A group of Network Rail graduates had the opportunity to try out Transport for Wales’ train simulator this week.
The graduates, who work in a range of functions for Network Rail, were given the chance to drive both the Class 175 and Class 150 simulators under the watchful eyes of operations training manager Adam Bagwell and seasonal delivery manager Neil Driscoll.
The simulators are normally used for a 36-week driver training programme. On this occasion, they were set up to give the graduates specific practice on low adhesion tracks. giving them a greater understanding of the challenges drivers go through during the autumn period.
To help explain the difficulties, the group was accompanied by two members of the Network Rail autumn control and Daniel Booth, Network Rail’s seasonal delivery specialist for the Wales route.
After the driving experience, Adam Bagwell commented: “It was great to get the guys along and to share some of the skills that go into driving our trains during very difficult and challenging weather conditions.”
Neil Driscoll added: “I was really pleased with how the day went and it is fantastic to be working closely with Network Rail to help the development of graduates. This typifies the joint working between ourselves and Network Rail on helping to build a better service for our customers.”
