N.A.D.M.E.S.  Track Operating Guidelines

(Version agreed by Society members on 24th April 2009)

Section 1:     Scope and Objectives

1.0  The scope of these guidelines is to encourage safe operation of the Society’s railway and site; which shall include the operation of locomotives and rolling stock, traction engines or other self powered machines including stationary engines; whether for the purpose of carrying passengers, for one’s own enjoyment, or just for demonstration.

1.1  This is not a public site, so members of the general public should not be carried as passengers, this is restricted to members.

1.2  These guidelines are intended to allow us to work within the requirements of the Society’s insurers, and to enable us to enjoy our hobby without incident or harm to others.

Section 2:     Obligations Upon Drivers

2:1  All owners and persons responsible for locomotives must sign the track log book before steaming or running their locomotive.  Signing indicates acceptance of the track operating guidelines, and authorises the owner or driver to operate his/her locomotive and any rolling stock used on the day of signing.

2:2  No locomotive or steam powered device shall be steamed on the Society’s site unless it has current hydraulic and steam test certificates, except for the purpose of carrying out a steam test as defined in the Southern Federation Boiler Test Rules.

2:3  The signatory must enter the number and expiry date of the current boiler and steam test Certificates and the issuing Society, in the appropriate column of the track operating log book before operating a steam powered locomotive or vehicle.

2:4  The signatory must ensure that the locomotive and stock he/she intends to use are safe for use, and are maintained in a safe condition while in use on the Society’s track.

2:5  No locomotive should be used on the track unless a minimum of two people are present.  It is recommended that one shall carry a mobile phone, so that help can be summoned if an emergency occurs.

2:6  It is the driver’s responsibility to be able to look and see where he is going, and to gauge the line ahead.

2:7  Drivers and track marshals should familiarise themselves with the location and contents of the First Aid box.

Section 3:     Operation of The Railway

3:1  When more than two locomotives are operating on the track, a ‘Track Marshal’, preferably not one of the drivers, must be appointed to supervise the running.  In times of busy running a track marshal may appoint an assistant.

3:2  The track marshal shall have full authority in all aspects of track safety including the authority to advise or stop any driver, remove any passenger, or move any bystander who is considered to be acting in an unsafe manner.

All members of the Society must comply with the requirements and instructions of the track marshal whose decision at the time is final.  Any dispute must be brought to the attention of the committee in writing.

3:3  The track marshal, or his deputy, will supervise the operation of the turntable.  When a driver wishes to join or leave the main line he must inform the track marshal.  Drivers may only operate the turntable under the supervision of the track marshal, when he/she deems it safe to do so.  The turntable must be locked in the ‘main-line’ position when trains are operating.

3:4  Before moving the turntable from the main line position, any train running on the main line MUST be brought to a stop at least two train lengths away from the turntable.  The driver must be made aware that the turntable will be opened, and the track marshal shall then place a red flag or signal in front of the locomotive BEFORE moving the turntable.  This ensures that any other train(s) that may be running are also stopped.

3:5  Before commencement of running, the track must be inspected to ensure it is secure and has no obstructions (fallen branches etc.)

3:6  Locomotives must only be steamed up in the steaming bays, and the test track is for ensuring that locomotives are in a safe and suitable condition for use on the main line.

Driving and passenger trolleys should be assembled and coupled on the ‘test track’.

Locomotives fires should only be disposed in the steaming bays using the ash bin.

3:7  Locomotives, tenders, driving trolleys, and passenger trolleys should be connected with a solid bar.  This should be a minimum of 1/8” X 3/8” in dimensions and have a pin each end which should be a minimum of 3/16” in diameter.  The pin should have a split pin or nut to prevent it falling out, and it is strongly recommended that safety chains are also fitted between vehicles.

The use of 3 link or screw couplings is NOT recommended.

3:8  Trains should run in a clockwise direction, as the track facilities are designed for this.  However, on non Club Running Days, anti-clockwise running is permitted, provided this is to the agreement of ALL persons.

3:9  Where more than one train is operating, running backwards on the main line is prohibited unless with the express permission of the track marshal.

3:10  Petrol driven locomotives must not be refuelled in the steaming bays, or near any other potential fire hazard.

3:11  When trains are operating after dark they must be fitted with a front lamp (which may be a torch) and a rear lamp (red), so that the train position may be known to other users.

3.12  Junior members under the age of 16 may haul members of their family, Society members and bona fide visiting clubs, providing they are supervised by a competent and experienced adult driver, who must be a paid up Society member.

Note:  this is a requirement of the Insurance Company.

3.13  When carrying children it is recommended that they are accompanied by an adult/guard.

3.14  Drivers shall not ride on their locomotive tenders.