"Side Lights" on trains

[Dreadnought]

Was at Rugby tonight and 350263 was working the 22:16 to Birmingham New Street. The guard was in the rear coach as indicated by the flashing orange light on this vehicle. After the whistle was blown and the doors were shutting on all the side lights on the front 3 coaches flashed 3 times, as well as those on the rear coach, before the train departed on its way.

Whether it is linked to when the doors are actually open and is another visual indicator that they are shutting or not I don't know. Checked a couple of 350/1s as well and there was no additional flashing side lights on these.

 

[455driver]

The training that guards have to go through on train dispatch is horrendous.

Not compared to the rules etc!

The usual procedure for this is:
(example on Cl170)

• Open Flap covering Door Controls
• Activate Door Controls
• Open Local Door
• Open Pax Doors
• ///\\\
• Close Pax Doors
• Check Pax Doors Secure etc...
• Close Local Door.
• Give the Two 'Buzz' internal Signal
• Wait for Reply
• De-Activate Door Controls
• Close Flap.

Glad we dont have to look at the silly light at the end of the platform any more!

 

[HSTfan!!!]

The training that guards have to go through on train dispatch is horrendous.


The usual procedure for this is:
(example on Cl170)

• Open Flap covering Door Controls
• Activate Door Controls
• Open Local Door
• Open Pax Doors
• ///\\\
• Close Pax Doors
• Check Pax Doors Secure etc...
• Close Local Door.
• Give the Two 'Buzz' internal Signal
• Wait for Reply
• De-Activate Door Controls
• Close Flap.

I am not a rail Employee but travel alot and you soon pick it up!

Think when you've opened local door you have to look back, check you're on the platform before opening pax doors.

 

[Desiro Fixer]

Was at Rugby tonight and 350263 was working the 22:16 to Birmingham New Street. The guard was in the rear coach as indicated by the flashing orange light on this vehicle. After the whistle was blown and the doors were shutting on all the side lights on the front 3 coaches flashed 3 times, as well as those on the rear coach, before the train departed on its way.

Whether it is linked to when the doors are actually open and is another visual indicator that they are shutting or not I don't know. Checked a couple of 350/1s as well and there was no additional flashing side lights on these.

350/2 BIL lights will flash when the door close signal is sent by the guard. The BIL light will flash when a DKS is active, a cab door is open ( 350/2 only. 350/1 stays solid). The BIL light will illuminate when the door loop is broken and will only light on the affected vehicle. If the door loop is broken, the door foot well light is generallly illuminated giving a visual indication to the train crew on the insdie of the vehicle.