What is it like??

[5872]

The people on the forum that are train drivers can you tell me what its like e.g Skilled , Difficult , Easy , Enjoyable and the age you have to be to drive 1 ?


cratch: :cya: Thanks

 

[nath9425]

21 to be one I think, and you play simulations so its just a bit harder than that, you need a big concentration though!

 

[Darandio]

I always remember asking my dad what I needed to do and he said that first you need to try and get a job with a toc at a station doing the lowest job and work your way up. I couldn't even get a job sweeping the platform.

 

[5872]

I always remember asking my dad what I needed to do and he said that first you need to try and get a job with a toc at a station doing the lowest job and work your way up. I couldn't even get a job sweeping the platform.

lol! I have to wait another 5 or 6 years to enter service with a TOC preferbly SWT on 450s , 444s , 455s prob cleaning then guard then driver!!:coffee2:

 

[Muppet]

Speaking to a mate of mine who works on the common, he said its best to try and get on the handles than work you way up, but if its a job on the TOC then go for it

 

[Coxster]

As for enjoyment - depends if you like shift work or not I guess. If you have a busy social life which involves the pub then it probably isn't the ideal job for you.

 

[thefab444]

I wouldn't mind the shifts, I'd actually love to be a driver. Trouble is though, I'd also love to be involved in animation/graphics.

I think I might try and do Work Exp with SWT so when I'm 21 I can try and get a job with them or another TOC.


Can you become a 'walk in off the street' driver if your skills are good enough?

 

[westcoaster]

I wouldn't mind the shifts, I'd actually love to be a driver. Trouble is though, I'd also love to be involved in animation/graphics.

I think I might try and do Work Exp with SWT so when I'm 21 I can try and get a job with them or another TOC.


Can you become a 'walk in off the street' driver if your skills are good enough?

silverlink did this with there latest group of drivers at county, it's more a waiting game then jumping straight in at the deep end, try starting as a rpi/guard/conductor and working your way up

 

[kettlefan]

although not full size, and not a paid job, driving steam locos at the GCR does your head in a bit, especially if its a hot day. Loads of water needed! On a spring day thats dry though its fine. The only un-enjoyable bit is when the exhaust gets in your eyes. 960012 can bear witness to that

 

[Turbostar]

Try this, found it last week, makes interesting reading:

http://www.railwayregister.care4free.net/becoming_a_train_driver.htm

Mart