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How do drivers take toilet breaks?

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Robnw67

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Apologies if this is distasteful or covered elsewhere, but it is a genuine question that I just don't know the answer to. How do train drivers take toilet breaks? I was particularly considering drivers of long distance routes or freight trains where access to the train lavatories or station toilet facilities are not available.
I didn't know which forum was most suitable, so just dumped it in the general discussion area..............!
 
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underbank

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A few times on the Crewe webcam, the Sleeper driver gets out his cab and wees on the line in front of the loco. Presumably they don't know about the webcam?
 

trebor79

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When I was doing long glider flights we just used to use a plastic freezer bag. Tying a knot in it whilst attempting to fly the glider and not spill anything could be a bit of a challenge.
I once gave up and shoved it out of the small opening panel on the canopy. When I landed there was yellow ice streaked down the fuselage.
 

O L Leigh

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In the cab with the paper
Planning and coordination. You need to balance how much you drink against how far you’re going, the availability of toilets en route and the time needed to use them.

I always “go” before I go no matter what, so I’m starting with empty tanks. I’ve never yet had to resort to the old Oasis bottle trick, but I have stepped off and been bursting before. If it was a real emergency I would take an extended station stop to attend to nature’s call. I can’t imagine that control could complain about it.
 

DarloRich

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I have seen a long freight train grind to a halt on P3 at Milton Keynes and noted the driver leaving his cab "at the double" into the station toilets. I don't think anyone can complain about needing the toilet!

PS NEVER pick up bottles should you find yourself on the track.
 

jon0844

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Planning and coordination. You need to balance how much you drink against how far you’re going, the availability of toilets en route and the time needed to use them.

I always “go” before I go no matter what, so I’m starting with empty tanks. I’ve never yet had to resort to the old Oasis bottle trick, but I have stepped off and been bursting before. If it was a real emergency I would take an extended station stop to attend to nature’s call. I can’t imagine that control could complain about it.

It would be the opposite of taking the p***!
 

O L Leigh

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Why women don't work in the rail industry thread.

For freight perhaps, yes. But the only real restriction is on the need to go “al fresco”, as even freight trains pass through stations with toilet facilities, as @DarloRich notes.

**EDIT**

Besides, what I’ve outlined above does not in any way preclude women from driving, as they will need to do the same. Every driver, irrespective of gender, will have a system that works for them.
 
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Intermodal

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I wonder how long I can make my location on this f
If you need to go to the toilet, you stop somewhere and go to the toilet. Of course in most cases this can be prevented by prior planning however if it arises that it cannot be then the delay is taken and nothing can be said about it. If you've got to go you've got to go.
 

LowLevel

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Freight people just take opportunities as created I believe. Passenger drivers just try and manage and if the worst comes to the worst go to stations. If a driver stops at a random station where I work and takes their key out it's usually a sign that they've popped to the loo - on the traction I work the body side lights go out without a key in or will extinguish with the doors still open if I press the doors closed button so it's an obvious indicator to the guard not to dispatch the train.
 

pompeyfan

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I’ve heard of freight drivers making use of news paper for number 2s. Can’t be particularly dignified or sanitary.
 

4F89

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Some drivers I have spoken to have used an upturned hard hat and plastic bag... not for me thanks....
 

4F89

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(Note to self, never take a blacklight into a 66 cab)
 
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LCC106

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More worryingly how many actually sanitise their hands before touching the controls again?

One thing you CAN’T do is drive a train with a dickie tummy. When you gotta go you gotta go!
 

Meerkat

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I was concerned about those times when you feel fine then start to realise your lunch ain’t happy!

Surprised the accountants haven’t suggested commodes yet!!
 
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