Route learning.....

[KingboyD]

How many trips up/down a route does a driver have to take to learn a route, say a large route such as the WCML or the ECML??

 

[TDK]

How many trips up/down a route does a driver have to take to learn a route, say a large route such as the WCML or the ECML??

There isn't really a time it is all based on the complexity and the risks associated to the routes. If the driver is found not competent on assessment they will be given more time, the whole of the route learning period is mainly based on risk with many features that need to be memorised. The WCML or ECML would be done in sections and not all at once. Trainee drivers when in their practical handling will pick up the majority of the route knowledge for the core routes during their hours with an instructor.

 

[O L Leigh]

Each route or route section is normally allocated a certain number of days or hours depending on the mileage, complexity and route risks. A long section of multi-track route with lots of junctions, bi-directional working, multi-SPAD signals and suchlike will be allocated more time for route-learning than, say, a short branch with just the one shunt move at the terminus. The route exam will also be much longer with many more questions in addition to the practical handling.

O L Leigh

 

[The_Stig]

With reference to the thread's opening post:

Does a driver on the WCML or ECML have to be knowledgeable on the entire route or do they have a section in which they only operate?

 

[Donny Dave]

I don't know about the WCML, but for the ECML, it does vary depending on where the drivers are based.

Bounds Green - London to Leeds, and Edinburgh. A lot of the turns schedule a crew change at York or Newcastle for journeys to Scotland, but on the longer distance trips (Aberdeen and Inverness), it's usually Edinburgh where the crews swap over

Neville Hill - Leeds to Hull (for ECS moves), London, with a few crews passed for Doncaster/Leeds - Edinburgh

Edinburgh - All Scottish routes, and ECML to London, with a few crews passed for York -Leeds.