Getting Started as a Cleaner

For those members attracted to the role as an engine driver after reading the article 'So You Want To Be ... An Engine Driver', here is some further information as to what is needed to get started.

The Basics

The age limit for working in the shed is 16. For working on the footplate, personnel must be aged 18. You will need to pass a medical examination; these are undertaken by our Medical Officer, and are arranged by the Railway at Llangollen. A medical form must be filled in; part of it is a question and answer declaration for the applicant to fill in and submit in confidence. The outcome of the medical examination is also recorded on the form which will pass the applicant as: i) Fit; ii) Fit under specified restrictions; iii) Unfit.

All volunteers need to complete a record sheet of brief personal details to form the basis of our staff record for individuals. On it will be recorded the examinations passed and duties undertaken.

Clothing

Subject to passing this first hurdle, would-be cleaners need to kit themselves out with suitable cotton fibre overalls, a pair of steel-capped boots and head gear. Whilst hard hats are appropriate in certain situations, a cloth cap will suffice elsewhere. Industrial quality gloves are another necessary item and many find a donkey jacket a useful item especially on cold days. A Hi-Vis vest is required, and can be purchased at the station shop, where Llangollen Railway overalls may also be in stock.

Safety

The loco shed is a potentially hazardous environment and there is a need to be aware of the hazards and safe working practices. A cleaner may need to go trackside in the course of his duties and needs to be aware of the safety aspects of so doing.

On your first day's attendance you will be given a copy of the Llangollen Railway's Trackside & Loco Shed Safety Code guide for you to take away and read. On your next visit I will ask you to complete the written examination on the subject and, if you are successful, issue you with a Personal Track Safety certificate which will permit you to go onto the track in working situations.

Literature

As advised in the 'driver' article, promotion within the footplate grades is subject to the passing of written and practical examinations. To gain operational knowledge applicants will need to obtain a copy of the current issue of the Llangollen Railway Rule book, obtainable from the Traffic Manager. A copy of the Llangollen Railway's Emergency Plan is also required.

A knowledge of the steam locomotive and its efficient operation must also be acquired and a copy of the BTC-published Manual for Steam Locomotive Enginemen - the BR 'Black Book' - is desirable. Ian Allan has republished this title, although copies can be obtained secondhand from specialist book sellers or may be traded by the loco restoration fund stalls. Our examinations are based on the working practices specified in this.

There are a number of other books on locomotive operation and maintenance which may be worth reading, if only obtained on loan from the library or purchased from the sales stalls. Some of the commercial railway magazines have run articles or question and answer sessions on locomotive operation, and these are worthy of study to widen an interest in the subject. However, it is likely that much of your working knowledge with be acquired by hands-on experience under the guidance of our experienced shed and footplate crew members.

Above: Emptying ash from the smokebox on Black No 44806; one of the cleaner's many jobs. (Dave Clark)

Signing-On

All volunteers must sign-on in the loco shed at the start of a period of work. For footplate crews there is a booking on sheet. Those engaged on other duties must sign on in the Work Book. This is necessary for insurance purposes and a need to know who is on site. It is equally important to sign-off when the duty is over. When signing-on there are operational notices posted which it is worth taking the time to read to get to know the flavour of the subjects covered - safety notices, pw slacks, special workings, the quarterly footplate roster.

Then report to the Duty Fitter and be prepared to assist with whatever tasks need to be undertaken under the appropriate guidance. This might be anything from cleaning a locomotive externally to digging out the loco pit, doing some fetching and carrying or assisting with any big job we may have on. Whatever it is you are likely to go home having discovered muscles you never knew where there! Hopefully it will have been so satisfying that you will want to come back for more!

The normal working day is from 8am to 6pm. The duty fitters are drawn from the paid staff. During daily running cleaners are needed each day. In the weekend running period cleaners are particularly needed on Fridays for preparation and Mondays for disposal.

Facilities

The Loco Dept has a mess room where volunteers can eat their 'snap' with a regular supply of tea, and basic cooking arrangements include a microwave. We like to think we provide a friendly working atmosphere in the Dept and are pleased to welcome newcomers who wish to join in. Meal times can be rumbustious affairs when we put the world to rights or hear the latest joke and are a social aspect which many working members enjoy.

There is a new toilet and shower block in the yard, providing very good facilities for freshening up after a hard day's work. Its central heating and a generally smart appearance are a welcome change from the previous spartan facilities.

Original article by Dave Owen, published in Steam at Llangollen Spring 1998.

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Page Transferred 26th June 2007 by John Rutter - email webmaster@llangollen-railway.co.uk