The document is a magazine called Right Track that discusses railway operations safety issues. It includes articles on train driving, situational awareness, learning from freight derailments, and an interview with the Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Trains. It also provides brief summaries of recent Railway Accident Investigation Branch reports and safety incidents from around the world. The magazine aims to share knowledge across the industry to improve safety.

1. RIGHT ISSUE 4 // FEBRUARY 2013
BY THE RAILWAY,
FOR THE RAILWAY
INSIDE:
CHANGING
TRAINS
THE TRAIN DRIVER ROLE
SITUATION AWARENESS
REGULAR FEATURES
SPADTALK
RAIB REPORT BRIEF
INCIDENT NEWSWIRE
MOVING MACHINES IN LEARNING FROM DRIVING IN WINTER
POSSESSIONS FREIGHT DERAILMENTS
Part of the operational safety
programme sponsored by OFG

2. RIGHT
headlamp Front Cover Photo: ATOC
Welcome to Issue 4 of What is OFG?
Right Track is sponsored
Right Track by the Operations
Focus Group (OFG), whose
meetings are attended
December 4 marked the 55th anniversary of it wasn’t for him – he was on the Relief. His by operational heads and
the famous Lewisham accident – a rear- signal was ‘on’, and the trap points protecting specialists from across the
end collision, which followed a SPAD and the Main were set for the run-off. They were rail industry. By working
whose consequences were compounded by just 350 yards away. together, it helps everyone
a bridge strike and collapse. Ninety people make improvements to
were killed. The ‘paper’ continued to catch up, until both safety by sharing things
trains were running side-by-side. Suddenly, and running joint initiatives
The SPAD and collision at Harrow & the driver of the ‘sleeper’ realised his mistake. – including this magazine.
Wealdstone (1952) occurred just as AWS trials He slammed on the brakes and the metal
were beginning, but Lewisham gave the project screamed….too late: the engine tore into the
fresh urgency and helped it gain momentum. earth and the first six carriages were strewn
The system’s introduction partly explains why across all four lines. Twenty-seven passengers
the passenger fatality rate improved after 1957. were killed and 25 were injured.
Indeed, AWS – and its grand-child, TPWS
– probably means that neither Harrow nor Echoes of Norton Fitzwarren are still with us, Contents
Lewisham could ever happen again. ‘read across’ SPADs occurring somewhere
2-3 // Headlamp
on the network every month. The front line
But of course people will always make has always been the last line of defence. It 4-5 // Trouble with our
mistakes, and it was a mistake that was still is. We owe it to the crews involved in the movements
responsible for a SPAD that occurred during Lewisham accident – and Harrow, Norton and 6-9 // Changing trains
the darkness of World War II... every other accident you can name – to show 10-11 // Lowdown
that we keep on learning. Thankfully – as our 12-13 // Walk out to winter
On the night of 4 November 1940, a late- ‘Changing Trains’ feature shows (p.6) – despite
running ‘sleeper’ was powering towards 14-15 // RAIB report brief:
many changes to our industry since the 1960s,
Penzance. It usually ran on the Main, but was let’s twist again /
the driver’s dedication is alive and well.
so behind the signaller had routed it to the SPADtalk
Relief to give an upcoming newspaper train a Elsewhere in this issue, Nick Edwards Back Page // SPADtalk
clear run. looks at the implications of winter running,
while infrastructure experts discuss siding
When the same thing happens every day, possessions. Chris Gibb, Virgin’s Chief
it’s easy to fall into the trap of familiarity. The Operating Officer, is our lowdown interviewee,
‘sleeper’ always ran on the Main; the driver while the derailment at Bordesley Junction is
always looked at the same signal. Tonight the our RAIB report brief.
driver looked at that signal and it was ‘off’. But
Right Track is produced by RSSB through cross-industry cooperation. It is designed for the people on the operational front-line Right Track can be
on the national mainline railway, yards depots and sidings and London Underground. Their companies are represented on the downloaded from Opsweb -
cross-industry Operations Focus Group, managed through RSSB, and Right Track is overseen by a cross-industry editorial group.
www.opsweb.co.uk
RSSB
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Tel 020 3142 5300 Email righttrack@rssb.co.uk www.rssb.co.uk www.opsweb.co.uk
Designed and printed by Urban Juice / Willsons Group Services.
Right Track is designed to share news and views from individual companies in a positive way. However, the views expressed in Right Track are those of the contributing authors; they
do not necessarily reflect those of the companies to which they are affiliated or employed, the editors of this magazine, the magazine’s sponsors - the Operations Focus Group - or the
magazine’s producers, RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board).
02 //

3. Station Safety
James Street tragedy
amplifies risk
Dispatching trains, whether on-board
like a guard or platform-based like a
dispatcher, has always been recognised
awareness as something where the risks need to be
controlled carefully. In spite of the tragic
circumstances faced at James Street, this
and other similar accidents have provided
The tragic death of Georgia Varley at Liverpool’s James an extra reminder of how critical the train
Street station in 2011 received media attention at the end of dispatch task is to safety, the important
role dispatchers play and the challenging
2012 when the guard was found guilty of manslaughter. situations they might encounter.
At 23:29 on Saturday 22 October 2011, not known how drunk Ms Varley was and Rail companies are now a lot more pro-
a drunken teenager got off a train at thought she was moving away from the active in sharing information, ideas and
James Street with a large group of platform edge when he gave the driver the techniques about managing the platform-
people. Within 30 seconds she was tip. train interface. There are more tools at
dead. industry’s disposal too, including the Rail
However, the court ruled that Mr McGee Industry Standard for Passenger Train
The guard had called to her and gestured was guilty of manslaughter and gross Dispatch (RIS-3703-TOM) and the Station
for her to move, but his mistake was to negligence, sentencing him to five years Safety Resource Centre on Opsweb
send the train out while she was still leaning in prison. In closing, the judge, Mr Justice (www.opsweb.co.uk)
on it. She fell down the gap and was killed Holroyde told McGee that he was ‘satisfied
instantaneously. that you merely hoped and assumed The RAIB report into the James Street
she would get out of the way when the accident has been published. We will be
In the resulting court case, the guard,
Logo train began to move, and on that wholly covering it in an article in a future issue of
Christopher McGee, told the jury he had inadequate basis you took a terrible risk.’ Right Track.
...making changes during 2013.
Strapline
Improved Improved Improved
RESPONSE SPEED LEARNING AND WEB AND
TO CONCERNS FEEDBACK NEWSLETTER
But one thing that won’t change…
your confidentiality assured.
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Freephone 0800 4 101 101 Freepost CIRAS Text 07507 285887
CIRAS ADVERT v5.indd 1 10/01/2013 11:38
// 03

4. Entering into a siding under
Photo: Network Rail
possession
If a movement is to leave your possession
directly into an adjacent siding under
possession, the PICOP must first agree
with the signaller and the PICOS how this is
to be done.
If a movement is to leave a work site directly
into an adjacent siding under possession,
the ES must first agree with the PICOP and
the PICOS how this is to be done.
Unlike entering an adjacent siding, the
understanding possession
driver does not need direct authority
movements
from the signaller, when entering a siding
under possession.
Remember, although the authority lies
with the PICOP, he/she can delegate a
competent person.
M&EE Operations Subgroup takes a look at the problems
that have arisen when moving OTMs from a Siding
Possession into a T3 possession.
Key message
When it’s published that the OTM
In recent months, we’ve experienced will be moving between a sidings
situations where an on-track machine All movements within sidings under possession and an adjacent running
(OTM) moving from the siding to a possession are made under the line possession, the driver must:
T3 possession has resulted in the authority of the PICOS. • On arrival at the siding establish
siding exit signal being passed at who the PICOS is and only move
danger without proper authority. On The PICOP and PICOS can be
the OTM through the siding when
investigation, it was found that there the same person but this may not
instructed to do so by the PICOS;
was some confusion about the rules always be the case, and the works
associated with these moves. in each area could be completely • Establish that the siding leads
unrelated to each other. directly to the possession or
To aid understanding, the M&EE has put worksite; and
together the following brief. The main points
Entering a T3 from a Siding • Confirm with the PICOS that the
to remember are, while the PICOP and the
Possession (HB13) movement has the authority of
signaller agree the T3 possession limits
the PICOP or ES, before moving
during the possession set-up process,
To clarify, the driver can only make a out of the siding towards the
siding possessions come under the
movement past the exit signal of a ‘siding possession / worksite.
jurisdiction of Handbook 13: Duties of the
under possession’ to an immediately
person in charge of the siding possession
adjacent ‘running line under possession
(PICOS).
(T3)’ on the authority of the PICOP, who
In fact, possessions of running lines (T3), must get agreement with the PICOS and
as published in the WON, do not include signaller how this is to be done. When
the movement is entering directly into the
If in doubt...
any sidings, and where it states all lines,
this does not include sidings either. worksite, the PICOP must make sure the • Treat the siding as not under
ES or a competent person acting on their possession and assume that
Sidings possessions and T3 possessions,
behalf is present to give instructions to the you are entering the T3 at
when published in the WON, remain two
driver. In lay terms, no movement should an ‘intermediate point,’ then
separate items, controlled by two separate contact the signaller to get
disciplines, the PICOS and PICOP. The take place until the PICOP and signaller
authority to pass the siding
PICOS only controls the movement within have fully agreed what is to take place.
exit signal.
the siding and has no authority when it The PICOS should also be involved in all
communications. • When leaving a possession
comes to exiting the siding.
to enter a siding, contact the
signaller before making the
move.
04 //

5. Possessions Newswire...
hints from the RSSB operations team UK: Miniature railway in
‘hydrogen loco’ first
A 10¼ inch gauge locomotive powered
RSSB manages the Rule Book on behalf by hydrogen has been successfully
tested at the Stapleford Miniature
of the rail industry through its standards Entering a T3 possession from a Railway in Leicestershire. Built by
teams. This includes bringing the whole siding not under possession engineering students at the University
industry together to keep issues and rules of Birmingham, it combines a hydrogen
under review to ensure they help rail staff The OTM driver may move within the fuel cell and lead acid batteries like
share the same understanding, keep the sidings in accordance with the normal those used in cars.
trains running and maintain the right level arrangements in force at that location.
UK: Nice one, Jen!
of safety. The team behind it offers its
The driver may only pass the exit Jennifer Oldroyd – the York IECC
supporting advice on this potentially tricky
signal of the sidings on the authority signaller, who featured in Right Track
part of the rules: 3 – has been successful in her bid to
of the signaller, who will have
obtained permission from the PICOP. become a Local Operations Manager.
Hearty congratulations from the Right
The PICOP or a competent person
Entering a T3 possession from a Track team!
acting on the PICOP’s behalf must
siding possession
be present to give the necessary UK: Harrow – 60 years on
The OTM driver may only make a instructions on the further movement 8 October 2012 marked the 60th
movement within the sidings when of the OTM within the possession to anniversary of the Harrow & Wealdstone
authorised to do so by the PICOS. the driver. accident, in which an express passed
The PICOS has no authority to allow a signal at danger and collided with a
When the movement is entering commuter service; a third train struck
a movement to exit the sidings but
directly into a worksite the PICOP the wreckage soon after. There were
must agree with the PICOP, or the ES, 112 fatalities. The accident sped the
must make sure the ES, or a
if the movement will be directly into a development and introduction of AWS.
competent person acting on the ES’s
worksite, how this is to be done.
behalf is present at the sidings exit US: Two maintenance workers
The driver may only pass the exit to give the necessary instructions to electrocuted in MEWP
signal of the sidings on the authority the driver on the further movement of On 9 September, a mobile elevating
of the PICOP, who must be present, the OTM within the possession to the work platform came into contact with
or make sure a competent person driver after the signaller’s authority to overhead power lines during property
acting on their behalf is present to proceed has been obtained. maintenance work at the Bella Lago
give the necessary instructions to the building in Fort Myers Beach. Two
construction workers were killed.
driver.
Australia: Lorry driver seriously
When the movement is entering Entering a siding under injured after level-crossing
directly from the sidings into a possession from an adjacent T3 collision
worksite the PICOP must make sure possession On 14 September, an HGV got stuck at
the ES, or a competent person acting
a level crossing in Banyo, Queensland,
on the ES’s behalf is present at the If a movement is to leave a T3
and was struck by a passenger
sidings exit to give the necessary possession directly into an adjacent train. The vehicle was ripped in two,
instructions to the driver. siding under possession, the PICOP its driver sustaining severe injuries.
must first agree with the signaller and An investigation has been launched
It is not necessary for the driver to the PICOS how this is to be done. into why a radio message about the
obtain authority from the signaller. stranded lorry from Banyo station to
If a movement is to leave a work site Queensland Rail’s main control room did
directly into an adjacent siding under not reach the train driver in time.
possession, the ES must first agree Canada: Track worker struck by
with the PICOP and the PICOS how train, severely injured
this is to be done.
Early on 14 September, a track
The driver must get authority to leave worker was struck by an engineering
train a few hundred metres north of
the T3 possession and enter the
Yorkdale station, Toronto. He was killed
sidings possession from the PICOP instantaneously. Another track worker
or a competent person acting on the suffered minor head injuries. The train
PICOP’s behalf. driver was taken to a local hospital
with shock. An investigation has been
Unlike entering an adjacent siding launched.
which is not under possession,
the driver does not need the direct
authority from the signaller.
// 05

6. changing
trains
Greg Morse takes a tilting trip to Birmingham,
Photo: Network Rail
courtesy Virgin Trains.
‘Do you know,’ says Bob Dunn, The Lickey is – like Shap or Dainton Bank
Instructor Driver for Virgin, ‘we had an – a gradient of legend, with which loco
old boy learning these things when they crews have fought for generations. In the
first came in and he was taking longer mid-70s, two extra Class 37s would be on
to get to grips with the in-cab computer. standby, waiting to push (‘bank’) trains to
“What you have to remember,” he said, the top, before returning to their own refuge
“is that when I started I was shovelling siding. ‘Some of the drivers got to know
coal into a firebox”.’ Bob and I stop for us, and would give you a cab ride if they
a moment to consider the Pendolino could see your interest. It was a different
we’re about to board. ‘One career-span,’ world! However, they eventually helped me
Bob continues. ‘One career-span and it to get an interview and I soon found myself
saw all those changes.’ As it turned out, Steam left BR in 1968 working with them out of Bromsgrove, and
change was to be our theme today. then Saltley Depot.’
A trip in time In this job, you’re self-assessing ‘Saltley had a real sense of pride.’ Bob
constantly, planning ahead and goes on. ‘We saw the job through to
Steam left British Rail in 1968, though most watching your gauges all the time.’ the end. That filtered through to fitters,
trains out of Euston had upgraded to diesel
and electric traction some years before. Bob Dunn, Instructor Driver,
Nevertheless, 125-mph travel was still just Virgin Trains
an idea in someone’s office as 100-mph
a/c electric locomotives took over Top Link
‘I was an enthusiast – a train spotter, if you
duties on the WCML. Back then, a change
like. We weren’t ridiculed like today; it was
to diesel was required at Crewe, the wires
just a normal hobby like football or cricket,’
not reaching Glasgow Central until 1974.
Bob grins. ‘Anyway, I used to position
That was a year before Bob joined the
myself at the foot of the Lickey, near
railway.
Bromsgrove.’
Two Class 37 locos help a train up ‘the Lickey’
06 //

7. Driving
Bob Dunn at the controls of the Pendolino at Euston.
everyone. We’ve lost a bit of that now; we track defects, in an experiment devised to
tend to be interested in just our own little bit In 2011-2, train drivers chauffeured bypass some of the bureaucracy that can
of railway.’ passengers on about 1.5 billion get in the way. This puts the driver at the
journeys and moved around 100 heart of the operation, as drivers are often
Drivers weren’t paid much in those days – million tonnes of freight. the first to find a fault or see the potential
Bob’s first pay packet for a 40-hour week for one to develop. ‘To date,’ explains Bob,
was £15.70. As he says, ‘to do the job with ‘this has meant defects being fixed faster,
that money and some of the conditions we Right Away NR being able to work repairs into their
had to put up with, you had to love it. But planning schedules earlier than they could
love it we did, and it quickly became a way Back to the cab, and departure time is under the old regime. This can extend the
of life’. soon upon us. When not instructing, Bob life of an asset and improve performance,
takes his normal place in the driver links, so everyone’s a winner.’
and so drives on a regular basis. After
running through his set-up procedure – The ‘T’ board passed, our speed soon
making sure the AWS, TPWS and TASS picks up as the Pendolino shows us what it
(Tilt Authorisation & Speed Supervision) are can do. ‘The 390s really put in a blistering
functioning correctly and that the on-board performance,’ Bob smiles. ‘And while I miss
computer’s fired up – we hear the hussle the old Class 87s – it’d be hard to find a
alarms sound as the Train Manager closes driver of my generation who didn’t – the
the doors. cab environment is luxurious in comparison.
I also go home much cleaner than I used to
The ‘RA’ indicator illuminates alongside – something my wife appreciates!’
the green, Bob puts the control handle
into position and the 11-car train – 1G15, We power through Willesden and by
The more I talk to Bob, the clearer it the 10:43 Euston–Birmingham New Wembley have reached 125 mph. It all
becomes that this is one of the essential Street – snakes out of Platform 5, over the seems so effortless. I mention this to Bob
elements of driving that hasn’t changed pointwork and onto the main line, climbing and he points out that many would say
since the mid-70s, or 60s, 50s… Another Camden Bank as though it were as flat as that of the driver: ‘If you watch a driver,
is revealed by the acknowledgement that Norfolk. you might think “they’re not doing much
he gives – and receives from – every driver sitting there – anyone could do that”. But
whose train we pass on our way to the We crawl through a lengthy 30mph TSR, in fact the driver’s continuously absorbing
Midlands. ‘We’re all part of a family,’ Bob imposed while Network Rail sorts out an enormous amount of visual information.
explains, ‘whichever company we work for drainage problems. Virgin has forged This must be assessed, prioritised and
– we’re all rail staff; we’re all drivers.’ closer links with NR for the reporting of acted on accordingly.’
// 07

8. ‘A green light is never just a green The reduction in traction types over the
light,’ he goes on. ‘You mentally note it, years hasn’t helped, as many drivers often As well as being an instructor,
acknowledge it and act on it. If the next find themselves now working the same type Bob also writes the drivers’
signal’s a double yellow, you start to brake of train all the time. ‘In the early 80s,’ Bob fault manuals for Class 57s, A/C
– yes, because it’s a double yellow, but agrees, ‘I was passed to drive 14 different electrics and the 390s in language
you’ll also ask yourself where the red is, are classes of loco and countless types of unit. that relates to the task as it’s
you in a long section or a short section? That variety helped keep the driving task performed on the front line.
Perhaps you are catching up a slower train fresher for longer. It’s the same with today’s
and speed needs to be regulated. All of this roster: as a passenger driver, I could tell
affects how the train is controlled.’ you what I’ll be doing next Christmas; I ‘Another thing I like to do is report things
couldn’t have done that in the old days, that aren’t as they should be – track faults,
when the link structure was much more apt speed restrictions, that kind of thing. It really
Historically, train driving was
to change.’ helps raise awareness. The only trouble
seen as a matter of technical
with that, is not to do it too often, as you
competence, but nowadays
We discuss how drivers can combat risk becoming a pain in the neck,’ Bob
it’s becoming more important
this – especially when you couple traction laughs.
to understand the way drivers
familiarity with express passenger work,
manage the way they work, how I watch Bob as he talks to me, checking
where there are fewer stops to think
they take in information and cope his speed, resetting the AWS and the
about than on suburban turns. Though
with it. These ‘non-technical skills’ DSD. It’s a total multi-tasking environment.
not mandatory, Virgin favours the ‘running
are crucial to people in safety I put this to him. ‘To be honest,’ he says,
commentary’ – a driver actually telling him/
critical environments. ‘we tend to do it that way anyway. That’s
herself what the next signal aspect is, that
they are stopping at the next station etc. where the training comes in and why any
Bob tells me that driving a Pendolino is so However, the company is well aware that potential new drivers go through a thorough
user-friendly, there’s a danger it’s helped different methods will suit different drivers. assessment process to test their ability to
make the driving task more repetitive. Bob, for instance, likes to keep an eye multi-task. At the same time, we must never
‘When the 390s were at the design stage,’ on the railway about him. ‘You have to allow ourselves to become complacent, as
he explains, ‘drivers were taken to see keep focussed,’ he says. ‘So I ask myself that’s when accidents can happen.’
a wooden mock-up of the cab. We had what’s happening on the adjacent line. Is
the chance to have real input, which was everything ok, or is there something a bit
excellent. The trouble is that it’s almost too unusual? These things help keep you alert,
comfortable. And it’s certainly not a labour- but if an approaching train has a driver
intensive train to drive.’ waving his hands wildly, you could also be
the first to report a problem to Control.’
08 //

9. Driving
We get a double yellow, a single yellow and
finally a red on the approach to Birmingham
International. Bob slows the train right
down, Virgin’s professional driving policy
being to approach red signals at no more
than 20 mph (though this drops to 10 in
low adhesion conditions). Bob’s never had
a cat A SPAD, but he’s experienced cat
Bs and Cs, which can be more unnerving:
‘You never know why that signal reverted,’
Royal Train Winners
he says. ‘It could be a car on the line, a During the summer, Commander
trespasser – anything. It’s best not to make Patrick Lacey, Head of Royal Travel,
(Birmingham) assumptions.’ presented a number of rail staff with
International perspective the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for
After a short stop, we head into New their services to the Royal Train.
Our first station stop comes at 11:13. As Street, where our train terminates. As we
we pull in to Milton Keynes, I notice a sign walk back down the platform, I ask Bob The full roll call is:
reminding drivers that the platform’s on the if he has any Golden Rules. ‘If you’re on From Network Rail:
right. ‘Some people might see that and say locomotives,’ he says, ‘I advise trainees to Bob Dewhurst
“are drivers stupid or something”,’ laughs keep their engine room lights on – if you Graham Serrell
Bob. ‘But we used to pull in to the platform need to leave your seat quickly, you don’t Craig Stanbridge
opposite, releasing the doors on the left want it to be dark when you go in there to Derek Whittle
– and you get used to that – it becomes sort it out. Another one is never put your
part of your route knowledge. So that sign From DB Schenker:
bag between you and the exit – that’s
is a very effective way of reminding us of Nick Edwards
obvious.’
the change, and of helping to reduce the Wayne Millard, (Engineer at Bescot)
chance of opening the off side doors.’ Peter Richardson and John Best,
(Engineers at Wolverton)
Getting the ‘Right Away’ again, we’re soon
up to linespeed as we continue our journey Drivers:
north. The momentum is such that we’re Bob Fraser (Acton)
able to coast from Rugby to our next stop Joe Paxton (Bescot)
at Coventry. Bob turns to me for a moment. Frank Sutton (Bescot)
‘You are very much alone in the cab of a Mike Smurthwaite (Bristol)
Pendolino,’ he says. ‘When you get out Steve Bates (Bristol)
at journey’s end, it’s nice to walk up the Willie Ward (Carlisle)
platform and chat to or acknowledge the Colin Park (Carlisle)
Train Manager, or platform staff. We’re all Chris Kneale (Crewe)
part of the same family. Although I must Joe Wray (Doncaster)
‘But the best piece of advice is this: Never Colin Newcombe (Doncaster)
say that doesn’t bother a driver too much
assume – you might think you know what’s Eddie Evans (Eastleigh)
– we tend to be comfortable in our own
coming, but every trip is different – never Wayne Thompson (Eastleigh)
company. If you weren’t, you couldn’t do
get blasé about the same old signals being Andy Denton (Healey Mills)
the job.’
the same old aspects each day. You just Andy Flett (Hither Green)
‘It can be harder for those who come to never know.’ Rod Gray (Ipswich)
driving from other grades, or industries, Phil George (Margam)
Thanks to Bob Dunn, Instructor Driver,
where they might be more used to talking Campbell Pow (Mossend)
Virgin Trains and Gregg Davies, Driver
to a lot of people a lot of the time.’ Dale Cowan (Mossend)
Manager, Virgin Trains.
Darren Hughes (Newport)
‘Virgin’s Millennium recruitment programme Lawrence Pierce (St Blazey)
was aimed at people from outside Darrin Hart (St Blazey)
industries. Many of us thought it’d Dave Harrison (Tyne Yard)
never work – they were driving Top Link Peter Stobbart (Tyne Yard)
expresses 12 months after joining, when Nick Roberts (Warrington)
we’d taken years to work up the grades. Lee Carley (Warrington)
But it did work, largely thanks to Virgin’s Ian Funai (Westbury)
rigorous selection process. Virgin’s also Graham Jenkins (Wembley)
very good at inviting comment from – and Steve Baxter (Wembley)
listening to – the shop floor, which is very
important.’ Right Track sends its hearty
congratulations to all.
// 09

10. The lowdown
Front-line staff are obviously very important
to Chris. He began on the Central Division
of BR’s Southern Region in 1981, a time
of peak-capped Railmen, slam-door rolling
stock – and strict Regional boundaries.
‘People talk about the barriers to
communication that have sprung up since
privatisation,’ he grins, ‘but I promise you
they were there in BR days – as I found
when trying to plan trains that spanned
two or more Divisions on the Southern, let
The lowdown: alone from the Southern to the Western or
Chris Gibb
London Midland.’ I suggest that this sort of
structure tends to feed rivalries. ‘Yes,’ Chris
agrees, ‘but this isn’t always a bad thing –
take the rivalry between the West and East
Coast Main Lines, for example. That’s been
there since the Great Race to the North
of the Victorian era. But it’s driven faster
trains, better safety and higher standards of
Right Track’s Greg Morse talks to customer service.’
Chris Gibb, Chief Operating Officer We can always improve, but
society should acknowledge that
of Virgin Trains, who explains why
the railway operates at a higher
standard of safety than the roads.
we’re all in this together Chris Gibb
The talk of rivalry leads us to one of the
Chris Gibb is a man with a keen sense of down the years. ‘Whenever I’m out with a railway’s main rivals – the motor car. ‘Car
history. ‘In order to run a safe railway,’ he driver,’ he says, ‘I’ll think to myself “that’s drivers interest me,’ says Chris. ‘In society,
says, ‘we need to learn from – and preserve Harrow, Quintinshill,” or whatever. Most of car drivers believe that they’re in control
– the lessons of the past.’ my knowledge has – quite naturally – come of all the risks. That means that when they
from books, but those of us who’ve lived have an accident, it’s just an accident.
We’re sitting in a piece of history ourselves, through a Clapham or Ladbroke Grove But on the railway, someone’s always to
this December morning: Hardwick know how important it is that we never blame.’
House, one of the old British Rail offices have another.’
put up when Euston was rebuilt in the ‘We wouldn’t dream of running trains at 80
60s. Now used by Virgin Trains, Chris We discuss how a big accident gives not mph in the fog with no signals, our drivers
has commandeered a room, having no just the industry, but also the individual, nattering on mobile phones. But that’s what
permanent London office. Not that he’s great focus. ‘It’s worth remembering,’ happens on the roads.’ Virgin has a zero
Chris explains, ‘that safety isn’t all about tolerance on mobiles in the cab, yet car
managers, processes and paper. James drivers also listen to music all the time when
We must keep reviewing risk and
Street has surely reminded us that safety is they’re on the road. We don’t allow that in
mitigation measures. We must
just as much about the front line. The fact the cab either, but should we? Would it aid
keep doing what we do safely and
that most recent high-profile accidents have concentration, or be a distraction? Or are
well.
been SPADs has created a false belief that we so safe on the railway because we don’t
Chris Gibb front-line safety means drivers, but it isn’t allow it?’
just drivers, is it? The railway is a system, in
which everyone has their part to play.’ Chris explains that training and recruitment
complaining: ‘When I worked for Cross are key. ‘We never leave it to the driver
Country, I was spending three nights away ‘Look,’ he goes on, ‘it’s easy for on the railway,’ he says. ‘Recruitment in
from home,’ he explains. ‘Now I’m with management to get distracted by other the railway industry is different now. In BR
West Coast, it’s dropped to two!’ things and not stand on the platform days, Traction Trainees would be asked – in
watching how trains are dispatched. It’s essence – to prove that they could get up
Past and present about give-and-take: managers need to in the mornings and to provide evidence
listen – the front line have valuable inside that they’d be able to cope with the task in
Chris has an extensive knowledge and knowledge; but the front line also need to hand. I used to ask interviewees whether
understanding of most of the accidents that tell managers if something seems wrong they liked football. If they were passionate
have occurred on the West Coast Main Line about what they’re being asked to do.’
10 //

11. Newswire...
about Rangers or something, I’d let them they were in fact up to ten minutes late. Pakistan: Train collision kills 3,
talk on for a bit and probably show them Baker called for operators to return to a injures 50
the door if they said “I never miss a match” culture of ‘right time means right time’. On 17 September, a passenger
– if we had a depot full of Rangers fans, train passed a signal at danger and
then it’d be very hard to find crews for our ‘The trouble is,’ says Chris, ‘that this might struck the rear of another near Bin
Saturday afternoon trains!’ create a dangerous distraction, in that we Qasim, Karachi. A driver, guard and a
might start to go for “right time, no matter passenger were killed; 50 more were
‘Nowadays, it’s all about psychometric what”. Will conductors think they should injured.
testing, the ability to do a repetitive job cut corners, for example? The flexibility US: Passenger films CTA train
without falling asleep, and the ability to of the current arrangements means that driver texting
follow rules. We like people with opinions, the safety of those with impaired mobility A passenger on a Chicago CTA Blue
but we must have people who can follow isn’t compromised. Any over-emphasis on Line service filmed a driver texting whilst
the rules day in, day out, and always get it punctuality could undo a lot of excellent operating his train during a morning
right.’ work that’s been done to make the commute. The unidentified passenger
platform-train interface safer.’ passed his video to the local media,
Chris explains that the Pendolino has a who contacted CTA to investigate. CTA
high degree of ‘redundancy’, meaning an Before I leave, I ask Chris about the future. says it has a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ on
on-board computer system will shut down He doesn’t hesitate: ‘Our biggest challenge mobile phone use on the job, adding
that seven operators were disciplined
defective equipment in order to let the is to keep looking for safety improvements
for violating that rule in 2011.
train keep going. ‘Driving can be boring,’ and not resting on our laurels and thinking
he says. ‘But the moment something “we’re safe enough”.’ Japan: 28 hurt in landslide
goes wrong, drivers have to consider derailment
several options for what to do about it. On 25 September, heavy rains caused
We should be proud of our safety
The computer will give one answer, or a mudslide over the line in the Yokosuka
record, but remember that we’re area of Kanagawa. A passenger train,
the driver can “phone a friend” (as we call
only ever one step away from a travelling at 75 km/h, ran into debris
it), which means contacting an engineer
major media storm. between Oppama and Keikyu Taura.
who’s computer is linked to the on-board The collision caused a derailment which
equipment.’ Chris Gibb injured 28 people, including the driver,
who had seen the mudslide some 10
‘There’s also added pressure in that Virgin metres before impact, but was unable
uses regular OTMR downloads, so if a ‘The British Olympic Cycling Team was to stop the train in time.
driver’s doing something wrong, we’ll know so good partly because its Director of
India: One killed, four injured as
about it quickly – there’s no way he or she Performance believed in the power of
freight trains collide
can “square it with the Bobby” like years incremental improvements. They employed
On 3 October, a freight train struck the
ago.’ someone to keep making small changes,
rear of a stationary consist at Dagauri,
but when you add those changes all up, on the Bilaspur-Raipur section of India’s
Against the clock you find you’ve moved a long way, that South East Central Railway. A member
you’ve become a winner. That’s what we of the S&T department was killed and
Earlier in the week, Transport Minister
need in the rail industry.’ the driver and co-driver of the moving
Norman Baker had been quoted as saying
train were injured, along with two
that TOCs were being ‘totally dishonest’ others. Four wagons were derailed.
with passengers on punctuality by
Slovakia: 23 hurt in passenger
‘pretending’ that trains were on time when
train collision
At 15:24 (local time) on 26 October,
a passenger train struck the rear of
a stationary service in Bratislava.
Twenty-three were injured. Preliminary
investigations suggest that the driver of
the incoming train passed a signal at
danger.
Be safe – log on to
opsweb.co.uk Australia: Train derails after
striking lorry on crossing; 1 killed
At 11:42 (local time) on 3 November,
a lorry drove through the barriers at a
Have you seen the new section on level crossing in Dandenong and was
managing fatigue? struck by an oncoming passenger train.
The force of the collision tore open
the leading carriage and derailed the
Log on at www.opsweb.co.uk following four of the six-car formation.
One passenger was killed and 12 were
Opsweb is the website of the Operations Focus Group injured. The train driver was trapped in
(OFG) a cross-industry programme facilitated by RSSB
the cab for an hour and was later taken
Opsweb is the website of the Operations Focus Group (OFG) a cross-industry programme facilitated by RSSB
to hospital in a coma.
// 11

12. walk out to
winter
DB Schenker’s Nick Edwards talks about how we should
Caldercruix on the Airdrie-Bathgate line in December 2010. Photo: Network Rail
prepare for the effects of the colder season.
If, on the morning of 5 January 2010, you Days earlier, only the quick reaction of a What became evident was that the blanket
had stood on the footbridge at the small signaller prevented a serious incident further arrangements in existing rules did not
Highland station of Carrbridge looking South at Carstairs when another freight ran adequately address severe winter weather
south, you would have seen an almost away due to severe weather conditions. conditions for all types of train and stock.
perfect Christmas card vista of virgin
snow between the platforms, weighing Even by Scottish standards, the winter of During the early part of 2010, there were
the boughs of the trees, buildings and 2009/2010 came early and was particularly numerous incidents caused by harsh
structures wearing a jaunty cap of bad. Further south, nearly all parts of the weather conditions. Some were predictable,
fresh show and the railway stretching UK saw substantial falls of snow and day others less so - like a train narrowly avoiding
away Aviemore. All that was missing after day of freezing temperatures. One passing a signal at danger. When the train
was a robin hippety-hopping along the satellite photo showed the whole country was examined it was found that several
platform fence. under a blanket of white. Prior to this, brake release cords had accumulated large
winters had been benign for well over a chunks of ice/snow and this weight was
Turn 180 degrees and an altogether decade. What was to follow the incidents of having the effect of releasing the brakes.
different prospect faced you. Down late 2009 and early 2010 was a root-and-
between the trees, several metres below branch review of how trains operate in the
the Up platform, was a Class 66 followed snow.
by a disarray of vehicles, their curtain-
sided swap bodies tossed around like In the immediate aftermath of the incidents,
toys. Between the two platforms, vehicles numerous operating digests were issued to
lay at right-angles to the track and further address what was becoming a very difficult
swap bodies are strewn across the railway. period for operators.
Amidst this lay the remains of a signal
Pre-empting recommendations from any
flattened during the derailment. Further
of the three independent investigations
north, the rest of the train remained on the
the Rail Freight Operators Group (RFOG)
track and upright. This was the result of a
also set up a small sub-group to produce
freight derailing after going out of control
a Code of Practice for operating in winter
descending the legendary Slochd Summit.
conditions. In addition, RFOG made
a proposal to review the Rule Book Photo: Network Rail
requirements.
12 //

13. Winter Conditions Newswire...
Egypt: 50 killed as train strikes
school bus; crossing keeper
arrested for ‘sleeping on job’
On 17 November a school bus carrying
around 60 pre-school children was
struck on a level crossing near Manfalut,
some 230 miles south of Cairo. At
least 50 children and the bus driver
were killed and more than a dozen
were injured. It has been reported that
the crossing keeper was arrested for
sleeping on duty. The Egyptian transport
minister and the head of the railway
authority have resigned.
UK: Rail worker killed in road
traffic accident
On the afternoon of 18 November, a
Network Rail employee on duty was
killed when his car left the southbound
The derailed train at Carrbridge as depicted in RAIB’s report (Photo: Copyright RAIB) carriageway of the A12 at Capel St
Mary, struck a tree and overturned.
The length of the cord was within industry The need for vigilance during train This is the first workforce fatality to have
specifications/parameters and the depth of preparation was also emphasised: trains occurred since July 2011. The RED 35
DVD will include more information on
snow did not exceed the then Rule Book were not permitted to start their journey
rail-related road vehicle safety.
requirements. unless the vehicles were free from
contamination. UK: King’s Cross anniversary
The results of the investigations, rule marked
reviews and the production of the Code of Although it might seem to go without
On 18 November, a service was held at
Practice were in place before the winter of saying, any task is made more difficult the Blessed Sacrament church to mark
2010/2011. when snow and ice are present. Staff the 25th anniversary of the King’s Cross
consistently reported unsafe conditions and Tube tragedy, in which 31 people were
2010 ended as it had begun: heavy snow carried out tasks at a slower but safer pace. killed and over 100 were injured when
disrupted rail and road systems from late Staff prepared for winter earlier making sure a wooden escalator caught fire. It is
November. Staff had been briefed on the essential supplies required to treat surfaces thought that a discarded match began
changes to rules and to the best practice the blaze.
and rail vehicles were in place during the
contained in the Code of Practice and autumn. Italy: Six killed as train strikes van
whilst road transport continued to be at crossing
disrupted, rail services continued, albeit We’ve already seen very wintry conditions
At 17:15 (local time) on 25 November,
subject to expected and understandable and substantial snow at the start of 2013,
six people were killed when a train
delay, without incident. It appeared that the and although we can never be sure if we’ll struck a van at a private crossing
harsh lessons from the previous winter had see more of the same this year or the next, in Rossanoy. The van, carrying fruit
been learnt. So what exactly were those we can’t be complacent. The four key harvesters back from an orchard site,
lessons? messages are: was dragged 600 metres before it came
to rest. There were no injuries to those
on board the train. It is understood that
‘…the need to carry • Prepare early for winter; the accident occurred while the van
driver was waiting for the barriers to be
out running brake tests • Take time when carrying opened manually.
became entrenched…’ out tasks and report unsafe
conditions;
UK: Collision at Beech Hill AHB
kills child
• Follow the rules that are in place At 12:34 on 4 December, a single-car
Well, the need to carry out running brake to facilitate safe working in passenger service struck a road vehicle
tests became entrenched. Several trains winter; at Beech Hill AHB. The train was not
were stopped after drivers reported poor derailed by the impact, but the road
braking during running brake tests. When • Be aware of, and follow, any vehicle was knocked clear of the line.
the train was inspected, build-ups of snow company instructions regarding Its driver escaped significant injury, but
and ice between the brake blocks and train working in winter. the only other occupant, a four-year-
old child, later died of her injuries in
wheels were found. This had to be removed
hospital.
before the trains could go forward safely.
// 13

14. RAIB report brief:
let’s twist again Photo: DB Schenker
Freight train derailment at Bordesley The derailed wheels ran in the four-foot The trouble was they carried out work in the
Junction: 26 August 2011 of the Down Camp Hill, striking and wrong place. The track twists at Bordesley
damaging two sets of points before a Junction were also identified as repeat track
Things always go better when people crossover guided them back towards the geometry faults, but no action was taken to
work together. Just look at the Olympics Up Camp Hill. They re-railed again, but the investigate why they kept happening.
– millions of people all getting to where driver realised that the train was slowing
they need to, thanks to rail staff doing and noticed that the brake pressure was In short, the track twist and the worn
their bit together. Unfortunately, things ebbing. He tried to release the brakes, but wagon suspension combined to create the
that cause accidents can also ‘do their the pressure fell again, so he brought the accident.
bit’ and together – and when they do, an train to a stand.
incident usually follows, as the derailment What’s been done?
at Bordesley Junction on 26 August 2011 At the same time, another freight was
RAIB made four recommendations,
demonstrated… approaching on the adjacent line. Its driver
covering improving the way problems
saw the signal change from green to red in
What happened? with a whole wagon fleet are handled
front of him. There were also clouds of dust
when parts of that fleet are owned by
coming from the rear of the oncoming train.
The story began just after 11pm the night several companies, reviewing how PHA
He reached for the brake handle…
before, when an empty aggregates train left suspensions are maintained, modifying the
Banbury for the Lafarge depot in Barrow- The two trains stopped alongside each suspensions to reduce the number and
on-Soar. other and both drivers escaped injury. duration of lock ups, and changing the
way staff controlling on-track machines are
After being looped at Small Heath for about What did RAIB find? briefed.
half an hour, the train got the road and
moved out onto the Down Main. The signal RAIB’s investigation found that the 28th On 23 September 2011, Network Rail
ahead was red, so the driver applied the wagon of the train derailed when its leading measured a track twist at the point of
brakes and brought it to a stand. As the right-hand wheel flange climbed onto derailment. Repairs undertaken on 29
wheels stopped rolling, the signal changed the rail just before the junction. This was September reduced the twist significantly.
to a proceed aspect, so he applied traction because the dynamic load on this wheel
before letting the ‘66’ coast as it moved was reduced by a combination of factors Network Rail has also said it will be
onto a falling gradient near Bordesley related to the wagon’s suspension and the reminding staff about repeat track geometry
Junction. The train began to slow as it track geometry. faults, carrying out repairs in the right
passed over the pointwork and by the time place, observing the track under traffic and
the 28th wagon was about 5 metres off, its Behind this were problems with the measuring voids, the correct planning of
speed had fallen to 11 mph. maintenance process for wagon tamping work and contingency planning
suspension systems, which find and put in the event of the partial completion of a
Flange climb right worn suspension components on the tamping shift.
wagon. Furthermore, no changes were
As the wagon approached the junction, made to its suspension following testing in Furthermore, rolling stock maintainer
the flange of its front right-hand wheel 2009, which showed that the suspension Wabtec has begun a programme of work to
climbed onto the railhead, rode the top of on PHAs was prone to locking up. Indeed, modify the suspensions on Lafarge’s fleet
rail for 3.6 metres and derailed to the right no one really took this matter in hand. of PHAs. Lafarge expects this work to be
on plain line. The rear wheelset – and all of completed within 18 months.
the wheels of the next three PHAs – were RAIB also found that track twists in the
pulled off as they reached the crossing. The vicinity of derailment had been present
driver felt a snatch, but this wasn’t unusual for a long time, Network Rail staff having
when coasting at this point. attended to them six times during 2011.
14 //