Successful Signaller Application - Help Needed

[ParDanMe]

Evening all,

I applied for a position as a Grade 2 Signaller at the Daisyfield Signal Box in Blackburn in September and have recently received my formal offer letter.

I've a ton of questions which I'm sure will get answered during signalling school but I'd like to get a head start if possible. Some of them are obviously locally focused but assume can be related to many boxes/scenarios. I know there's a lot but if anyone could answer any of the questions I'd really appreciate it!

1. Is there anywhere online I could access drawings of the Ribble Valley Line which the Daisyfield signal box is situated?
2. Is the Ribble Valley line up to Hellafield and then Settle to Carlisle still used for diversions when there is maintenance or an issue with the West Coast Main Line?
3. The signal box covers the Daisyfield Junction which is between the East Lancs line and the Ribble Valley line. I would send my bell signals to the Horrocksford signal box further up the Ribble Valley line for trains heading to Clitheroe but I haven't been able to find out how an old lever frame box and power signal box (Preston) would communicate for trains going the other way. How is this done?
4. I've seen the Ribble Valley Line being reffered to as a single line (Although on google maps I can see two) - would a block token system be in use?
5. Once references have been sought and medical passed how long would it take to start signalling school? My LOM has said it should be quick as I'd be the only one for the area and should be able to quickly join onto a course.
6. I've downloaded the rule book and looked through the signalling modules but a lot of it is way over my head. I know I'm not going to be expected to know it all before I join but is there anything that would be advantageous to know beforehand?
7. Following from the rule book is there a way which is easiest to learn the bell codes?
8. I've tried to do lots of my own research with YouTube videos, other forums and what not but is there any books or magazines that could come in handy?
9. Would a computer simulation be beneficial before I go and if so is there any in particular which would be useful for a lever frame box and a new learner?

Again, thank you if anyone can answer any of the questions.

Dan

 

[woblynne]

Hi, first off congratulations on your successful application.
I can't help you on the local area questions but regarding the rule book, its best left for school as you can tie yourself up with the terminology and wording.

The bell codes are a good start to learn (even some of them). A good idea is to make up some flash cards with the bell code on one side and the meaning on the other, that way you can test yourself on both.

Do you know which school you are going to? As for how long it just depends on class numbers and what tutors are available as some cover more than one school.

Enjoy!!

 

[BRblue]

Hi, first off congratulations on your successful application.
I can't help you on the local area questions but regarding the rule book, its best left for school as you can tie yourself up with the terminology and wording.

The bell codes are a good start to learn (even some of them). A good idea is to make up some flash cards with the bell code on one side and the meaning on the other, that way you can test yourself on both.

Do you know which school you are going to? As for how long it just depends on class numbers and what tutors are available as some cover more than one school.

Enjoy!!

Having just finished signalling school myself I totally agree with woblynne... please leave the rule book well alone until you start school, it could actually make things harder for you if you start reading it beforehand.

 

[WCMLaddict]

Congratulations.

Tracks controlled by your box are simple absolute block with axle counters.
In down direction short AB section with just one signal that's home/section signal followed by IB section at Langho.
In up direction you just have distant and the stop signal protecting the level crossing and the junction.
You have a short single line in front of box that has modified working arrangements.

Are in good physical condition? I hope you are as there seems to be a lot of running up and down the stairs.

 

[Llanigraham]

I have answered you on the other forum you have posted these questions on, but shall repeat them here:
Well done in getting in.

(1 - 4)I would suggest that you didn't worry about most of these things yet as it will all be covered in your training at School and then the in-Box training.

(5) Don't know, I'm afraid.

(6) Reading the Rule Book in advance is just too confusing! When I joined, in the last 10 years, we were not expected to know any of it in advance.

(7) The only way to learn the Bell Codes is to practice them, but we weren't expected to know them all, or any of them in advance.

(8) Read "Red for Danger" by Tom Rolt, it is a good introduction, and also Adrian Vaughan's book "Obstruction Danger"

(9) Don't think so; better to go in "like a virgin"!

 

[ParDanMe]

Thank you very much for your responses. I think I'll try to learn the bell codes first and stay clear of the rule book until I start.

I've been past the box a few times as I'm local and aware of the manual crossing so whilst not in peak physical condition ha I think I'll be fine.

Really looking forward to it. Again thanks for your responses.

 

[Mikesig]

[*]Once references have been sought and medical passed how long would it take to start signalling school? My LOM has said it should be quick as I'd be the only one for the area and should be able to quickly join onto a course.

I was told I had got my job on 6th January, HR applied for references as soon as I'd accepted the offer which was a couple of days later. Medical was on 5th February and I start at signalling school on 4th April. Hope that helps with the timescale. I think I may have speeded it up slightly as I spoke to my LOM and he arranged a place at signalling school before HR had confirmed my start date.

 

[ParDanMe]

Well done for getting in too! Which box are you going to be working at and what school will you be training at?

I applied in September and once tests had been passed I had my interview in November and got told off my LOM the week after I'd got the job. However the person I was replacing didn't retire until Boxing Day and then there was an admin error so only received my formal offer on Wednesday last week. They sent out the reference requests today and my boss has replied this evening. Got my Medical on 11th March. Hope it's not going to take 4 months as it maybe a bit awkward at work ha.

 

[Mikesig]

Thanks. Well done to you too! I will be at Mobberley in Cheshire. Not had school venue confirmed but I believe it will be York

It only took as long as it did for me because I had to give 2 months notice and NR HR kept telling me that it was not advisable to hand my notice in until the pre-employment checks had been completed. Having spoken to my LOM I ended up handing it in before the medical as I was confident that I would pass it.

 

[ParDanMe]

Cool. 4th April sounds ideal for me. There's already someone waiting in the wings to replace me so my boss has said I don't have to give the full 4 weeks notice. I've not officially resigned with a finish date as of yet, just made him aware of my intention. I might give HR a call in a couple of days though explaining that if there's a spare slot on the 4th I can jump on board then providing pre-employment checks are satisfactory, again I've no worries about the medical. Been to the optician to test my eyes already and never had issues with hearing nor have I a drink or drugs problem ??????