ground breaking tours for some traction whereby the Drivers weren't from the area the Railtour was travelling to.

A few examples that I know of:-

A1A Charters "Whisky Galore" with 31201/31275 had Stratford Drivers from Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley, obviously they were route conducted.

Hertfordshire Railtours Skirl of the Bagpipes with 33109/33116 had Hither Green and other Drivers including lodging at Perth. I bet this was a logistical nightmare in providing Traincrew.

A1A Charters "Road to the Isles" with 31146/31166 were taken light engine to Motherwell by a Bescot Crew who then took the tour up to Fort William, obviously route conducted by I presume a Motherwell man?

I expect it was harder in pre privatisation days versus the current day privatised railway with most freight operators now having a far superior traction and route knowledge?

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[scotsman]

Well, there's a number of possible scenarios...

1. Driver signs route and traction - no problem.
2. Driver signs route, but not traction - find a driver who does. The driver with route knowledge will conduct, and vice versa.
3. Driver signs route/traction, but no suitable driver to conduct - see point 5.
4. Driver doesn't sign either - find one who does! If possible both, if not - refer to point 2.
5. No available driver - consider re-routing, change of traction, or cancellation.

There ya go!

 

[Mr Sam]

last one i went on i remember the guard saying 'weve got a DBS driver back in the cab now we will soon make up the lost time'