Quote:
Originally Posted by 48111
"Oh" yes, unfitted train working, I have spent more shifts working that type of train over the years, you could keep your class 1 workings dashing about all over the system, I was quite happy "trudging" along with a class 9 train AND that is where the driver and Guard worked together, he was in his van at the back and you were on the engine and he should know the road as well as you, because if he made a mistake or you made a mistake you could split the train, if you had a good guard who knew his job and knew the road the journey could be done as smooth as a fitted train.
Working together was all that it took.
Even before the end of brakevans, look after the guard, have him up on the engine,have a smoke and a brew, give him a smooth ride, you were all part of that train crew, you were both there to do a job and it was better to have a happy shift than a miserable one.It was not below me to give the guard a hand whilst he was checking the train, I would go and light his fire for him, or if it was a warm day go and make the tea, we were all workmates.
48111
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I totally agree with you, although some drivers were drivers and would not help you at all.
Take Grimethorpe Pit, 40 trucks to prepare, all to couple up and every hanbrake to lift, in filthy conditions under foot, with a driver and second man purging to get going but not offering to help.
If it was like this all week you had problems.
If the diver/asst. mucked in we could half the train preperation time, and work as a team.
When going round a tarin, I would never rush, cos if you rushed you could miss a coupling or a hand brake pinned down hard. My moto is NUR.
Which is No use rushing.
Now we have to do roll bys with a train to ensure there are no brakes pinned down,
The more anyone rushes me the slower I go, and my mobile phone is switched off at all times when shunting/driving the van.
I have to sign the tops sheet/drivers slip, and stamp it with my name. If owt goes wrong it all yours
We are talking of days gone by when we had engines and coaches not plastic Hornby Doublo trains with 4 coaches on an express from Penzance to Manchester Picadilly, which is full and standing at St Erth.