Guidance for Drivers
 
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR  DRIVERS

  Children on the Site
   Track Marshal

  Prior Operations

     Driver’s Responsibilities

  Young & Learner Drivers

     Society Equipment
These notes are based upon the Society’s Code of Practice, which is an appendix to the Society's bye-laws.  Copies of the Code and bye-laws are displayed in the clubhouse

  On Arrival

  • All members and visitors need to sign the running book on arrival
  • All members and visitors should make themselves awareof the Society’s Code of Practice and agree to abide by it.
  • A register of locomotives is kept in the club-house. Locomotive owners/drivers must enter the particulars required on each occasion.
  • All locomotives must be prepared, disposed and maintained on the steaming bay or ground level loading bay area.
  • The Society's Boiler  Inspectors,  Safety Officers,  or  Committee members, shall have the right to determine the safety and trackworthiness of  all types of locomotives, particularly at the first  time of operation on  the Society's property,  or Society events, and
  • They may at any time request and make further inspections and have the power to remove offending locomotives and/or riding trucks and passenger carriages.
  • All carriages/riding trucks should be gauge tested around the full track,  including station area, before being attached to any locomotive.

  Children on Site

  • Members or visitors shall be deemed to be responsible for any children in  their company whilst on Society premises and grounds.

   Operations Prior to Using the Track

  • At the start of a running session and before operating any  locomotive on either track the driver will thoroughly inspect the traverser and railway  track for obstructions or damage likely to create a hazard to safe running.
  • The traverser will be secured when loading or unloading locomotives.
  • Before a locomotive can be placed on the  track with or without  the traverser, the station master must be informed and the signal adjacent to the traverser put to red.

  Inexperienced and Younger Drivers

  • Inexperienced drivers must be accompanied by a competent driver. Recognition of competence is to be given by the Committee.
  • Children under 10 years will not be allowed to drive under any circumstances and those 10 years and over and under 16 years of age will only be allowed to drive under the direct supervision of a competent, insured driver.

  Track Marshal

  • The Track Marshal has authority over all track operations.
  • The Track Marshal will ensure that proper operating practices are carried out.
  • The Track Marshal can order locomotive/drivers/passengers off the track in the interests of and for the safety of other drivers and passengers.
  • The maximum number of engines allowed on the track  at any one time shall normally be no more than three, unless a decision to increase the number is made by the Track Marshal

  Drivers’ Responsibilities

  • The safe state of the track,  train and its passengers.  Faults must be rectified if possible, or otherwise reported to the Committee.
  • Each train must have an efficient brake.
  • Operations such as using a blower to raise steam, dropping the fire and blowing down boilers should be carried out carefully. Care must he taken to avoid risk of injury to other members, guests or public.
  • Locomotives in steam must not he left unattended.
  • Drivers must ensure that locomotives do not deposit oil and water on the rails.
  • All locomotives must have a working audible warning device.
  • Locomotives operating at night or in restricted visibility should display a white front light and a red rear light.
  • Signals must be observed and adhered to when operational.
  • Excessive speed is forbidden at all times, and drivers shall carry out speed reductions if so instructed.
  • Passengers will only be permitted to board or alight in the station.
  • It is recommended that small children must be accompanied on the track but this is at the driver's discretion.
  • Safety chains or links should he used to prevent locomotives and their tender or driving trolley dividing,

  Society Equipment

  • All tools and equipment must be used and stored in a correct manner. Any defects re equipment must be brought to the Committee's notice and identified to prevent inadvertent use.
  • All trucks when not in use must be returned to the storage hut.  Any other truck must comply with the Society's standards.

 Any driver using the Society’s tracks will be regarded as accepting the  bye-laws and code of practice. Ignorance of these will not be a defence  in the event of malpractice or an accident.