Great Cockcrow Railway (G.C.R.) -
Motive Power Department

 

 

Motive Power Standard No 1 - GCR DEFINITIONS

 

 

SHUNT DRIVER: (Must be over 12 years of age)

 

Only after a period of time gaining practical static experience and knowledge will a trainee be considered eligible to take the ‘Shunt Driver Examination Paper’.

Only having passed the written ‘Shunt Driver Examination Paper’ is a qualified SHUNT DRIVER permitted to prepare and dispose a locomotive and move a locomotive within station limits under the strict supervision of a designated TUTOR DRIVER.

Before the railway is opened and after it is closed to the public, a SHUNT DRIVER may drive on the main line only when the TUTOR DRIVER considers the SHUNT DRIVER can adequately handle a train under running conditions. The TUTOR DRIVER must act as PILOT DRIVER in these circumstances.

 

 

TUTOR DRIVER:

 

Fully qualified GCR DRIVER giving practical training to a SHUNT DRIVER or TRAINEE DRIVER. All actions and locomotive movement undertaken by the SHUNT DRIVER or TRAINEE DRIVER shall be the total responsibility of the designated TUTOR DRIVER

         

 

TRAINEE DRIVER: (Must be over 16 years of age to become a qualified DRIVER)

         

Following specified training a qualified SHUNT DRIVER, can progress to become a TRAINEE DRIVER, only when the TUTOR DRIVER and LOCOMOTIVE SUPERINTENDENT are satisfied with the enginemanship of the SHUNT DRIVER.

A TRAINEE DRIVER is permitted to drive on the main line in service with a PILOT DRIVER. When deemed competent the TRAINEE DRIVER may undertake an agreed examination to become a qualified DRIVER. Following a successful examination the TRAINEE DRIVER will become a registered qualified G.C.R. driver and entered on the accredited competency list.

 

 

PILOT DRIVER:

 

Fully qualified GCR DRIVER accompanying, supervising and piloting a TRAINEE DRIVER on the main line. The PILOT DRIVER must ride in the vehicle immediately behind the locomotive on which the TRAINEE DRIVER is working. In the event that double heading takes place the TRAINEE DRIVER must work the second locomotive with the PILOT DRIVER either on the leading locomotive or in the vehicle immediately behind the second locomotive. A clear understanding on the method of working must be determined prior to departure and the locomotive formation must be maintained at all times when operating. (Returning from Cockcrow Hill, Locomotive failure, Assistance etc.

 

 


  

Motive Power Standard No 2  - GCR  DRIVER TRAINING COURSE

 

 

In accordance with the document Motive Power Standard No 3 - GCR LOCOMOTIVE TRAINING ELEMENTS - all GCR members entering the locomotive department must, after suitable training, be fully conversant with parts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Until such training is completed satisfactorily the movement of any locomotive on the 'railway' is forbidden during the periods that the railway is open to the public.

 

An assessment of their knowledge will be determined by examination and, providing the required standard is attained, the pupil will progress to a SHUNT DRIVER and practically apply their skills, under the strict supervision of a TUTOR DRIVER.

 

After a period of time, and within the guidelines of the GCR's terms of insurance and locomotive training procedures, a SHUNT DRIVER will progress to become a TRAINEE DRIVER who will be permitted to drive on the main line under the strict supervision of a PILOT DRIVER.

 

In addition, the Signal & Telegraph department will provide a separate training course dealing with Rules, Regulations and Signalling principles.

 


  

Motive Power Standard No 3 – GCR LOCOMOTIVE TRAINING ELEMENTS

 

 

PART 1 - BOILER:

 

 

1.1 Design and construction (Copper or Steel)

·         Belpaire, Wooton, Parallel, Tapered etc....

 

 

1.2 Firebox

·         Foundation ring.

·         Stays, Tubes, Flanges, Riveting (where used)

·         Fusible plug(s) (where fitted).

·         Washout plugs.

·         Principles of washouts and reasons.

 

 

1.3 Fittings

·         Manifold and associated cocks.

·         Dome and regulator.

·         Gauges (Pressure).

·         Gauges (Water), Test cocks, Shut-off cocks.

·         Clacks.

·         Safety valves.

                  

 

1.4 Smoke-box

·         Blast-pipe.

·         Blowering.

·         Petticoat pipe.

·         Front tube-plate.

·         Internal steam pipes.

·         Super-heater header.

 

 

1.5 Injectors

·         Cones, principle of operation, connections and fittings.

 

 

1.6 Pump

·         Principle of operation, connections and fittings.

 

PART 2 - FRAMES / RUNNING EQUIPMENT:

      

 

2.1     Cylinders

·         Drain-cocks.

·         Slidebars.

·         Piston rod.

·         Glands.

            

     

2.2     Valve-gear

·         Stephenson.

·         Walchaerts.

·         Baker.

 

 

2.3     Valves

·         Slide valve.

·         Piston valves.

·         Poppet.

 

 

2.4     Brake systems

·         Steam operation.

·         Vacuum operation.

·         Hand operation.

·         Linkage.

·         Compensators.

·         Blocks.

·         Adjustment.

      

 

PART 3 - PREPARATION :

      

 

3.1 Check list :

·         Handbrake ‘ON’.

·         Regulator shut.

·         Reverser/Lever in mid-gear.

·         Drain-cocks open.

·         Ensure water level in boiler is correct.

·         Condition of fire-box.

·         Tube plate.

·         Fire-bars.

·         Ash-pan.

·        Smokebox.

 

 

 3.2 Lubrication :

 

·         Valve gear.

·         Axle-boxes.

·         Steam-brakes.

·         Buffers.

·         Mechanical lubricators.

·         Hydrostatic lubricators.

 

 

3.3 Lighting-up :

                     

·         Application of Fire lighters, Wood, Charcoal, Coal.

·         Use of air-lines and chimney.

 

 

 

 

3.4 In steam : (as soon as practicable test the following)

                     

·         Injectors.

·         Whistle.

·         Steam/Vacuum brake equipment. (where fitted)

·         Pressure gauge.

·         Safety valves.

·         Blower.

·         Gauge glass.

·         Steam operated cylinder drain cocks.

 

                  

 

3.5 Moving the locomotive :

                     

·         Obtain permission.

·         Apply rules and regulations associated with locomotive movement.

·         Clear water from cylinders.

·         Use of regulator, lever/reverser and brakes.

 

PART 4  - DISPOSAL :

 

4.1 Examination and Cleaning :

 

·         Examine smoke-box interior including the superheater (where fitted).

·         Smoke-box cleaning.

·         Tube cleaning.

·         Examination firebox interior.

·         Fire dropping.

·         Ash-pan cleaning.

·         Examine underside of locomotive.

·         Clean down locomotive and valve gear, including

frames and wheels.

 

 

4.2 Reporting process :

 

·         Report all defects.

·         Request workshop mechanical examination. (where appropriate)

 

 

4.3 Engine availability list :

 

·         Leave locomotive ready for next turn of duty.

·         Enter your details on the availability list.