Stafford SPAD report

[TDK]

Okay.... am I the only one reading this wondering just what the minimum standard is to drive under these conditions?

I've driven locos on preserved railways, and would love to have a go on the main line too. I have no wish to become a 'career' driver with a TOC.

So how do I do it? What is the minimum requirement?

The same as any other fully qualified driver including, training on rules to mainline standard, traction training, route knowledge and a valid C of C to carry out such duties so I think you will have to stick with your heritage unless you take it up as a career. As far as I am aware all out of course mainline driving is done by either drivers who work for a TOC/FOC such as DBS, DRS or others who sign the routes and traction. For this manager who was involved in the incident to be able to drive that train over that route he should have had the qualifications above and evidence to prove it.

The other way is to be instructed by a competent instructor/assessor and then you can drive a train without hardly any qualifications but the instructor is in charge of the train and must have the above qualifications and an instructors green card.

 

[notadriver]

Very interesting TDK. So what are the minimum requirements for someone to drive on the main line under instruction ?

 

[TDK]

Very interesting TDK. So what are the minimum requirements for someone to drive on the main line under instruction ?

Nothing, they have to be able to egress the cab with ease, have a cab discipline brief and a reason and that is about it as long as they are accompanied by an instructor/assessor with a green card.

 

[34D]

interesting. I haven't had my EE fix for a long time

 

[notadriver]

Nothing, they have to be able to egress the cab with ease, have a cab discipline brief and a reason and that is about it as long as they are accompanied by an instructor/assessor with a green card.

With that in mind, it's difficult to enough to get a cab ride, never mind being allowed to take to the controls of a train empty or not. If it were that easy they would be offering outsiders the chance to drive on the main line (for a considerable fee) ?

 

[TDK]

With that in mind, it's difficult to enough to get a cab ride, never mind being allowed to take to the controls of a train empty or not. If it were that easy they would be offering outsiders the chance to drive on the main line (for a considerable fee) ?

There would be no reason for TOC's to invite outsiders to drive trains on the main line. People like Richard Branson etc. are the types I am referring to. I have taken new trainees with only PTS and they have driven a train be it ECS on the main line before. It is a difficult job for an instructor but if you know your stuff then it isn't a problem. I have even had trainees who have said " I think you are instructing me to brake too early" Oh the days. You always get one in a group of 10 that think they know it all sigh. The risk to offer an outsider the chance to drive a train in service is too high to ascertain the cost that the said person would have to pay. If anyone who is not qualified is in a cab that includes film crew, cab rides, etc. The driver driving the train has to be accompanied by a green cab pass holder if they do not hold one themselves.

 

[E&W Lucas]

Nothing, they have to be able to egress the cab with ease, have a cab discipline brief and a reason and that is about it as long as they are accompanied by an instructor/assessor with a green card.

When Heritage outfits run driver experience days, they have to be on empty trains (or light locos), and the line is supposed to be closed to other traffic, or an isolated section.

I thought the requirement for driving under instruction on the Network was to have passed Rules and traction?

Certainly has been the case with the TOC's I've worked for.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Okay.... am I the only one reading this wondering just what the minimum standard is to drive under these conditions?

I've driven locos on preserved railways, and would love to have a go on the main line too. I have no wish to become a 'career' driver with a TOC.

So how do I do it? What is the minimum requirement?

Plenty of people have gone from Heritage to mainline (including yours truly).

You do it as an "off the street" trainee; your "experience" counts for nothing, and you can be certain that they will be looking for a recognition of that during the recruitment process.

There is one other way. A small number have been trained as firemen by WCR, have worked in that role for a number of years, then have (last year) been passed as drivers. Again, PT, zero hours. However, AFAIK, confined to certain minor routes. The old fashioned way of training drivers.

 

[BestWestern]

The story has made it into today's Sun, which slightly bizarrely refers to the staff involved as 'joyriders' :-/

 

[theblackwatch]

The story has made it into today's Sun, which slightly bizarrely refers to the staff involved as 'joyriders' :-/

And reckons they have an 'exclusive' accrding to the article on their website.

 

[David Barrett]

The story has made it into today's Sun, which slightly bizarrely refers to the staff involved as 'joyriders' :-/

More or less ensures a well informed proletariat then.

 

[Lockwood]

The story has made it into today's Sun, which slightly bizarrely refers to the staff involved as 'joyriders' :-/

It does sound like the guy was taking it out for a joyride on the mainline, rather than driving it properly...

 

[RuralRides]

Surely the HSE would prosecute in these sort of situations? They've just prosecuted FCC for their failings with the incident at Kentish Town?

No - ORR prosecuted FCC over Kentish Town, they have the powers in rail, not HSE. If there's good grounds (including robust criminal evidence) to prosecute, and it's in the public interest, they have to - whatever their prior role.