Train Driver Simulators

Why do we want Simulators? The formal enquiries from Ladbroke Grove and Southall rail disasters both recommended the use of simulation for the training and assessing of drivers and there are other benefits…

Other benefits Developing traction knowledge / fault finding capabilities in real time Maintaining competence in out of course situations Assisting drivers back to work more quickly following incidents or medical restrictions Developing and standardising the Driver Management team Standardisation of the Companys Competence Management System Providing robust audit trails of performance linked to the competency process Re-running incidents / lessons Maximising fuel efficiencies through driving techniques Incident investigation Enabling trainees to see and experience the theory in practice i.e coupling Skid-pan training scenarios Conductor door opening familiarisation Signaller familiarisation with driver role

What have we bought? 2 Simulator Centres – one North (located in Chester) and one South (located in Cardiff) The South centre to have a 150 and 175 full size, the North centre to have a 158 and 175 fully immersive, cab simulator which faithfully replicates the real units Staffing and housing for the simulators

Timescales First 150 (South) arrives late summer 2008 First Class 175 (North) arrives mid autumn 2008 Second Class 175 (South) arrives early spring 2009 Final Simulator, class 158 (North) arrives spring 2009

Our planned key uses In driver training – modelling and experiencing the range of processes / rules applications etc. For current drivers – some STUD days per year Supporting the competence of assessing and coaching practices by DMs and DIs Safety critical communications Post incident reviews and to support action plans Replacing skid pan training with simulation

Some pictures of other simulators follow to give an idea of what to expect

168/2 Traction Unit This is a Part Task simulator based in Aylesbury, in service with Chiltern Trains. It is in a room with the viewing chairs to the right and the instructor station in a room behind

3 rd Party viewing facility At ATW, we will have the driver and have the 3 rd party viewing in separate, connected, areas to facilitate both privacy and group interaction as required

The system without the full cab structure This is the first UK Simulator installed in the UK, by the Australian manufacturer Sydac First ScotRail have also installed a 170 and a 334 Simulator from Sydac Metronet have also installed Sydac simulators

The engine room This is a sample Instructor Station which controls the scenarios, communicates with and assists the driver. Our Instructor Station is already installed in the Cardiff Training Centre to help with all our planning work.

Comforting Thoughts ! Whilst this is new-ish to the Railways it has all been done before, elsewhere. How: did Armstrong rehearse his moon landings does the Aviation industry maintain its hone does the Maritime Industry train and develop its personnel do the Military train and rehearse does the Nuclear Industry train and maintain their skills and procedures Do the medical profession train Simulation is there to AUGMENT not REPLACE existing development tools and methodologies

Further information… The train driver simulators will sit within the current training function. Therefore, please contact the training team on or if you would like to know more. Alternatively, we will keep you updated through the STUD and monthly briefing process.