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A career as a signaller

Joined
24 Jul 2011
Messages
501
Location
Wigan
I know of one driver who is convinced that SG stands for Signal Go as every time he presses that button, the signal clears. :lol:
Love this! :lol:

For me personally, I don't have a problem with drivers sending an SG once at a red signal. It can be handy to receive one when things are busy. I've had a few occasions where drivers have sent one on the approach to signals that are approach controlled though - not a lot can be done in these instances. :D
 
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RailUK Forums

Rizz

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2022
Messages
8
Location
London
Hello all!







Finally got my IST date.







3rd Jan at James Forbes House in London.







This is three weeks earlier than my original start date so huzzah for that.











Anyone else starting there and then?



They do training in London too?? You are so lucky! (If you live local to London). Good Luck with it all!
 

Kraken

Member
Joined
22 Mar 2020
Messages
270
Location
Lincolnshire
I’m interested to know how the signallers feel when a driver used SG at a red.

According to the rule book if you cannot see an obvious reason to be standing at red then the SG should be used within 2 mins, but ideally straight away.

My instructor cringes when I do this like it’s some real irritant to the signaller and almost offensive to them.

Personally I don’t see it as a problem but I’d like to hear from signallers on this matter.

Almost always it’s not a problem, if I’m going to be pulling off in the next 1-3 minutes I’ll just send a ‘Wait’, if not then I’ll usually give you a courtesy call to let you know what the problem is and how long you might be there.

What really does make me roll my eyes is almost every night a specific freight train goes away at one of our boxes to let another specific freight train past. This happens probably 5 nights a week. One driver, when he is waiting in the goods loop, habitually presses SG about two minutes after this second train has passed as if to hurry me up with clearing the signal for him to head off. The section is about four minutes long so there’s nothing I can do and 90% of the time he’s getting out of there about 25 minutes early. I get it if the train has been past ages ago and you’re approaching your booked time - but give me a chance! I believe this is the school who think that SG is ‘Summon Green’.
 

Thelastofus84

Member
Joined
15 Aug 2022
Messages
6
Location
Whitehaven
Got the unsuccessful email today. My scenario assessment was shockingly bad so I am not surprised. I don't think I would've been able to accept the job offer anyways tbh.
 

Leeward

Member
Joined
10 Jun 2022
Messages
59
Location
Birmingham
Got the unsuccessful email today. My scenario assessment was shockingly bad so I am not surprised. I don't think I would've been able to accept the job offer anyways tbh.

Sorry to hear that pal. I didn't like the scenario assessment either. While I get what they are after, it's weird and unnatural.

I have absolutely no idea how to improve on it next time. :s
 

Thelastofus84

Member
Joined
15 Aug 2022
Messages
6
Location
Whitehaven
Sorry to hear this. Did you get to the interview stage? You should certainly apply again.
Yeah mate I got to the interview stage. It was my first application so I should be proud I got this far. I'll definitely apply again.

Sorry to hear that pal. I didn't like the scenario assessment either. While I get what they are after, it's weird and unnatural.

I have absolutely no idea how to improve on it next time. :s
Cheers mate, maybe next time eh? Yeah I totally get you, I just need to improve my communication and be more clear and concise. At least next time I'll know what to expect.
 
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Peak

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2022
Messages
7
Location
Northumberland
Hello all! Firstly I'd like to echo what others have said, this thread has been a valuable source of information. There's a ton of information and it took some time to plough through but it's worthwhile, if like me, you're coming at this from outside of the industry. Thank you to all those who have contributed

I'm delighted to have had 'the call' from HR - I've been successful and I'll be off to school (all being well) end of Jan / start of Feb whoop whoop :D:D

I've got a couple of questions that may have been covered (apologies if I've missed them) but perhaps some of the old salts on here can chime in!

The first is related to night shifts. Having never worked nights are there any tips on how to cope with them... I'm guessing you can either deal with them or you can't? Clearly, it's going to be different for different folks but how long does it take to adjust and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again after a run of nights? There were some excellent tips in this thread on what to take to work with you so perhaps there's some night shift best practice that can be shared.

The second is related to the shift pattern. The box where I'll be working is 12hr shifts weekdays and 8hr weekends. During the interview, I asked what the rota typically looks like and the answer was 72hrs over a 13 day period. In the depths of this thread someone kindly posted a rota but it was for a box in Sussex which included earlies, lates, nights, 12hr nights and 12hr days so not really applicable to me. Could anyone who has experience of this shift pattern possibly share what their rota? Like those before me, I'm trying to get a feel for how my work / life balance will look.

Many thanks and again, I'm sorry if I've missed the answer elsewhere in the thread.
 

HamSandwich

Member
Joined
19 May 2020
Messages
71
Location
Earth
Hello all! Firstly I'd like to echo what others have said, this thread has been a valuable source of information. There's a ton of information and it took some time to plough through but it's worthwhile, if like me, you're coming at this from outside of the industry. Thank you to all those who have contributed

I'm delighted to have had 'the call' from HR - I've been successful and I'll be off to school (all being well) end of Jan / start of Feb whoop whoop :D:D

I've got a couple of questions that may have been covered (apologies if I've missed them) but perhaps some of the old salts on here can chime in!

The first is related to night shifts. Having never worked nights are there any tips on how to cope with them... I'm guessing you can either deal with them or you can't? Clearly, it's going to be different for different folks but how long does it take to adjust and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again after a run of nights? There were some excellent tips in this thread on what to take to work with you so perhaps there's some night shift best practice that can be shared.

The second is related to the shift pattern. The box where I'll be working is 12hr shifts weekdays and 8hr weekends. During the interview, I asked what the rota typically looks like and the answer was 72hrs over a 13 day period. In the depths of this thread someone kindly posted a rota but it was for a box in Sussex which included earlies, lates, nights, 12hr nights and 12hr days so not really applicable to me. Could anyone who has experience of this shift pattern possibly share what their rota? Like those before me, I'm trying to get a feel for how my work / life balance will look.

Many thanks and again, I'm sorry if I've missed the answer elsewhere in the thread.

Hello Peak :) and congratulations. I find the best way to get used to nights is to really rest on your rest days, I take it verrrry easy and do my best to get a decent kip in at home.

Are you going to the West Line (Newcastle to Carlisle)? Your shift pattern sounds like mine, which is:

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat
RD RD RD night night night RD
RD RD RD RD day day late
late night night RD RD RD early
early day day day RD RD RD
 

Peak

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2022
Messages
7
Location
Northumberland
Thank you very much! and thank you for the info... it's exactly what I'm looking for as I am going to the West Line!

I'm pretty adept at sitting on my ass so taking it easy on rest days won't be a problem :lol:

I can't wait to get cracking now, still the medical, DBS and drugs & alcohol test to do but that should be just a formality.

I can't PM you until I've posted 10 times but it'd be good to introduce myself properly. I'm looking forward to being part of the team!
 

Kraken

Member
Joined
22 Mar 2020
Messages
270
Location
Lincolnshire
Got the unsuccessful email today. My scenario assessment was shockingly bad so I am not surprised. I don't think I would've been able to accept the job offer anyways tbh.

Keep plugging away chap, you’ll get there, 10th application for me and there’s others on here who got the job after more than that
Hello all! Firstly I'd like to echo what others have said, this thread has been a valuable source of information. There's a ton of information and it took some time to plough through but it's worthwhile, if like me, you're coming at this from outside of the industry. Thank you to all those who have contributed

I'm delighted to have had 'the call' from HR - I've been successful and I'll be off to school (all being well) end of Jan / start of Feb whoop whoop :D:D

I've got a couple of questions that may have been covered (apologies if I've missed them) but perhaps some of the old salts on here can chime in!

The first is related to night shifts. Having never worked nights are there any tips on how to cope with them... I'm guessing you can either deal with them or you can't? Clearly, it's going to be different for different folks but how long does it take to adjust and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again after a run of nights? There were some excellent tips in this thread on what to take to work with you so perhaps there's some night shift best practice that can be shared.

The second is related to the shift pattern. The box where I'll be working is 12hr shifts weekdays and 8hr weekends. During the interview, I asked what the rota typically looks like and the answer was 72hrs over a 13 day period. In the depths of this thread someone kindly posted a rota but it was for a box in Sussex which included earlies, lates, nights, 12hr nights and 12hr days so not really applicable to me. Could anyone who has experience of this shift pattern possibly share what their rota? Like those before me, I'm trying to get a feel for how my work / life balance will look.

Many thanks and again, I'm sorry if I've missed the answer elsewhere in the thread.

I really couldn’t cope with nights at first, I was waking up every 30 minutes and struggling to get more than about 4 hours sleep a day. By the end of a run of 6 nights I was absolutely done in, particularly as napping in the box can be difficult.

What really made a massive difference was not bringing my phone to bed with me and, most importantly, getting cassette blackout blinds in my bedroom. These sit inside channels at the edges with brushes in them and I can’t see my hand in front of my face when they’re down, even on a bright sunny morning. Would 100% recommend. I’ve got ones like these:


I’m not sure if this is good advice but I also don’t bother trying to sleep on the day before my first night shift. This means when I get home after that I’m absolutely knackered and go to sleep straight away. I find this helps me with the ‘jet lag’ effect of changing your sleep pattern.
 

Peak

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2022
Messages
7
Location
Northumberland
Thanks Kraken, some good advice... and yes, taking your phone to bed is lethal, hours just disappear in an internet wormhole. Forget to turn it off and you're guaranteed someone will try to call you about 'your recent accident' / 'home boiler upgrade' etc..

Do you still tend to eat your main meal around tea time and have a smaller bite at breakfast or do you find yourself eating much later on and then maybe having a brew and a snack when you return home? If you don't mind me asking did working night shifts effect your weight / general mood? Sorry if this is a little off topic, I guess I'll figure out what works for me in due course but grateful for the tips!
 

Open_G

Member
Joined
6 May 2022
Messages
74
Location
E Yorks
Re nights. I haven’t yet started with NR but have many years exp of night shifts working at airports. 18:00-0600 and 19:00-0700 mostly. 4 days followed by 4 nights.

I would chill and try and have an afternoon nap prior to my nights and then have a beer and a rum in the morning when I came in from work after my last night. It made a big difference at certain times of the year to get to sleep while it was still dark. I found the sun to be an energy boost during summer months when it came up but not as much fun to get to sleep to.

Also blackout blinds and curtains are godsend.

The toughest hours were 2-3:30am but then at the airport we were massively busy from 3:30 to home time so it passed pretty quickly.

I’d also add I’d get up at about 14:00 on my first day off to try and get back into the day routine.
 
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ChrisRS

Member
Joined
17 Jan 2019
Messages
146
The first is related to night shifts. Having never worked nights are there any tips on how to cope with them... I'm guessing you can either deal with them or you can't? Clearly, it's going to be different for different folks but how long does it take to adjust and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again after a run of nights? There were some excellent tips in this thread on what to take to work with you so perhaps there's some night shift best practice that can be shared.
Everyone's different when it comes to working nights. Personally I prefer working the 12 hour night shift, roads aren't too bad coming into work and practically empty on the commute back home.

Also the amount of trains you signal at least in my area is quieter through the night, less work to do.

I can happily do a nightshift, drive home and get straight to bed I'll usually be asleep within 10 minutes. Wake up around 12-13:30ish and feel fine enough to continue on with the day.

You definitely need some blackout curtains, or what I've got is blackout curtains plus thermal liners behind them for the winter but double up as extra light blockers!
 

Ross Mckenzie

Member
Joined
7 Jan 2013
Messages
8
Location
Cumbria
Hello all! Firstly I'd like to echo what others have said, this thread has been a valuable source of information. There's a ton of information and it took some time to plough through but it's worthwhile, if like me, you're coming at this from outside of the industry. Thank you to all those who have contributed

I'm delighted to have had 'the call' from HR - I've been successful and I'll be off to school (all being well) end of Jan / start of Feb whoop whoop :D:D

I've got a couple of questions that may have been covered (apologies if I've missed them) but perhaps some of the old salts on here can chime in!

The first is related to night shifts. Having never worked nights are there any tips on how to cope with them... I'm guessing you can either deal with them or you can't? Clearly, it's going to be different for different folks but how long does it take to adjust and how long does it take to feel 'normal' again after a run of nights? There were some excellent tips in this thread on what to take to work with you so perhaps there's some night shift best practice that can be shared.

The second is related to the shift pattern. The box where I'll be working is 12hr shifts weekdays and 8hr weekends. During the interview, I asked what the rota typically looks like and the answer was 72hrs over a 13 day period. In the depths of this thread someone kindly posted a rota but it was for a box in Sussex which included earlies, lates, nights, 12hr nights and 12hr days so not really applicable to me. Could anyone who has experience of this shift pattern possibly share what their rota? Like those before me, I'm trying to get a feel for how my work / life balance will look.

Many thanks and again, I'm sorry if I've missed the answer elsewhere in the thread.
Well done mate. I also got 'the call' for Hexham as well :D. I'm over the border in the darkest depths of Cumbria. Looks like were in the same.....box. Like you, can't wait to get stuck in. We'll definitely exchange notes at some point.
 
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y0rkie287

Member
Joined
30 Jun 2022
Messages
35
Location
Skegness
Just did the online tests again. Most definitely did better than last time but that Grid challenge is still a *******, eh? Haha.
I hated that, 2 or 3 dots isn't an issue, when you start getting 4 or 5 then it's a whole different ball game

Think the offer originally came through in April this year. It’s been quite some time waiting.
it's a long time to wait, my offer was in July, i'm just glad I aren't in desperate need for money in the meantime
 

Peak

Member
Joined
23 Nov 2022
Messages
7
Location
Northumberland
Congratulations Ross, it's a great feeling for sure! Medical booked for next Friday in NCL... who knows we might be going to sig school together 8-)
 

nom de guerre

Member
Joined
24 Nov 2015
Messages
784
Has anyone got any information on what the Wembley mainline box is like and an example of the rota you may get.

There are two links, Mainline (G9) and Suburban (G7). Both work a 12hr roster (07/19).

Unsurprisingly, Mainline controls the WCML from Euston - Kings Langley / St Albans Abbey branch (three panels and a workstation at the Watford end). Suburban is a single-manned workstation, handling the local DC lines from South Hampstead - Watford Jn.

A sample four-week period on the standard Mainline link would be something like:

(Su - Sa)

Off 07 P1 07 P1 07 P1 RD RD 19 P1
19 P1 19 P1 19 P1 RD RD RD RD
Off RD RD RD RD 07 P2 07 P2
07 P2 RD RD 19 P2 19 P2 19 P2 RD

P1 = Panel 1, etc
 

LC346

Member
Joined
20 Oct 2022
Messages
17
Location
Hertfordshire
There are two links, Mainline (G9) and Suburban (G7). Both work a 12hr roster (07/19).

Unsurprisingly, Mainline controls the WCML from Euston - Kings Langley / St Albans Abbey branch (three panels and a workstation at the Watford end). Suburban is a single-manned workstation, handling the local DC lines from South Hampstead - Watford Jn.

A sample four-week period on the standard Mainline link would be something like:

(Su - Sa)

Off 07 P1 07 P1 07 P1 RD RD 19 P1
19 P1 19 P1 19 P1 RD RD RD RD
Off RD RD RD RD 07 P2 07 P2
07 P2 RD RD 19 P2 19 P2 19 P2 RD

P1 = Panel 1, etc
Thanks for the info. Are you based at one of the boxes in wembley? I live near Watford so if theres a box near there thats even better. Rota looks good. I have my interview in a few weeks for wembley mainline grade 8 but maybe the interview will cover the other boxes in wembley.
 

nom de guerre

Member
Joined
24 Nov 2015
Messages
784
Good luck! Sounds like I misremembered and Mainline is an 8, rather than a 9. There are other boxes in the Wembley area, but if you're being interviewed for Mainline, it'll be for a job there (rather than 'somewhere in the Wembley area').

There's nothing nearer to Watford since the box there closed around a decade ago. The nearest station is Stonebridge Park, so maybe 30 minutes by train - not too bad.
 

Open_G

Member
Joined
6 May 2022
Messages
74
Location
E Yorks
Signalling and PPE query:

While this is not an issue, -I've worked in environments where PPE was essential and standard, I was starting to wonder if safety boots/shoes are a necessary for working... I'm a size 14 in standard shoes, so footwear is a daily problem in most aspects of my life. If needed, I'd like to start the process of looking at a good pair of boots now, as I am very particular about what I wear on my feet.
 

godfreycomplex

Established Member
Joined
23 Jun 2016
Messages
1,484
Signalling and PPE query:

While this is not an issue, -I've worked in environments where PPE was essential and standard, I was starting to wonder if safety boots/shoes are a necessary for working... I'm a size 14 in standard shoes, so footwear is a daily problem in most aspects of my life. If needed, I'd like to start the process of looking at a good pair of boots now, as I am very particular about what I wear on my feet.
I’m size 15, welcome to the club!!

All depends where you’re going, I’m very fortunate that A - none of the places I’ve worked require going on ballast and B - my management treat me like an adult and don’t expect me to go to work in fancy dress where it isn’t necessary for safety, so I’ve been able to wear just normal trainers.

In re of safety shoes I’ve some Size 15 safety boots that are slightly uncomfortable but do the job, they’re not NR issue and I can’t remember the make I’m afraid but they do exist so it’s a possibility.
 

AVK17

Member
Joined
17 Sep 2022
Messages
87
Location
Great Britain
Signalling and PPE query:

While this is not an issue, -I've worked in environments where PPE was essential and standard, I was starting to wonder if safety boots/shoes are a necessary for working... I'm a size 14 in standard shoes, so footwear is a daily problem in most aspects of my life. If needed, I'd like to start the process of looking at a good pair of boots now, as I am very particular about what I wear on my feet.
If you’re going to be working a box where you have to go outside to operate a level cossing, swing bridge or some similar niche item of equipment then you’ll need to wear safety boots with ankle support while you do that. Safety shoes/trainers and rigger boots are not permitted.

Otherwise when you’re inside the signalbox anything (more or less) goes. Some areas don’t issue signallers with boots at all because they never set foot on the ballast, some areas do issue them but only expect you to have them available if you need to go on the track for whatever reason. Authorised walking routes to/from signalboxes generally don’t require safety boots to be worn. Your LOM will be able to give you chapter and verse of what they expect you to wear.
 
Joined
15 Apr 2020
Messages
353
Location
Wakefield
Signalling and PPE query:

While this is not an issue, -I've worked in environments where PPE was essential and standard, I was starting to wonder if safety boots/shoes are a necessary for working... I'm a size 14 in standard shoes, so footwear is a daily problem in most aspects of my life. If needed, I'd like to start the process of looking at a good pair of boots now, as I am very particular about what I wear on my feet.
As part of your medical you will get your feet properly measured (or at least, you should - and can ask if they don’t). From this then NR will be able to order the correct size - or if they can’t get them, you will be able to reclaim the cost of buying them yourself.
The suppliers are good and do half sizes and wide/narrow widths, and a variety of insoles etc, and I’d be surprised if you were the first employee with big feet.

All that being said, many locations have zero requirements for PPE and as cost saving measures have stopped ordering them as a default.
 

Llanigraham

On Moderation
Joined
23 Mar 2013
Messages
6,371
Location
Powys
As part of your medical you will get your feet properly measured (or at least, you should - and can ask if they don’t). From this then NR will be able to order the correct size - or if they can’t get them, you will be able to reclaim the cost of buying them yourself.
The suppliers are good and do half sizes and wide/narrow widths, and a variety of insoles etc, and I’d be surprised if you were the first employee with big feet.

All that being said, many locations have zero requirements for PPE and as cost saving measures have stopped ordering them as a default.

Really? I doubt that very much, especially as a signaller, and certainly not if you are going into a Control Centre where there is no access to the trackside. I certainly wasn't and I went into a mechanical, line-side Box.

And checking, it isn't included in the details of the current signaller's medical.
 
Joined
15 Apr 2020
Messages
353
Location
Wakefield
Really? I doubt that very much, especially as a signaller, and certainly not if you are going into a Control Centre where there is no access to the trackside. I certainly wasn't and I went into a mechanical, line-side Box.

And checking, it isn't included in the details of the current signaller's medical.
Well, I had mine done, so we can only offer what we know!
It may be region specific but all signallers in my route get a full medical including lifestyle questions etc on a 3 yearly cycle now.

It’s basically a moot point - if you need the PPE they can/will measure your feet, if you don’t need the boots then no worries about the size!
 

Seejwalker

Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
562
Re nights. I haven’t yet started with NR but have many years exp of night shifts working at airports. 18:00-0600 and 19:00-0700 mostly. 4 days followed by 4 nights.

I would chill and try and have an afternoon nap prior to my nights and then have a beer and a rum in the morning when I came in from work after my last night. It made a big difference at certain times of the year to get to sleep while it was still dark. I found the sun to be an energy boost during summer months when it came up but not as much fun to get to sleep to.

Also blackout blinds and curtains are godsend.

The toughest hours were 2-3:30am but then at the airport we were massively busy from 3:30 to home time so it passed pretty quickly.

I’d also add I’d get up at about 14:00 on my first day off to try and get back into the day routine.
You’re in for one hell of a surprise, there’s nothing that compares to Network Rail night shifts.
 

y0rkie287

Member
Joined
30 Jun 2022
Messages
35
Location
Skegness
Really? I doubt that very much, especially as a signaller, and certainly not if you are going into a Control Centre where there is no access to the trackside. I certainly wasn't and I went into a mechanical, line-side Box.

And checking, it isn't included in the details of the current signaller's medical.
i had my medical within the last 2 months and definitely had my feet measured, don't think it really matters though as i filled in the ppe form then got an email saying i had been sent the form by accident and my signaller role did not require ppe
 

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