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A diesel driver carries a spanner with him in case something on the engine needs fixing!

Diesel locomotive crew

The Severn Valley Railway is fortunate in that it is not only able to operate steam locomotives but also has a large selection of heritage diesel locomotives to choose from. Groups of enthusiasts regularly travel to the SVR to ride behind their favourite class of diesel and, if they would like to, are made welcome in the cab during station dwell times. This can often sow a seed and some wish to get involved.

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To sit in the Driver’s seat and to be in control of one of these machines is a privilege and also a great responsibility that is open to all that have the aptitude and commitment that is required. But, of course, there is a starting point and a promotional ladder to climb. Not everyone wishes to take on the responsibilities of being a Driver and are content in being a Secondman (Driver’s Assistant) This too carries great responsibility as will be explained later.

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So, where to start? The diesels on the SVR are all owned by different groups and individuals tend to opt for the group that operates their favourite locomotive. Those that do not have a preference can join the Traction Maintenance (TMD) Group. This group carries out an abundance of essential tasks around the TMD and individuals can remain in this group or transfer to a diesel group as their experience and knowledge grows. 

Skills/attributes required

  • Be reasonably fit and healthy, both physically and mentally

  • Able to work in a team

  • Able to listen and follow instructions completely

  • Confident to ask if you do not understand anything

  • Act responsibly by owning up if you have done something incorrectly​

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We take volunteers at 16 years old (14 if via the Junior Club) and have a maximum age of 75 for safety critical duties. We don't allow people under 18 to undertake any safety critical work, and the minimum age for shunting and secondmanning is 18 years and for driving is 21 years.

Level of commitment

  • To learn and progress, you will need to carry out tasks on the Railway on a regular basis. Most groups have regular Working Party days where you will be expected to attend as often as you can.

  • You are responsible for providing your own safety shoes/boots and overalls

  • You will need to study in your own time on subjects relating to your chosen locomotive or for upcoming promotion​

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Training

It takes some time to work up to becoming a Driver, and you will progress through a number of roles on the way: 

Maintenance - age 16+

Everybody starts here irrespective of past or current experience and qualifications. Essentially, if you don’t work on the locomotives then you can’t ride on them. The maintenance on these heritage machines is constant and any skills that anyone can bring will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. These skills are not essential although a commitment to hard work is. There are no menial tasks at all as everything you will do will contribute to a locomotive’s continued operation. Being able to work in a team is essential and guidance will be given along the way. Some are content to remain on the maintenance side of things but others may wish to start to climb the ladder of Operations. It must be stressed that irrespective of how high the ladder one climbs the maintenance task must still be undertaken.

Shunter - Age 18+, Safety Critical Role

Subject to an individual having carried out their role on the maintenance side of things on a regular basis and having shown that have the ability to get stuck in they may, after a period of not less than twelve months, be asked by their Group’s leader if they wish to be considered for the role of Shunter. This is an extremely responsible and rewarding role which involves planning, coupling and uncoupling, instructing Driver’s by handsignal or radio and observing fixed signals for moves around the TMD and Kidderminster station. An SVR medical will be carried out prior to undertaking this role. Full training is given which culminates in two written and one practical assessment. Depending on a person’s availability, training can take up to twelve months. Rules and practical assessments are carried out every three years.

Secondman - Age 18+, Safety Critical Role

All diesel hauled trains (except Shunt locos) on the Severn Valley Railway are double manned in that, as well as the Driver there is a Secondman in the cab. This person’s role is to assist the Driver in the safe working of the train. Coupling and uncoupling and Single Line Token exchanges are the Secondman’s responsibility as are checking the Notice case and Traffic Notice for anything applicable to their train’s working. If vacancies exist then persons may be nominated for the Secondman’s role after they have shown a commitment to the Shunter’s role as well as continued work on the maintenance side of things. This nomination will be approximately three years after becoming a Working Volunteer and depends on commitment shown in the above two roles.

Shunt Locomotive Driver - Age 21+, Safety Critical Role

Following a period not less than two years of Secondmanning, an individual may be nominated to become a Shunt Locomotive Driver. This involves driving a class 08/09/11 on the TMD at Kidderminster or within the Carriage Sidings, Carriage Works or station area and to include vacuum brakes coaching stock and loose coupled movements. Depending on a person’s availability, training can take up to twelve months and culminates in three written assessments and a practical assessment. Rules and practical assessments are carried out every three years. During this training period and after being passed as competent the role of Secondman, Shunter and Maintenance must still be honoured.

Driver - Age 21+, Safety Critical Role

For those that have worked their way up the ladder and over a time period of not less than five years a time may come (subject to nomination and vacancies existing) when someone would like to take the ultimate step from the right-hand seat to the left hand one. The responsibility of the Driver’s role is enormous, and a thorough working knowledge of their group’s locomotive is essential as are all matters appertaining to rules and regulations. Many of these aspects will have been gained along the way but training is given followed by written and practical assessments. As with all positions in the grade, the maintenance role must still be carried out. After a period of time and provided that individuals continue to show commitment, Drivers will be trained on other classes of locomotive so as to assist in covering turns. As with other operational roles, rules and practical assessments are carried out every three years.

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