Group Bourdon Tool

[Flyboy]

Thanks Beveridges, your 2nd test stats looks very good.

Below is my latest attempt, I tried to slow down to eradicate mistakes and omissions but I had a favourable set of sheets so just ran with them at normal speed. Ok on row fluctuation but could be better to match you guys.

 

[FlamTap]

For those practicing who want to be thoroughly demoralised () then watch the four videos on YouTube of someone practicing this. I've posted the first one below - and all videos are from the same YouTube user:

[youtube]66abirDMyP8[/youtube]

This person's speed is quite insane!

Oh, and there is evidence on another Internet forum that this very person actually failed the test when they took it for real! hock:

 

[daddy_badger]

Didn't realise they failed, came across that video sometime ago and yes that's some insane speed. ANd not what it is all about. Accurate and consistance methinks.

 

[FlamTap]

Didn't realise they failed, came across that video sometime ago and yes that's some insane speed. ANd not what it is all about. Accurate and consistance methinks.

Indeed. That is what matters on the day.

 

[Beveridges]

Oh, and there is evidence on another Internet forum that this very person actually failed the test when they took it for real

I remember that person. It was 5 years ago on Railchat. He failed first time with no practice. He said he failed on speed, not accuracy. Then he practiced like mad in readiness for his second attempt, to an overkill extreme.

No need to be demoralised by this video. Its a case of someone going overkill on the practice for the Boredom test. Since this test is awfully boring and clearly not "fun", most people would aim to hit a target for a good safe result, then leave it at that.

Continuing to practice to achieve the level the person in the youtube video has done is missing the point. That time would have been far better spent practicing the other 5 tests. Or better spent doing anything else, I should say.

His practice results were something like 2500 cells and 2 errors. There is no doubt whatsoever that he would p**s the GBT on his 2nd attempt. I never heard him say if he went in for it again.

 

[Flyboy]

I just had a "Guts or Glory" attempt and managed 1750 cells and 68 lines with 6 omissions. I think I'll stick to aiming for the 1400 mark with no errors or omissions.

Of course we should all remember to also practice with printed sheets, not just on the PC, as either can be given.

 

[carlejo]

Seriously
I was getting about 1200 with 1/2 omissions

I just passed it easy. Slow down. Go for a constant speed 1200 with no omissions or errors and you'll **** it

 

[Flyboy]

Was that paper-based or PC? Did you get to find out your grade like Beveridges?

 

[Markchilds]

Hi,Does anyone know if at the Watford OPC they are using the computer group bourdan tests or the paper ones and if its GBT or SCAAT? Any reply would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[TDK]

Remember if the assessor says do the paper from left to right ensure you do it left to right as any incomplete lines will count as ommissions.

 

[Flyboy]

TDK - I didn't yesterday. I can't say too much else as there are some that think I've given too much info away about the tests to "opponents". :roll:

 

[Merrydown]

I practised completing 10 lines per page.
On the day I completed 10 lines exactly so that's 1250 cells with the exact amount completed on each page.
I found this left a few seconds at the end of each page to have a short rest.
In previous attempts I average 1-3 omissions and none marked incorrect.
I will wait to see how it went.

 

[Holly40]

Hi All, i have an assessment day coming up with Scotrail for a gateline job. i have read various threads saying its most likely to be paper & pencil rather than pc? Can anyone help?

 

[st.ives]

How do they measure row fluctuation when doing the paper and pencil test? Isn't a larger row fluctuation to be expected when doing GBT as at first you are only looking for one shape when later you are looking for two?

 

[Flyboy]

If you're talking about "shapes" then that is SCAAT. In regard to GBT, row fluctuation can't be measured with the paper and pencil version.

 

[st.ives]

Sorry, yes I was.

 

[Aviator88]

I've been practicing fairly solidly for a few days and I'm now getting around 1,800 cells, nil omissions, row fluctuation 1.74.

I've put a lot of effort in, will be gutted if it's something completely different on the day!

 

[FlamTap]

I've been practicing fairly solidly for a few days and I'm now getting around 1,800 cells, nil omissions, row fluctuation 1.74.

I've put a lot of effort in, will be gutted if it's something completely different on the day!

Those statistics would be more than enough to pass the real-life GBT. If I were you I wouldn't bother trying to improve on that. Instead, you would be better of preparing for the CBI. That is currently the hardest part of the assessment process, and failure to prepare for it is almost a guaranteed fail.

 

[Aviator88]

FlamTap, thanks for the words of wisdom

The CBI being the structured interview? I've got a few bits of McMunn's products/guides (the fellow who's known for producing the various interview technique vids hovering around the net). I've seen a lot of people quoting the 'STAR' method as working for them.

I think those who are taking the current batch of tests with FGW (myself included) are fortunate enough to have the process split right down into bitesize chunks, i.e. GB/GLOP/dials one day, CBI/reaction another day etc.

I understand FGW have a bit of a reputation for this?!

 

[daddy_badger]

its cheaper in comparison to break the assessment in parts. fgw process is stage 1, stage 2 depot manager interview and medical

 

[anthony263]

I have been praticing the TRP parts 1 and 2 and well as the concentration tests since these werre the tests I was told I would be asked to complete on mondays.

 

[daddy_badger]

yes that's stage 1, best advice don't practice the day before.

 

[welshjpc]

Is there a way I can find Chris Gresham? Having attended the FGW trainee train driver aptitude on Thursday (30 May) I think that his program helped me immensely and I would like to offer him a few pound for the assistance that his program gave me.......

 

[FlamTap]

Is there a way I can find Chris Gresham? Having attended the FGW trainee train driver aptitude on Thursday (30 May) I think that his program helped me immensely and I would like to offer him a few pound for the assistance that his program gave me.......

I emailed him before using the email address I found in the program's help file. However, that was around five years ago so I'm not sure if it would still be valid. Might be worth a try, it can only bounce if not!

 

[Red18]

Is there a way I can find Chris Gresham? Having attended the FGW trainee train driver aptitude on Thursday (30 May) I think that his program helped me immensely and I would like to offer him a few pound for the assistance that his program gave me.......

I agree. I did the paper GBT today.
I found the dots on the test today much smaller but more clearly defined and with more of a gap between groups than on the print outs from the downloaded program. I think this actually made it slightly easier. It certainly helped going in knowing what to expect. Thanks Chris.

 

[Will.C]

I dont suppose anyone has got a Mac friendly version of this have they? Be much appreciated

 

[FlamTap]

I dont suppose anyone has got a Mac friendly version of this have they? Be much appreciated

There is no Mac version. However, THIS might help you.

There was rumour of an Android version to run on 'phones and tablets, but I don't think this ever happened.

 

[Will.C]

Thanks, will have a look and give it a go

 

[FlamTap]

Thanks, will have a look and give it a go

You're welcome. Please let us all know if it worked for you. If so, it might help other Mac users too.

 

[302PS]

anyone know a link to a paper version...ie a printable version? thanks