Are there any books for train regulations?

Question

I am thinking of becoming a train driver and was wondering if anyone knows of a book that explains the tracks and signalling etc. For example, you get the highway code book for cars. Is there anything similar for trains? For UK train systems

Answer 1

This is a very specialised subject that can only be taught on the training courses provided by each individual railway company.

The rules and regulations are amended so often that only employees are kept fully up to date.

signalbox.org has some good info on train signalling in general,with descriptions of systems old and new.

Answer 2

Nothing is available on general release to the public. Every 2 months I spend a fair amount of time checking the endless updates and amendments to keep my rule book modules up to date.

As others have said if you become a train driver then you will be supplied with appropriate books and route atlas along with so much other stuff!!!

Also the guidelines for rail operators are not to be confused with rules and regulations for train crew

Answer 3

Well, I apologize for not being able to give yo a specific answer that would apply to the UK but in the states there are a lot of books we have to carry. Timetable and timetable special instructions, hazmat handling instructions, mechanical and airbrake manuals, safety rules and regualtions, general operating rules.

We have to carry these at all times and be proficient in them.

The rule books are not calssified or top secret, they are public knowldege but I really dont know where you could obtain them.

Talk to a supervisor for the RR you want to go to work for, they might be able to help you with some pre-employment books.

And scanning down, Hoghead is totally right, railfans have pretty much all that stuff, it is available at swap meets and on eBay.

Answer 4

God's own truth?

Talk to the next friendly train spotter you find.  He's probably packin' one with him....

Answer 5

Nothing official is available to the general public, and any old rule books that you might come across at book sales will be well out of date - so really the answer is No ! ! !

Answer 6

Hi there. Yes there is that guides drivers. Its called the rule book. The rule book consists of modules and if you do one job on the railway then you get issued a certain set of modules, while doing other jobs then you get a different set. The rule book only gets issued when you train to be a train driver but there are some other books called 'The Railway Group Standards' which is published by the RSSB (Rail Safety Standards Board)  which I have included a link to:  http://www.rssb.co.uk/

If you do need any further help contact Network Rail's Central Library at 40 Melton Street, London, NW1 2DN.

I hope this helps...Joolz

Answer 7

Due to security the Network Rail Rule Book is not for public use. It is a difficult object to read at the best of times. Also the one generic book is split almost into 20 sections, which cover every job on the railway (the more difficult the job the more sections you get) and then there is the Sectional Appendix, DC / AC Lines book, Freight and Loco Haul Pages, Local instructions, Traction Book (one per type of unit you are passed on), Faults and Failures Books, Company Instructions, Fire and Safety Standards Booklets, etc. This is not including the updates to these which come out each week.

Its not as simple as it sounds, hence the long training periods.

Dont let it put you off though.

Good Luck.

Answer 8

Its not a train driver, they are called train engineers here in the USA.  The Federal Railway Administration has volumes of regulations governing the railroads.  Explaing tracks, signals, mechanical codes, inspections.  The American Association of Railroads is another source of rules and regulations.