Evening all..

[VEGAS]

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd check in and say hello. Especially as its been quite some time since I last posted.

Things have been very busy over the last 17 weeks.

I can safely say that my head hasn't been away from a railway rule book since the middle of May.

At the moment I go to sleep thinking about the railway, wake up thinking about the railway and even dream about the railway.

Anyway, so far, so good.

I've just had my third assessment on rules and procedures and thankfully have passed a big milestone which takes me onto the next part of the training.

So, I know about rules, procedures, traction and what to do when things go wrong.

Now I have to apply all that information and theory into a practical sense.

So, finally, the bit I've been itching to do, the juicy stuff, is about commence within the next few weeks....The driving!

I've now got to be instructed on day/night driving and require at least 240 hours before I can take the final assessment and pass out as a fully qualified train driver. That should be sometime in Feb/Mar 2014 all being well.

With this comes the route learning. I have to absorb several core routes in minute detail. I will be learning every signal, feature, hazard, station, bridge, tunnel, junction, braking point and christ knows what else so that I know everything there is to know. Basically so I can react and be just as safe during darkness/fog etc.

Drivers must be fully competant and 'passed-out' on a route before being let loose on their own on it.

So at this stage the bottom line is, I kind of know what to do, just don't know where I'm going or when to do it!

Got a weeks holiday now, which the wife and I desperately need, especially after such an intensive 17 weeks through the summer.

When I get back, I've got a three week Electric Traction conversion course, as I've only learnt on diesels so far. That should be interesting as its a completely different animal to everything I've driven at this stage.

Glad I've popped in again. I've missed it.

Stay safe chaps..

[Garry Russell]

Hi Eddie

Great to hear from you...I guessed you were busy 'training'

Well done so far and best of luck

Then get back 'ere...we miss ya

[DaveB]

Thanks for the update Eddie Coincidentally, I was thinking of posting a day or so ago to ask if anyone had heard from you and here you are Nice to hear from you too and glad all is going your way

ATB
DaveB

[dodger]

Hi Eddie,

Nice to hear from you and that you are doing well in your new job,

Have a good holiday where ever you are having it and don't leave it too long to let us know how you are doing,

All the Best,

Roger.

[Tako_Kichi]

Sounds like it's been a pretty intensive 17 weeks. I will think of you the next time I fire up Traim Sim 2013!

[Filonian]

Good to hear from you Eddie and that things are progressing.

Best o' luck for the future.


Graham

[nigelb]

Good luck for the rest of your training, Eddie. Relax for now and enjoy your week off!

Nigel²

[airboatr]

Hiyo Eddie!

I was just thinking about you the other day. And bamo here you are.
Maybe mental telepathy?

Great news on your progress .

Enjoy your vacation!

Joe.

[Airspeed]

Hi Eddie
Didn't know you were training.
All that study is something that a lot of folks don't think about enough.
Good to hear that your efforts are paying off. Hope the next stage goes well.

[Tomliner]

Hi Eddie.Thanks for the update.Your studies are obviously keeping you busy,but they will also keep your mind excercised and stop you going off the rails! Oh dear,that sounds like one of Garry's! Best wishes for your new career. EricT