Similarities in cab/control layouts

[ptsc]

Not being a train driver, and being a scotrail user where they are currently trying to speedily introduce different types of trains, is there any standardisation in the layout of Train cabs and controls, or does every new class of train come with its own quirky layout. If so why? Surely a situation where a driver could easily adapt to a new train would be better ?

 

[hexagon789]

Not being a train driver, and being a scotrail user where they are currently trying to speedily introduce different types of trains, is there any standardisation in the layout of Train cabs and controls, or does every new class of train come with its own quirky layout. If so why? Surely a situation where a driver could easily adapt to a new train would be better ?

Some classes have similar layouts,

The BR-built Class 156 and 158 Diesel multiple units are not too dissimilar, likewise the Class 318 and 320 Electric multiple units.

To give an example of a fairly common difference, the 156 and 158s have separate throttle and brake controls, the newer 170s have both on one lever known as the combined Traction and Brake Controller.

There are also differences in terms of where certain equipment is located, particularly if it's been added after the train has been built but even basic equipment such as some of the isolation switches or where the control for the headlights is located.

Essentially every class is treated differently and drivers have to learn them separately (I think some which are very similar can be learned fairly quickly often just a short conversion course such as Class 158/159)

Trains often handle differently driving anyway even within the same class.

 

[scotraildriver]

The cab layout is not a big part of learning a train type. Most of the course involves fault finding procedures, equipment locations, procedures for isolation of equipment in the event of problems, the rest of the course is then train handling where the driver will spend time driving to become accustomed to the characteristics of the train in terms of braking etc. All trains are different, drivers have to brake in different places in a 156 compered to a 158 for example as a consequence of the different braking systems. (tread brake, disc brake). The HSTs in particualr have a very different braking technique which takes a good few days to master and not stop in the wrong place!
Furthermmore drivers are driving trains built decades apart. A 1970's class 314 is massively different to a 2010 class 380 in terms of technology. A 380 course is all based around a "Human machine interface" computer system where a 314 is basic technology.

 

[D9009Spotter]

There are some examples of where the cabs are being made as similar as possible. For example the TPE Mark 5a stock. CAF, TPE and Stadler have all been working together to make the cabs in the Driving Vehicle as similar as possible in terms of controls and instruments. See within this video from the Railway Gazette -

 

[TRAX]

I would think that the UK is also not immune to the UIC 612 and EUDD (European Union Driver Desk) normalisation and standardisation.