Drivers Master Key

[lauraGeeGee]

Wasn't there a case of someone joyriding an 08 around a yard someone a few years back

I seem to remember that!!

You don't need one of those keys to start an 08 though.
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I seem to remember that!!

You don't need one of those keys to start an 08 though.

There we go:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-394297/The-teenager-went-joyriding--48-ton-train.html

 

[Stuart Galbraith]

Its a wonder noone has tried to steal a train!

You've not heard of Bruce Reynolds then?

Im curious though, was there a standard BR pattern key that fitted all units, or did it vary with make and model? Did the driver collect it when he signed on, or was he always expected to keep it?

 

[ChrisCooper]

Buses are very easy to steal if you know what you are doing, yet thankfully very few ever are, especially considering a lot of depots arn't exactly secure. One local company did get one taken for a joy ride some years ago which ended when they wedged it under a low bridge. Luckely it didn't damage the bridge (it was a brick arch) and the company was looking for a replacement open topper anyway.
Think when it comes down to it things like trains and buses just arn't the sort of thing people are interested in joyriding. Something that measures 0-60 in minutes, or won't even do 60, is not exactly exciting for that particular dreg of society (other dregs of society, yes, but we tend to find more legitimate ways to do our joyriding ).

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I know the square type of locks are pretty easy to break into with common tools as I've done it a few times myself. Always legit though, either not having proper key or on one occasion they key I did have not being long enough. They are considered low security locks for a reason.

If you look on the class 455s, the metal plate around the doors at the end vestibles into the cabs from the passenger cabins extends over the catch area; this wasn't always like this - when these locks were first fitted ( they weren't there from new ) the catch area was uncovered and it was so poorly designed that the door could be opened with the lid of a biro!

 

[HSTfan!!!]

I have one, i'm not going into why I have one as seriously it is of no use to me even as railway staff. They're reasonably hard to get hold of as far as I know, unless someone is careless to leave them lying around, I found mine in a station car park of all places, and I suppose I should hand it in really.

 

[anonymous0101]

Buses are very easy to steal if you know what you are doing, yet thankfully very few ever are, especially considering a lot of depots arn't exactly secure. One local company did get one taken for a joy ride some years ago which ended when they wedged it under a low bridge. Luckely it didn't damage the bridge (it was a brick arch) and the company was looking for a replacement open topper anyway.
Think when it comes down to it things like trains and buses just arn't the sort of thing people are interested in joyriding. Something that measures 0-60 in minutes, or won't even do 60, is not exactly exciting for that particular dreg of society (other dregs of society, yes, but we tend to find more legitimate ways to do our joyriding ).

One of the main differences between buses and coaches is that the doors can be locked properly and that a coach usually has a traditional key start ignition making it more difficult to steal.

 

[ungreat]

A few years ago some kids got a couple of 56's going at Coalville depot and took them for a joyride of sorts. Back in the 80's it was I think

 

[ladydsm]

I have one, i'm not going into why I have one as seriously it is of no use to me even as railway staff. They're reasonably hard to get hold of as far as I know, unless someone is careless to leave them lying around, I found mine in a station car park of all places, and I suppose I should hand it in really.

you can pretend your a driver when down the pub a bit like the guys with ferrari key rings but a lada in the car park

 

[WatcherZero]

Reminds me what I saw on a 142 yesterday, little box by the door labeled 'carriage thermostat control, please use this to change target heating temperature' or some such to which someone had scribbled ontop 'We would if anyone could find a matching bloody key'.

 

[ChrisCooper]

One of the main differences between buses and coaches is that the doors can be locked properly and that a coach usually has a traditional key start ignition making it more difficult to steal.

The thing with coaches is that they will often be parked for long periods in less than secure locations such as coachparks or even on the street. The ability to lock the doors also means that any items left onboard are secured. The key ignition is only extra security if the key is removed though, which they often arn't.

 

[TDK]

Be handy the guard having one because if you left yours at home or dropped it as someone did at paddock wood years ago and another one having to be delivered by taxi.

A driver always has a spare one, if not there is a fully equipped spare drivers bag with all a driver needs at the booking on point, so Guards don't ever need an EP key

 

[royaloak]

At our TOC we are given 1 key and that is it, although nearly all drivers aquire a second (or 3rd ) key.

 

[156499]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what do these keys actually do? I once saw a conductor open a window on a 158 (I think) with soemthing that looked like this key.

Would of been a T key not a master key

 

[Greenback]

Thanks 67007, they all look the same to me!

 

[HSTfan!!!]

Thanks 67007, they all look the same to me!

Carriage Key/T key on the left, Drivers Master Key on the Right

 

[lauraGeeGee]

Must admit, I've got 4 master keys, 2 carriage keys and 2 door control keys.

We always do need more than one master key. Not only does the master key operate the control switch it is also used for isolating some of the safety systems or to isolate motors. Sometimes we need to do that to get a failed train on the move. Some of the systems, once isolated, you cant always manage to remove the key afterwards so need another to actually drive the train!

Obviously it also helps if you do drop your key or whatever to have a spare!

They SHOULDN'T be that easy to get hold of. I ended up with 4 from my depot driving days, the fitters had a habit of leaving them in the cabs.

 

[Greenback]

Carriage Key/T key on the left, Drivers Master Key on the Right

Ah, they don;t look that similar after all

 

[ChrisCooper]

Rarther manky looking carriage key. Presume it's brass plated steel where the steel is begining to rust. Then again on my desk I've got one that's nicely burned after someone decided to try and hotwire a bus with it (and they wonder why I'm reluctant to lend them things now). I must point out that that they had reason to start said bus, but it was refusing to start by conventional methods, which is hardly surprising when someone had got the starter leads crossed.

 

[eddygrim]

i got 1 of these keys when i was younger it been in my draw every since i would post a pic but dont know how 2 .

 

[HSTfan!!!]

Rarther manky looking carriage key. Presume it's brass plated steel where the steel is begining to rust.

That one had a trip down to the track, I do have a slightly cleaner looking one somewhere

 

[transportphoto]

i got 1 of these keys when i was younger it been in my draw every since i would post a pic but dont know how 2 .

There is a PM in your Inbox Explaining how to...

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I have never personally seen staff carrying gold (colored) T-Keys - only ever Silver (colored) ones. Is it due to different TOCs or is it just random?

 

[red circle]

Must admit, I've got 4 master keys, 2 carriage keys and 2 door control keys.

We always do need more than one master key. Not only does the master key operate the control switch it is also used for isolating some of the safety systems or to isolate motors. Sometimes we need to do that to get a failed train on the move. Some of the systems, once isolated, you cant always manage to remove the key afterwards so need another to actually drive the train!

Obviously it also helps if you do drop your key or whatever to have a spare!

They SHOULDN'T be that easy to get hold of. I ended up with 4 from my depot driving days, the fitters had a habit of leaving them in the cabs.

What you need is a 'Ripple Lane key'.

 

[Train wasp]

Talking about keys I'm after a 37 padlock key but I've been to my local lock smiths and he has never seen or heard of a 37 key. Does anyone know how I can get hold of one?

Cheers

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Why would you wan't one?

They are only available from special railway suppliers, and only given/sold to people who need them.

 

[HSTfan!!!]

never heard of a 37 key, I've got a BR1, BR16, don't know if cliplock has a BR number?

 

[lauraGeeGee]

What you need is a 'Ripple Lane key'.

What's that??

Sounds interesting!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

never heard of a 37 key, I've got a BR1, BR16, don't know if cliplock has a BR number?

37 opens BR padlocks. It's a small, hollow type key. Will post a photo later.

 

[GB]

Its quite amazing how easy these keys are to obtain (should you want them). The first site I tried on google had all the railway keys you could want and doesn't even appear as though you need to be railway staff to get most of them. Class 175 reset key or class 175 KABA key anyone....

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Its quite amazing how easy these keys are to obtain (should you want them). The first site I tried on google had all the railway keys you could want and doesn't even appear as though you need to be railway staff to get most of them. Class 175 reset key or class 175 KABA key anyone....

I think I know the site to which you are referring. I've bought things off them (but then had a reason to own them).

 

[HSTfan!!!]

that didn't take me long to find, that's worrying if I'm honest! Mind you it does state certain items, i.e. carriage key can only be sold to railway personnel and to tell them who you work for... how they check mind?