Train driving?

Question

i would like to be a trian drive do you now what qualifications and do you know any train dvd/vhs or train games for pc

Answer 1

Train drivers and locomotive engineers are exactly the same breed, merely separated by an ocean.

Basic needs are ability to read and comprehend at college level (not impossible to learn without, but rougher going ahead), a firm grasp of basic mathematics, good eye-hand coordination and a willingness to invest a lot of time as well as sacrifice time at home with family and friends.

Usually thankless, always vital, often overlooked.  It is a calling, no wimps need apply.

Answer 2

go on line and enter train operating company, this will then list all the various companies that operate trains. you will then have to approach them individually to see if they are looking for train drivers at present. if they are looking and you are selected you will be sent to a test centre where you will be assessed for your suitability for training as a driver. Be warned though it is common for several hundred people to apply for a vacancy and the culling is ruthless. Also if you do get to take the test over 90% fail it and you can only take the test twice in your life. If you do pass though you will do a 26 week basic training course and take 3 years to fully qualify |Good Luck

Answer 3

Generally, a good basic education, with 5 O levels or equivalent including maths and English are desirable.

It should be noted that the train operating companies (UK) also value those with life skills from other industries.  Many more mature people are choosing this profession.

Assuming you get past the interview stage, you will be required to take a number of aptitude tests.  These include papers on mechanical understanding, observation and reaction/coordination, as well as English language skills, as communication is obviously important in a safety critical role such as this.

You will then be sent for a medical examination.  An ECG as well as sight, hearing and other criteria will be tested.  As you might expect, there is zero tolerance to drugs.

Assuming you pass this, you will then go on an intensive course for rules and regulations, traction, and then practical skills.  After each stage, you will be examined, and if you don't pass with high marks, you don't get to drive trains.

The process of assessment continues throughout your railway career.

If you search the 'net, you will find loads of DVDs about trains, as there are a lot of enthusiasts out there.

Answer 4

you don't drive trains you RUN them.

Answer 5

Most class 1 railroads, the large ones, do not hire engineers. They promote conductors to engineer. The hiring process is very competitive and the conductor training at Norfolk Southern is 6 months long. After you mark up as a conductor you will work for 3+ years before you are "forced" to engineer school. If for some reason you do not pass the school, you are looking for another job. No second chances, no going back to conductor.

Answer 6

Here in the UK you just need to have passed some GCSE's like English, & Maths if you have just left school, but if you are older the first thing that you would do is log on to the Train Operators web site and fill out an on-line application form (thats if they are advertising for driver possitions). If you get selected, the first thing that you will have to do is sit a set of assessments in English, Maths, and also a test where you look at a sequence of pictures and you have to work out what is next.

Train Game will not really help you get the job, as they do not truley cover all the aspects of what happens in a train cab.

I have included a website that has a forum about train simulalators mind that may help: http://www.train-sim.com/

I hope this is some assistance

Answer 7

depending upon what part of the country you live in - there are volunteer positions at some private railroads.

Answer 8

Basically, you would have to have a degree in mechanical engineering to become a train engineer.

In order for you to become an engineer (without a degree in mechanical engineering) you will need to be a high school graduate.

A HIRING SESSION

You need to look for a seminar/hiring session for the railroad, which can be found on either the railroad's website or in local newspaper.

HEADED TO CONDUCTOR SCHOOL

Then you will be tested for personality, etc to see if railroading is the life for you.

Once the results are in you will head to a conductor school anywhere in the country, depending on the railroad you are going to work for.

While in Conductor School the railroad sends those persons good enough to work an acceptance letter and then you go off to training in a yard (anywhere, depending on the railroad).

AFTER TRAINING

Then you will be a conductor trainee for 6 weeks and once you pass your efficiency test, you're now a conductor.

TO BECOME AN ENGINEER

To become an engineer you must be a conductor for 3 years inside the railroad.  It is up to the railroad whether or not to let you head to locomotive school.

So, if you haven't received a degree in mechanical engineering, your chances of immediately becoming a an engineer are slim.

Check out the websites in:

Know My Source

Answer 9

i cant help but im sure someone will put you on the right track..

Answer 10

in britain we dont nessescary have to have a fixxed quialification for it, but a good load of gcses and something along the lines of mechanical qualifiications. or you can join as a porter and work up through the ranks if you know what i mean.

microsoft train simulator is the best computer simulation out there, but there are others such as trainz, but for that sucked, microsoft train simulator was good because all the controls etc are as they would be in real life, and i know because i have driven an 0-6-0 english electric diesel shunter on the the program, then i drove one in real life. even though there was a difference, the controls and the princibles are the same. i have 6 years experience of driving on train simulator, and im only 17 lol. but i know that when it comes to do it for real, it will be an advantage because i already know what most of the things do like.

Answer 11

In Britain you need to be able to drink tea & eat bacon sandwiches whilst driving! The railway companies demand this as the trains need to be kept on time. You also need good map reading skills as you don't want to get lost?

In Britain we still rely heavily on steam so being able to use a shovel would be a big advantage!

Answer 12

You don't drive a train!!!!!

Answer 13

You could contact your local train operator (e.g. One, First Great Western, Southern, Virgin etc) and ask them. They all have websites, too.

The minimum standard would be English and Maths GCSEs at Grade C or above I should imagine.