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Train drivers

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daveb0789

Posts: 20
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Train drivers - Posted: January 13, 2012 - 10:15 AM Quote and reply
Hello all
I'm just curious how many members on this forum are or want to be train drivers ? Is the job a well respected by members here?

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Griffin

Posts: 16
Location:
Re: Train drivers - Posted: February 17, 2012 - 11:13 PM Quote and reply
From Virgin Driver
Hi Dave,
As far as I am aware I am the only full time driver on Network Rail systems amongst the membership.
I wanted to be a driver from a young age and never really felt otherwise. However, I expect that most members probably realise that on the current railway that skill and judgement is no longer a necessity as data recorder analysis by driver managers matches a driver's competence against a number of targets. This is the equivalent of a artist painting by numbers. They do not reward skilfull, accurate and well timed braking and acceleration, paticularly with speed supervised systems like the type I work under with class 221s or 390s.
Not really worth bothering then if you unless you can disconnect your desire to do something to the best of your ability. Better sticking to simulators, paticularly if you want to work to the limits of your machinery's capabilities.
Oh! Quite well paid at the moment!! That is rather an important factor when it comes to earning a living!

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daveb0789

Posts: 20
Location:
Re: Train drivers - Posted: February 18, 2012 - 1:57 AM Quote and reply
Griffin said:
From Virgin Driver
Hi Dave,
As far as I am aware I am the only full time driver on Network Rail systems amongst the membership.
I wanted to be a driver from a young age and never really felt otherwise. However, I expect that most members probably realise that on the current railway that skill and judgement is no longer a necessity as data recorder analysis by driver managers matches a driver's competence against a number of targets. This is the equivalent of a artist painting by numbers. They do not reward skilfull, accurate and well timed braking and acceleration, paticularly with speed supervised systems like the type I work under with class 221s or 390s.
Not really worth bothering then if you unless you can disconnect your desire to do something to the best of your ability. Better sticking to simulators, paticularly if you want to work to the limits of your machinery's capabilities.
Oh! Quite well paid at the moment!! That is rather an important factor when it comes to earning a living!


Hi Griffin
Thanks for your reply. Since i updated my profile I've also started driving trains. Would be great if I could contact you via email. Would like to ask you a few questions. My email is daveb0789@yahoo.com

Cheers

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