I've tried to keep out of this discussion thus far, as one who has long been shouting for higher standards at our end (which is slowly but very surely happening), but I can't let that comment go unnoticed. Medicals are every bit as important as compliance with rules and regs, and far more important (as far as the safety of the line - no. 1 priority - is concerned) than whether the first train runs on time or not at all. A lack of a sound system for ensuring that medicals are up-to-date firstly leaves great potential for, say, a driver to be driving who's not fit to be driving (for example, because he can't see further than a loco-length!). It's not just about whether you can lift a buckeye or not. Secondly, it leaves the railway very much wide open to - at best- some fairly heavy criticism should an incident occur. The buck won't stop there either - those who think that 'playing trains' is appropriate (a general comment - not passing judgment on GCRN or indeed any other outfit) would do well to consider the entirely feasible possibility of a spell at Her Majesty's pleasure.To be honest I would agree some professionalism is needed in these sorts of matters but when it comes to things like medicals I honestly don't think it matters.
Tom (GCR Signalman and a few other bits)