Drsatan
Established Member
I've been a volunteer on the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway for about 2 weeks now
I was chatting with a nice chap who works on the Mid Hants and he said that they currently have too many volunteers - a number of very well qualified and useful people have been keeping their cv's up to date while unemployed by volunteering for work on the MHR - when the evenings close in, there will be too many volunteers and not enough roles to fill!
At the NVR: Sod all now.
At Shackerstone: Trainee Secondman/Signalman, P-Way/S&T, work on the 31s, and a few other bits around the line.
I'm looking at joining the KWVR but what would I, a 17 yo, be able to do?
Is it true they are having staffing problems? Pity if true.
I was chatting with a nice chap who works on the Mid Hants and he said that they currently have too many volunteers - a number of very well qualified and useful people have been keeping their cv's up to date while unemployed by volunteering for work on the MHR - when the evenings close in, there will be too many volunteers and not enough roles to fill!
I was chatting with a nice chap who works on the Mid Hants and he said that they currently have too many volunteers - a number of very well qualified and useful people have been keeping their cv's up to date while unemployed by volunteering for work on the MHR - when the evenings close in, there will be too many volunteers and not enough roles to fill!
There's a couple of really arrogant staff on the NYMR, but I just try to get on with it.
At the end of the day I'm there to do a job and if I have to liase with these people, then so be it! :boxing:
people need to learn to work together, even if they don't get along, for the good of the railway.
I agree that this should be the case but isn't always so. A strong management is needed to make the volunteers and staff work fludily together and move forward to acheive the main targets rather than fighting amongst themselves to reach their own, smaller, aims.There is a unique dynamic between staff at a volunteer organisation.
I understand this but despite the fact I see the passion being directed into actiona which is beneficial to the railway I feel some railways may forget that their workforce is formed of volunteers and if a small number of individuals upsets them then they will down tools - that is not the way to acheive bigger goals it isThis means individuals get very, very invested in what they're doing and don't always consider the bigger picture or indeed other people's feelings.
And on a peronal note - I'm no pushover and I'm certainly not soft but there is a point when you realise what you are acheiving isn't worth the stick you are getting and that channeling your engery elswhere may be more rewarding.On the other hand if you're going to be excessively touchy then maybe a preserved railway isn't the kind of nurturing environment you need
It should be noted that some railways well expect you to gain experience of the railway before training to become a signalman. There are also some that are more fussy than others about who they have as signalmen/guards, to avoid arguments I will not name anywhere specific only to say that I am not talking about any of the railways you listed above.All depends If I can visit the signal boxes as I am not looking to work on the trains but as a signaller.
I am thinking of joining a preserved railway in the UK, but I still don't know which one.
All have pro's and cons.
- Nene valley: Close to London, wonderfull signalbox... awfull Belgium stock and not one of the most scenic routes, but their gala's are good
- East Lancs Rwy: what a beautifull line that is.
- GCR: A real railway.... Easy to get to from Amsterdam as the airport is just a 30 minute bus ride away. Havn't been there yet. (will visit the line next diesel gala). All depends If I can visit the signal boxes as I am not looking to work on the trains but as a signaller.
I am thinking of joining a preserved railway in the UK, but I still don't know which one.
All have pro's and cons.
- Nene valley: Close to London, wonderfull signalbox... awfull Belgium stock and not one of the most scenic routes, but their gala's are good
- East Lancs Rwy: what a beautifull line that is.
- GCR: A real railway.... Easy to get to from Amsterdam as the airport is just a 30 minute bus ride away. Havn't been there yet. (will visit the line next diesel gala). All depends If I can visit the signal boxes as I am not looking to work on the trains but as a signaller.