Handback engineer

[Dam1985]

Hi, I've worked on the railway for the last 10 years doing all aspects of pee-way work. The trouble is apart from making Foreman there really isn't a great opportunity to progress further.

I've just recently left my job and started another job but the health and safety is terrible and I'm interested in paying for my Handback engineering Level 2 ticket. Just wondering if anyone on here is or know any Handback engineers to find out some info??

Is there plenty of midweek work or is it just weekends and nights hence the terrific rate of pay?? What are the pros and cons of the job etc??

 

[BigRed]

I'm glad you've opened this thread as I am interested in this position too.

Would appreciate some advice and feedback from anyone in the know

 

[Dam1985]

I'm glad you've opened this thread as I am interested in this position too.

Would appreciate some advice and feedback from anyone in the know

Cheers mate, I've spoken to a few contacts for a bit more info. By the sounds of it be willing to work plenty of weekends, nothing new to me tbh.

 

[BigRed]

I've done some research but can never find enough info, hopefully someone on here will have some insight on the role and how to get started.

 

[Boodiggy]

Hi gents, it really depends what work you are looking to get. I work on the pway and have level 4 speed raising competence so I can hand back a line following maintenance work or renewals up to 125mph. I work for NR and was trained in house. To be honest it is not something used day in day out on the pway. It is something you will use more on renewals, but again the amount of work will depend on your location and who you work for.

 

[Dam1985]

Hi gents, it really depends what work you are looking to get. I work on the pway and have level 4 speed raising competence so I can hand back a line following maintenance work or renewals up to 125mph. I work for NR and was trained in house. To be honest it is not something used day in day out on the pway. It is something you will use more on renewals, but again the amount of work will depend on your location and who you work for.

Cheers pal, there's not much info on the web on the job, the course I'm looking at is level 2. I'm assuming the different levels are to do with linespeeds? I'm based in Yorkshire, like you said I can't see there being work day in day out for the role?

 

[Boodiggy]

Off the top of my head I believe the levels are:
Level 1 - up to any line speed but only following renewing a rail or lift and pack works following a bad bump report - maintenance work
Level 2 - up to 60 mph, most renewals are handed back at 50mph so this will relate mainly to this although if the line speed is more than 60 it will be no good for the speed off tamp!
Level 3 - 60 - 95mph
Level 4 95 -125mph
These may not be totally correct but it's not going to be far off.

 

[Dam1985]

I'm assuming I can't just pass the course and be allowed straight on track? Surely there's a mentoring period to be carried out?? Tbh I don't see many advertisements for the roll on job sites and seeing as though I'd be paying for the course personally I'm in doubts wether to go for it.

 

[Boodiggy]

Yes you will need mentored. I had to be mentored four times raising speeds. When I done it I done the opening TSR following the works and also the speed off tamp and associated works. If you are working for an agency they may be able to help. Apart from that it's not the easiest thing to arrange. I work on west coast south and we have plenty of high output renewals going on, may be worth seeing if they have any work there, I know they have a Newcastle depot and possibly a Doncaster depot so may be worth looking in to that, although you would probably need a higher level. The only difference in the higher levels in the standards for the higher line speeds

 

[Dam1985]

I know how to read a gauge and check cross level and twists so would you advise I go straight in for my Level 4 instead of taking it one step at a time??

 

[Boodiggy]

If you are paying yourself I wouldn't like to say but the only difference is the standards for the line speed so if you have pway experience I can't see why not. Are you contracting at the moment?

 

[Dam1985]

Yes I've been on the track for over 10 years, at the minute I'm working in a bogie refurbishment factory but have realised being stuck indoors doing the same thing day in day out is not for me. Don't know if it's best to get back in a gang and progress because going by what you say I'd be struggling to earn a living just as a Handback Engineer.

 

[Boodiggy]

Defiantly, get in a gang or get out doing ES duties etc.

 

[Dam1985]

Cheers pal, the rate of pay for a Handback Engineer is ludicrous and very tempting though. I've seen jobs advertised at £300-£400 per shift. I suppose it's a nice ticket to have when you are needed.

 

[Boodiggy]

Have a word with the local contacting agencies in the area, It may be different where you are. I would feel bad to say don't do it and there is work there for you. If you are out anyway it will probably be easier to get shifts and mentoring. Good luck

 

[Dam1985]

Cheers pal, is it your main job or are you called to do it as and when needed? Did you go straight in for the Level 4 and how did you find the course?

 

[Boodiggy]

I work for the pway and have most tickets. This one isn't used to often on,y when needed. Course wasn't to bad.

 

[Ploughman]

I know how to read a gauge and check cross level and twists so would you advise I go straight in for my Level 4 instead of taking it one step at a time??

Having been ticketed in the past to Level 3. 90mph handback speed.
In my experience it was the Tech staff that completed the form at the end of the possession.
The job is not just about checking the gauge and crosslevel.
There are specified limits for deviations from the design top and line that have to be checked throughout the site. Usually every 10 metres.
Not just the actual variation but also the difference between the variations.
for example 9mm offline to left then 9mm offline to right gives a variation of 18mm. That needs recording and working out for the full site. Same for the top.

Joint gaps, CRT, Ballast condition and any outstanding work all have to be gone through.
Then there is liason with other groups such as S+T, OHLE etc
If you are doing the handback form then you have to get their signatures and declarations of all to standard.
Many a time I have been last man on site except for the ES.

The biggest drawback on this job?
Its your name on the bottom of the form if anything goes wrong.
You are first in line.