

Guards and shunters
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One of the most iconic sights and sounds on a steam railway is the guard blowing their whistle and waving their flag to start the train away from a station. However, there is a lot more to being a guard than simply waving a flag and blowing a whistle! The guard is in charge of the train and it is their duty to ensure to ensure the train is operated safely and efficiently.
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The guard will start the day preparing the coaches for service, this includes undertaking a detailed check of key components of the coaches and testing the trains brakes are fully functioning. They are often required to move the train from where it has been stabled overnight into the platform to allow passengers to board. They will make sure that the train is safe and ready to depart on time, and en route will observe signals, crossing and stations. The guard is a key member of the on-board team working closely with the travelling ticket inspectors and on train buffet staff to assist passengers and ensure they have a safe and enjoyable day. At the end of the day the guard is responsible for ensuring all passengers are off the train and that it has been locked up and is secured. The guard will often be required to move the set from the platform to a siding for overnight stabling.
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Another role within the Guards Department is shunting, the shunter performs a vital operational role in movement of stock either to bring it into service or to store it away at the end of the day. Other tasks include reforming of trains to add, remove or reorder carriages in a train and opening and closing the Carriage Shed at Kidderminster. Most shunting is carried out by volunteers, especially at weekends.
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Skills/attributes required
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A guard is required to undertake a medical before commencing training - the role is physically and mentally demanding and requires a basic level of physical fitness.
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As a guard you are responsible for the safe operation of the train, so a safety conscience mindset is required. The role requires a methodical process and a critical eye for detail.
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As a key member of the on-board team the role is customer facing and therefore must be a strong communicator and have ability to talk to a wide range of people. The guard and the on train team are often the first person passengers see and therefore a guard needs to be proactive and have the ability to think on their feet.
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A guard is a customer facing role that requires a well-rounded knowledge of the railway, its history and its general operations. It is beneficial for a volunteer to experience the railway in another department first.
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Please note: You will need access to emails and the internet, as correspondence and rostering for operational roles is all done online.
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Training
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Full training for the role is provided and consists of two main elements:
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The first part of the training, which can commence after attending a department induction day, covers knowledge of station layouts, signalling and shunting stock. This element of the training takes place at stations along the line and within the railway’s purpose-built carriage shed.
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The second part of the training includes guards’ duties and train operations. This element takes place on the train and is carried out alongside a trainer.
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