Twyford overshoot

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

When it comes to route knowledge, a driver will 'learn' a route by taking a minimum prescribed number of trips over it.  When they're ready, they will be assessed over it which will include a 'ride' with management and questions concerning the route.  After that it's up to them to maintain their knowledge - the link they are in should have a minimum number of trips over that route in any given cycle to ensure that happens.  They sign to say they're competent each year.  If for some reason, a long sick lay off for example, they (or management) feel that their knowledge may have lapsed, then they get a refresher day, or sign off the route in question.  It's not fixed in stone, but six months is often the point at which you'd apply for a route refresher day.

[eightf48544]

That's why the Chiltern ghost train  West Ruslip to Padd usually has more drivers than passengers!

Also re the signaman resigning at Twyford for wrongly routing a train. Thinking about it being block signalling it could have been the rear box wrongly belling the Is Line Clear. Presuably the Penzanace should have been 4 (express) and the Henley 1-3 (branch passenger). Don't which box change should change  from 3-1 to 1-3 presumably Rushcombe as any branch train will need to be on the Relief after that.

In my Aller Junction simulation Newton Abbot West bells 1-3 for all Torquay line passenger trains. You have to remember to bell Torre Box 4 for express or 3-1 for a stopper.

[Maxwell P]

Don't know if it's universal, but in the West, routes questions are also tacked on at the end of Rules exams, which normally take place every 2 yrs.

[BBM]

Resurrecting an old topic, this morning's 0609 NBY^» (Newbury - next trains)-PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) overshot Twyford and came to a stand with the rear of the 180 about 100 yards beyond the end of Platform 2. After a minute or two it then continued towards London leaving the waiting passengers to cross over to Platform 4 for the next fast service.

[bobm]

Could have been a pretty empty train.

According to Journeycheck it didn't make its booked calls at Thatcham, Theale or Reading West because it was late from the depot.  With missing the Twyford stop it only called at Newbury, Reading and London Paddington.  (Unless it called at Maidenhead to drop anyone who wanted Twyford I suppose).

[BBM]

Could have been a pretty empty train.

It was indeed very empty (I could see only 2 people in the front coach) and missing out earlier stops would explain why!