Press Office
100 mph train simulator ready to roll
Would-be train drivers are being offered the chance to get to grips with the controls of one of the newest trains on the UK rail network at the National Railway Museum in York.
A full-size replica of a new First TransPennine Express Class 185 train driver’s cab has been installed at the Museum.
Used as part of a new training programme for First TransPennine Express drivers, the train simulator is a perfect recreation of a state-of-the-art driver's cab - complete with realistic engine sounds, fully operational controls and a variety of driving scenarios to which allow training and assessment of drivers in a range of conditions.
Now members of the public can book an afternoon at the Museum, including an exclusive two-hour training session to drive the simulator through the conditions faced by train drivers every day.
A trained supervisor will assess the performance of wannabe drivers as they experience the thrill of accelerating to 100 mph, handling a powerful diesel train in falling rain and on slippery rails as well as stopping at stations, responding to signals and reacting to obstructions on the line.
Mark Wardell, project manager for Simulator 185, said:
“This is a great opportunity to have a go at driving a train and to see that it’s not quite as simple as it looks. The simulator is an essential part of our driver training programme. It is incredibly realistic and gives the best driving experience the public can get without becoming a professional train driver.”
The simulator was developed by French company, Corys T.E.S.S., a leading supplier of train simulators to rail operators across the world.
The York-based simulator is one of two being used to train First TransPennine Express drivers as part of the introduction of 51 new Pennine Class 185 trains this year. It will be at the Museum until September 2006, before being moved to its permanent home at a new maintenance depot in York, close to the east coast main line. Another maintenance depot being built by Siemens Transportation Systems, near Manchester, houses the second simulator.
First TransPennine Express employs 315 drivers who need to be familiar with the controls and safety systems and experience how the new train handles in a variety of conditions.
The simulators can also be used to train and test drivers on their ability to interact with the computerised train management system and to find and rectify faults aboard the train.
As well as using the simulators, First TransPennine Express drivers are the first to benefit from a new computer-based training programme that takes the simulator technology into the classroom. This programme will enable First TransPennine Express to train and assess drivers on preparing a train ready for service, fault-finding, computerised train management system and safety rules.
Both simulators and computer based training will be used to supplement real cab experience throughout the life of the new train fleet.
An individual afternoon's training session includes a meal at the NRM and two hours' personal training on the simulator. The cost is £275 and the session must be booked in advance. Profits go to the National Railway Museum.
19 May 2006