VOLUNTEERING
Infrastructure
Permanent Way
The Permanent Way Department (P Way for short) is probably the most important job on the railway, as without this dedicated team who toil in all weathers we would not have a railway track to operate on. From a once desolate track-bed, the operational line, sidings and passing loops have been laid and are maintained by these volunteers.
The materials and tools are often heavy and the work is sometimes dirty so protective footwear and clothing is essential. Teamwork ensures that everyone can participate and nobody minds if you take a rest. Indeed many have been with the "gang" since the very beginning and although well over normal retirement age, still play a very active and valid role.
When you first join the gang you are allowed to watch and learn at first, and then you will find that, before long, you know exactly what is needed and that you can do it. It may not be luxurious but the P.Way travelling mess coach provides warmth, shelter, good catering facilities and stimulating conversation when required. Members of the gang come from a wide range of backgrounds and the blend makes for interesting company whatever your interests. If you like fresh air, exercise, the odd sticky bun and a sense of achievement then why not join us and help keep our railway running.
Lineside and Gardening
Lineside Team
As part of Peak Rail’s Lineside Team, you will be responsible for the maintenance of trackside vegetation. This includes tree pruning, brush cutting and weed killing upon the 4 miles of our main running line as well as the sidings and also within the 28 acres of Rowsley South site. Training is given before you join the Lineside team in the form of Track Safety Examination and then a short course on safety with equipment used from another member of the Lineside team.
Gardening Team
We are regularly complimented on the excellent manner in which our gardens are kept.
If you have green fingers you would be welcome to assist the resident gardeners at Darley
Dale, Rowsley and Matlock.
Signals and Telecommunications
It’s probably fair to say that, even amongst railway enthusiasts, the work of the Signal and Telegraph Department is the least understood out of all the departments on the Railway. So what is it they do that is a mystery to so many folk? Well basically they design, install and maintain the railways signalling equipment. To date some of the more notable achievements are the signalling of Darley Dale Station area and the renovation of Matlock Riverside signal box along with the installation of all the associated signalling equipment.
Again there is regular maintenance to be carried out with such duties including checking for the correct and safe operation of points and level crossing gates. Signal boxes require painting occasionally, as do the signal posts and location cabinets. Ground frames, cranks, compensators and pulley wheels need periodic lubrication and checking for wear and tear. Batteries, chargers, and track circuits are also the responsibility of the S&T Dept.
A wide range of tools are used that include track drills, grinders, impact drivers and spanners ranging from 4BA (smaller than your thumb) to 1½ inch Whitworth (about as long as your arm), a JCB for digging the large holes and a good old pick and shovel for the small ones. The diesel crane is used for lifting heavy items such as signal posts. Much of the work is done trackside, as that tends to be were signalling equipment is located, and at times when the railway is operational. Training and instruction is very much hands on, so after a short training course on track safety you could be performing tasks you never believed possible.
Permanent Way
The Permanent Way Department (P Way for short) is probably the most important job on the railway, as without this dedicated team who toil in all weathers we would not have a railway track to operate on. From a once desolate track-bed, the operational line, sidings and passing loops have been laid and are maintained by these volunteers.
The materials and tools are often heavy and the work is sometimes dirty so protective footwear and clothing is essential. Teamwork ensures that everyone can participate and nobody minds if you take a rest. Indeed many have been with the "gang" since the very beginning and although well over normal retirement age, still play a very active and valid role.
When you first join the gang you are allowed to watch and learn at first, and then you will find that, before long, you know exactly what is needed and that you can do it. It may not be luxurious but the P.Way travelling mess coach provides warmth, shelter, good catering facilities and stimulating conversation when required. Members of the gang come from a wide range of backgrounds and the blend makes for interesting company whatever your interests. If you like fresh air, exercise, the odd sticky bun and a sense of achievement then why not join us and help keep our railway running.
Lineside and Gardening
Lineside Team
As part of Peak Rail’s Lineside Team, you will be responsible for the maintenance of trackside vegetation. This includes tree pruning, brush cutting and weed killing upon the 4 miles of our main running line as well as the sidings and also within the 28 acres of Rowsley South site. Training is given before you join the Lineside team in the form of Track Safety Examination and then a short course on safety with equipment used from another member of the Lineside team.
Gardening Team
We are regularly complimented on the excellent manner in which our gardens are kept.
If you have green fingers you would be welcome to assist the resident gardeners at Darley
Dale, Rowsley and Matlock.
Signals and Telecommunications
It’s probably fair to say that, even amongst railway enthusiasts, the work of the Signal and Telegraph Department is the least understood out of all the departments on the Railway. So what is it they do that is a mystery to so many folk? Well basically they design, install and maintain the railways signalling equipment. To date some of the more notable achievements are the signalling of Darley Dale Station area and the renovation of Matlock Riverside signal box along with the installation of all the associated signalling equipment.
Again there is regular maintenance to be carried out with such duties including checking for the correct and safe operation of points and level crossing gates. Signal boxes require painting occasionally, as do the signal posts and location cabinets. Ground frames, cranks, compensators and pulley wheels need periodic lubrication and checking for wear and tear. Batteries, chargers, and track circuits are also the responsibility of the S&T Dept.
A wide range of tools are used that include track drills, grinders, impact drivers and spanners ranging from 4BA (smaller than your thumb) to 1½ inch Whitworth (about as long as your arm), a JCB for digging the large holes and a good old pick and shovel for the small ones. The diesel crane is used for lifting heavy items such as signal posts. Much of the work is done trackside, as that tends to be were signalling equipment is located, and at times when the railway is operational. Training and instruction is very much hands on, so after a short training course on track safety you could be performing tasks you never believed possible.