DSD pedal - Do any drivers use both feet?

[Lee Rambo]

Do any drivers use both feet to hold the DSD pedal down?

 

[Teddyward]

No. Feels weird and uncomfortable.

 

[CAF397]

I cross my feet and use both, more comfortable. I also alternate one foot at a time if on a long drive.

 

[Efini92]

Depends really. If there’s no vigilance I do sometimes. If it has vigilance I’ll just use one.

 

[Flange Squeal]

I drive several classes of unit, but only one really has a wide enough pedal for it to really be possible to use both feet. I do think sometimes that they could be better positioned or sized. One of them has a particularly narrow pedal that is positioned right in the middle, so to sit naturally your feet would be either side of it. You therefore have to have your legs positioned at an angle, which I find can become uncomfortable. The narrowness can also mean it's not all that difficult for your foot to possibly release pressure on it, which with them not having a vigilance alarm means the first you know is when the brakes come on!

My ideal DSD pedal would be a decent width, maybe filling the 'footwell' area. Or if there is some kind of rule about sizes that only one foot should be used, then it positioned to one side so you can sit straight (although that would restrict you to only ever being able to use one particular foot).

 

[DaveTM]

I drive 313s and 377s. Both have pedals which fit two feet nicely. The weight of both legs together is enough to hold the pedal down, not sure one leg's weight would be enough over rough riding track. You've tweeked my curiosity. I might try driving with one foot off the pedal over to the side tomorrow.

 

[driver9000]

When I signed units with a narrow pedal I just used one foot and changed it every so often but now the pedal is wide enough for both feet although it's habit just to rest one foot on it.

 

[irish_rail]

On some of the HsTs you used to have to use both feet as the pedal was so springy and difficult to keep depressed. Luckily, I think all those power cars must have gone to scotrail as the problem was eliminated at the time GWR lost a batch of locos to Scotland.

 

[Lee Rambo]

I drive 313s and 377s. Both have pedals which fit two feet nicely. The weight of both legs together is enough to hold the pedal down, not sure one leg's weight would be enough over rough riding track. You've tweeked my curiosity. I might try driving with one foot off the pedal over to the side tomorrow.

I was asking as I am a Trainee Driver, I am driving 375 and 377 and find it easier with both feet applied, glad I'm not the only one.

 

[ComUtoR]

Cab design has a lot to do with it.

375s are #&-+&££_-@£'ing horrible and your squished into a tight space. The DSD pedal is also relatively large so two feet can be comfortable.

 

[choochoochoo]

I drive 313s and 377s. Both have pedals which fit two feet nicely. The weight of both legs together is enough to hold the pedal down, not sure one leg's weight would be enough over rough riding track. You've tweeked my curiosity. I might try driving with one foot off the pedal over to the side tomorrow.

313s are great. You don't need any feet on the DSD. Just press down on the power handle.

 

[Jon1930]

I usually just have half my foot on the pedal, like just using my toes, I always think I'll damage my foot long term lol...hope not

 

[Ceat0908]

What’s the DSD like. Is it just like having your feet on the floor with no resistance pushing upwards? On our trams it’s like that but we don’t have a vigilance alarm.

 

[martin2345uk]

Class 66 DSD is easily big enough for 2 feet. can't say I've ever tried with one foot but I will now!

 

[irish_rail]

What’s the DSD like. Is it just like having your feet on the floor with no resistance pushing upwards? On our trams it’s like that but we don’t have a vigilance alarm.

Depends on the traction. As I alluded to some power cars where terrible for the large amount of resistance they provided in the past.

 

[D5581]

Driving tamper, you can only use your right foot

 

[16.19]

I find myself swapping if it’s a long time in the seat

 

[nottraindriver]

What is a DSD?

 

[DriverEight]

Driver safety device. A pedal (or, more accurately, a plate) on the floor in front of the driver that he must keep pressed down with his feet. Periodically an alarm will sound which the driver must acknowledge (by quickly releasing the pedal) in order to show that he's still in control of the train. If he doesn't, the brakes will apply.It's the modern equivalent of the dead man's handle

 

[nottraindriver]

Driver safety device. A pedal (or, more accurately, a plate) on the floor in front of the driver that he must keep pressed down with his feet. Periodically an alarm will sound which the driver must acknowledge (by quickly releasing the pedal) in order to show that he's still in control of the train. If he doesn't, the brakes will apply.It's the modern equivalent of the dead man's handle

excellent thanks

 

[Muse29]

I'm waiting for results on my medical and have wondered this although my question was about whether the pedal could be adjusted side to side to allow the one foot resting on it to be alternated.

Seems many of you use two feet which to me sounds easiest and less arduous on the feet/legs. Hoping the cabs I end up in have the same!

 

[4F89]

1 on the pedal, one on the dash (66)
1 on the pedal, one to the side (70)

 

[Crazyb]

313s are great. You don't need any feet on the DSD. Just press down on the power handle.

Apart from Merseyrail, who else is the unfortunate drivers that have 313's...We used to have the dual voltage ones!!!!

 

[thirdraildrive]

I use both feet normally in 375/376/465/466's.

 

[TheVicLine]

Or if you are driving an 802 there is a button on the desk that you can hold down instead of the pedal if you want to stand up and stretch your legs, I find it a bit awkward though so don't really use it.

 

[TTD85]

I’m a newly qualified driver and I just use one foot but do occasionally swap between the two (Class 66)

 

[CAF397]

The class 350s had a 'top hat' design of DSD, with a raised platform in the middle, with a flat pedal either side. I found that more comfortable than any other class I've driven, because it allowed for an overall more comfortable driving position, having you foot raised off the floor.

Sometimes my foot and leg ache by the constant pressure, hence why often I change feet, and with the other 'free' leg, swing it madly!

 

[choochoochoo]

Apart from Merseyrail, who else is the unfortunate drivers that have 313's...We used to have the dual voltage ones!!!!

GN had them (dual voltage) until a couple of years back. Think only Southern have them now. - Didn't think they went as far north as Merseyrail ?

 

[OneThirtyEight]

Used to just be the handle, and they added the pedal later. I only use the handle shunting; it knackers your arm!

 

[robbeech]

1 on the pedal, one on the dash (66)

Just covering the wonky no feet sign?