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| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 18:14 #35081 | |
Peter Bennet
5402 posts 
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Is it a rule that a driver can't leave a station that is (supposed to be) manned with platform dispatchers on his own initiative if one has gone AWOL? I ask because at Stevenage this evening a train stood for 5 or 6 minutes in the platform while a member of the train staff went in search of the dispatcher. I did hear the member of staff say to the summoned dispatcher that he was the driver-manager so maybe that influenced the situation from the driver's perspective! Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 18:48 #35085 | |
Sacro
1171 posts |
Depends on if the stock can be driver operated only (DOO) That and whether the driver's Union would get upset! Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 20:51 #35091 | |
ajax103
1120 posts |
As someone who works in the area, I can confirm that at Stevenage for example that trains are supposed to be dispatched by the dispatcher but sometimes this isn't possible hence the driver must carry out the dispatch duties themselves. I've worked at Stevenage where I've been on my own on Platforms 1 and 2, had a FCC on Platform 1 and a East Coast HST with a wheelchair assistance on Platform 2 - to reduce any delay to the FCC, the driver kindly carried out the dispatch duties and left on time. So to answer your question, no I don't think there is any rule which states that. Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 21:46 #35092 | |
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benstafford
88 posts |
Surely the driver can only despatch if the necessary mirrors/screens are provided. At Purley there are none of the above but RA signs on the signals, these must require a member of station staff. The trains with guards can self despatch as the guard can complete despatching duties (the only, very weak, argument I can see for keeping guards on SWT).
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| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 22:01 #35095 | |
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Stephen Fulcher
2078 posts |
In my opinion, EVERY train should have a Guard.
Log in to reply The following users said thank you: jc92, Lagertoe, 58050, UKTrainMan |
| Platform dispatchers 21/08/2012 at 23:05 #35096 | |
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Lagertoe
61 posts |
It is not unusual for drivers of Southern trains services from Beckenham Jn to dispatch themselves when no station staff are there. There are no DOO monitors or mirrors on the Up Bay platform there but it is a straight platform. (the station is operated by Southeastern). They inform the signaller there is no dispatch staff and are advised to by the signaller to carry out company self dispatch instructions. The same happens on occasionally at Wimbledon on platform 9 and has also been known at London Victoria platform 8
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| Platform dispatchers 22/08/2012 at 00:18 #35097 | |
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virgin390053
19 posts |
Here is a Training video On dispatching [video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o0WT-_7e0A[/video] Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 22/08/2012 at 01:05 #35099 | |
GeoffM
6376 posts |
" said:Here is a Training video On dispatchingIs checking for adequate haulage and driver part of the dispatch duties? :silly: (5:07) SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 23/08/2012 at 18:36 #35149 | |
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delticfan
476 posts |
I did despatch at BHM New Street for 12 years upto 2001. The video is very detailed and there are some differences, but the procedure is much the same. We certainly checked the driver and conductor were aboard and did all the door drills and checked signal aspects constantly. The TRTS at New Street was a two-button system placed at each end of each platform (all platforms being bi-directional). For unit departures one or two members of staff were used. For loco and stock a minimum of three were spaced along the train length to relay the 'tip'.
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| Platform dispatchers 24/08/2012 at 10:20 #35158 | |
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ajax103
1120 posts |
" said:" said:Oh it is, at my station I'm moving too as part of the duties I have to...Here is a Training video On dispatchingIs checking for adequate haulage and driver part of the dispatch duties? :silly: (5:07) 1. Make sure the driver is in the cab. 2. Make sure the correct destination blind is used. 3. Check the train is displaying white lights on the front. 4. Check the train is displaying red lights on the rear. Never mind the fact that 3 of these actions are done by the driver themselves!! Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 24/08/2012 at 18:19 #35167 | |
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TimB2010
77 posts |
" said:I did despatch at BHM New Street for 12 years upto 2001. The video is very detailed and there are some differences, but the procedure is much the same. We certainly checked the driver and conductor were aboard and did all the door drills and checked signal aspects constantly. The TRTS at New Street was a two-button system placed at each end of each platform (all platforms being bi-directional). For unit departures one or two members of staff were used. For loco and stock a minimum of three were spaced along the train length to relay the 'tip'.This was certainly all still the same during my time at BHM between 2003 and 2007, although the major change was that platform 4c was built, which is a bay platform, so it only had one button and (unlike the other platforms) you couldn't operate the TRTS from another location on the same island. I believe that there is no rule in the rule book specifying dispatch procedures, but that any differences are specified in the appropriate local instructions within the sectional appendix covering a particular area. Delticfan, did you ever see an Up London depart from P12 in your time at BHM, just as a matter of interest? Log in to reply The following user said thank you: delticfan |
| Platform dispatchers 24/08/2012 at 23:52 #35173 | |
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Copping
95 posts |
I've noticed Scotrail drivers self dispatch on electic suburban services based at Glasgow Central. Didn't notice any platform mirrors or monitors.
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| Platform dispatchers 25/08/2012 at 00:18 #35174 | |
postal
5264 posts |
Mount Florida in March 2011. Mind you, I've got a few others from the same day at Newton and Cathcart with not a mirror or CCTV in evidence! Post has attachments. Log in to view them. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 25/08/2012 at 05:54 #35175 | |
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delticfan
476 posts |
This was certainly all still the same during my time at BHM between 2003 and 2007, although the major change was that platform 4c was built, which is a bay platform, so it only had one button and (unlike the other platforms) you couldn't operate the TRTS from another location on the same island. I believe that there is no rule in the rule book specifying dispatch procedures, but that any differences are specified in the appropriate local instructions within the sectional appendix covering a particular area. Delticfan, did you ever see an Up London depart from P12 in your time at BHM, just as a matter of interest? Hi TimB2010, I was aware of the new P4c. I presume it's set into the Wolves end of P4/5. Even though New Street was prone to platform alterations, I can't honestly remember a London departure from P12, though of course it may have happened when I wasn't on shift. Mal. Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 25/08/2012 at 06:00 #35176 | |
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delticfan
476 posts |
Hi TimB2010, New Street was certainly plagued by platform alterations, but I can't readily recall a London departure from P12, although it may have happened when I wasn't on shift. I was aware of the new P4c, I believe it is built into P4/5 facing the North Stour direction? Mal. Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 19:21 #40675 | |
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TimB2010
77 posts |
Hi Mal During my first and second winters working at the station, existing track was lifted (plats 1 - 5 inclusive 1 year, and 6 - 12 inclusive the next year) which meant a large number of service alterations over the Christmas periods. I remember on one occasion dispatching a full length Pendolino (which is almost exactly the length of P12) into the South Stour tunnel as one of the alterations which was necessary. We had to get extra staff over from P10/11 because the two members of staff on P12 couldn't see the whole train and each other due to the curve of the platform. Platform 4c was extended from the old engine siding number 1 and built into what was Platform 5B, so you ended up with the curious situation of having Platforms 4a, b and c and Platforms 5B and 5. Very odd, although it seems to have turned out well enough eventually. As a dispatcher, you can't actually see the signal from where the TRTS is lcoated, so they had to build a repeater into the TRTS panel. Tim Log in to reply The following user said thank you: delticfan |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 19:48 #40678 | |
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dwelham313
139 posts |
I think its largely down to individual TOCs local working instructions and driver discretion - a train left Cambridge 7 late the other day because the staff gave 'CD' but not the 'RA'. Whereas at other locations on that route drivers may wait 60 seconds or so before carrying out self-dispatch. However, unless otherwise informed a driver is well within his or her rights not to move the train until dispatched correctly. Some stations on the GE have signs on the platform that read 'staff are not avaialble to dipatch trains' so that drivers are aware they will need to see themselves away. Welwyn Garden City has similar signs. At all FCC driver signing on points an information screen is provided for known route issues. Regarding this issue a message would read "due to staff shortages at location X would all drivers please self-dispatch from this location until 1530" Hope that helps! Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 21:22 #40680 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts
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The new lengthened platform 4 at Biggleswade is interesting. The platform was lengthened a bit towards Peterborough as well as back towards London. However, the TV monitors have never been moved from the old stop point, so the standard stopping place is short of the full length. Since December we have had 12 carriage trains stopping there. I decided to catch one home in the first week of operation and they have to stop at full length, to my surprise two dispatchers appeared, one half way down and one by the cab. After a bit of whistle blowing and waving of arms off the train went leaving the dispatchers on the platform awaiting the following train (30 mins behind) which presumably needs the same treatment as its a 12 too. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 22:24 #40681 | |
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pbinnersley
431 posts |
" said:I remember watching a loco change on a late running Manchester-Bournemouth at Birmingham New Street several years ago. The electric had been un-coupled and when it got a green aspect to move off onto the up Stour the platform staff did a full train dispatch and looked very embarrised when just the engine moved! Peter. Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 22:47 #40682 | |
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delticfan
476 posts |
" said:" said:I remember watching a loco change on a late running Manchester-Bournemouth at Birmingham New Street several years ago. The electric had been un-coupled and when it got a green aspect to move off onto the up Stour the platform staff did a full train dispatch and looked very embarrised when just the engine moved! I'd love to have seen the looks on their faces. Log in to reply |
| Platform dispatchers 18/01/2013 at 23:11 #40683 | |
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UKTrainMan
1803 posts |
On the flipside of this, I'd be surprised if there was no rule about platform dispatchers checking the train had a driver. I was hoping to catch FCC's 19:40 EWD off Cross once and was on-board waiting to depart; eventually the dispatcher walked up the platform and found we had no driver. Train was cancelled. 
Any views and / or opinions expressed by myself are from me personally and do not represent those of any company I either work for or am a consultant for. Log in to reply |