So You Want To Be ... a Guard

Over the years the guard has become a much maligned individual, accused of being a 'flag-waving poser' parading about in uniform, displaying their gold braid. Make no mistake; the Guard is in charge of the train, and is responsible for its safe and efficient running.

The efficient running of the train requires teamwork, and a good working relationship with the engine crew is essential. The other member of the team is the Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI), whose help in checking doors and marshalling passengers among other duties helps to maintain punctuality.

A Typical Day

A guard's typical day starts at 09:30 in the Traffic Office where he / she signs on, reads the weekly traffic notice, and collects the guards' journal. The guard then joins the train; maybe requiring a walk to Goods Junction; where a brief visit to the signalbox lets the signalman know that he / she is on site, thus maintaining good communications.

A set routine is then followed: ensuring the handbrake is fully on; that there is oil in the tail lamp reservoir ready for placing on the rear of the train and that the brake van equipment is all present. This includes a spare vacuum hose, spare screw coupling, ladder, wrecking bar, stretcher, wheel scotches and a First Aid kit, all provided in case of emergency. By now the TTI should be unlocking the train, so a call must be made to see if any help is required.

In due course the loco will arrive, hopefully in good time. Whilst the fireman is coupling up, it is a good time for a visit to the driver for introductions, to report any changes to the planned working, and finally to request a brake test. Before returning to the train, the guard will make sure that the fireman has coupled up and is clear of the track, as release of the handbrake forms part of the brake test.

The purpose of the brake test is to ensure that the guard's emergency brake valve operates satisfactorily and that the vacuum brake operates on every bogie. The latter part of the test, done by removing the rear vacuum hose prior to inspection of the brake blocks, involves a walk along the train at track level to ensure that all the blocks are firmly on the wheels. A simultaneous check must be made to ensure all the running gear is secure, and any battery leads that are still attached must be removed. The driver can now be informed of the number of vehicles, the load of the train and the percentage braking. Time now to remove the dust coat and gloves and don the 'No. 1s' complete with buttonhole. The signalman will have passed with the token en route to the driver, showing it to the guard.

Prior to departure the guard should check that all the doors are closed and that no last minute passengers are buying tickets. The 'ready to start' signal is given to the driver by a wave of the green flag. Punctual running is important as passengers may have a bus or a coach connection to maintain on arrival back at Llangollen. The guard must keep a good look out for last minute passengers attempting to join the train whilst it departs.

The Journey

En route, the guard's journal must be continually updated so that arrival and departure times at stations are logged, along with details of any untoward occurrences. Passing signals must also be checked in case the signalman has returned one to danger, indicating an emergency (an insecure door, for example). It also helps to avoid the dreaded 'passing at danger' - an event which is not unknown, even on BR - providing use of the setter (guard's emergency brake valve) is made.

After leaving Llangollen and passing the long row of coaches at River Siding, the train heads past Goods Junction to Pentrefelin, where an exchange of waves between train and trip boat on the canal is the norm. The crossing of Dee Bridge comes next, followed by the climb up Berwyn Bank, punctuated by a warning whistle to alert the station staff at Berwyn of the impending arrival of the train. At Berwyn a check must be made for passengers who make a last-minute decision to alight and explore the Chain Bridge and Horseshoe Fails. Then onward to Berwyn Tunnel and the need to assist the TTI in closing windows, not forgetting to switch the lights on in good time. At the other end of the tunnel, the lights are switched off promptly to conserve battery power.

The train continues through Deeside Halt where there may be a slight delay during two-train running awaiting the 'up train', soon arriving at Glyndyfrdwy. The train rapidly departs and follows the river to Carrog, where the handbrake must be secured on arrival, prior to the loco detaching and running round the train. Mail or parcels can now be delivered to the station office, accompanied by a brief word with the staff to catch up on the latest gossip. The passengers make a quick dash for the toilets and the excellent buffet, then pause for a chat about the line: 'When will you start the extension to Corwen?' or 'What other locos are on the Railway?' or 'Is it true the driver's your husband?'. A quick blow of the whistle two minutes before departure shepherds the passengers back to their seats and, after checking the doors, a wave of the green flag sees the train off on its return to Llangollen.

On arriving back at Llangollen, after securing the handbrake, the guard must inform the signalman that the 'train is complete', as the train has not passed the signalbox and the signalman will not have seen the tail lamp. The tail lamp is changed to the other end, and a quick check for rubbish in the train should follow, but the hard working TTI has probably done most of it already. The guard is now available for answering the many questions once again.

Above: Freight workings provide an occasional change of duties for the guard. (George Jones and Keith Langston)

The average day requires the guard to make another two or three round trips. At weekends there may be two or three trains running, or even more at gala weekends, and even greater attention to timekeeping is needed. The year is punctuated by special events and enthusiast weekends which require good organisation, punctuality and a commitment from everyone involved to play their part and make the event a success. The guards and TTIs are the ambassadors for the Railway, and a professional presentation to the public will ensure that they will return in the future.

The End of the Day

After a word of thanks to the crew, the day comes to a close with the departure of the loco to the shed. A last check is made for rubbish, the windows closed, the doors locked and the battery charger leads connected. The guards' journal is returned to the office and the guard may sign off.

A day of straightforward running is always pleasant, but on occasions problems arise, and this is where training and a good working knowledge of the Rules and Regulations come in. Problems are always much more easily solved if the driver / guard relationship is good.

Guards' Training

If you are interested in volunteering as a guard, the prerequisites are a medical examination by the Railway's doctor, an initial interview, and a PTS (personal track safety certificate) through a straightforward exam. Working members must be in possession of the current rulebook available from the General Office. The Guards' Handbook is issued to all guards and is updated annually. It covers all aspects of the guards' duties and includes a summary of those rules of particular relevance to guards.

The training is 'hands on' under the supervision of a qualified guard. Progress sheets filled in at the end of each session will help record achievements and highlight areas which require further training. A training logbook will help new trainees prepare for passing out. The guard is required to pass a theoretical and practical examination, an event that must be repeated biannually in line with other departments.

Original article by Mary-Jane Johnson, published in Steam at Llangollen Summer 1999.

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