VOLUNTEERING
Operational
Footplate Steam
The Steam Locomotive Department is responsible for providing the appropriately trained volunteers to operate steam locomotives on Peak Rail passenger trains.
All volunteers start as a Cleaner helping to prepare the loco for service. This includes the important work of cleaning the loco. Cleaners then join the Fireman/woman and Driver on the footplate for the day before helping with the disposal of the loco. In time volunteers progress to become Firemen/women, Passed Firemen/women and Drivers. Training is practical throughout with Peak Rail qualified volunteers. At each stage volunteers must complete a minimum number of turns and are assessed through written and practical examinations. Mutual Improvement Classes are held to help prepare volunteers for the examinations.
Working on a steam locomotive is a challenging and responsible role with up to 350 tons of train and hundreds of passengers. It also demands an early start to the day and finishing after most others have gone home. However, it is extremely rewarding despite the physical and mental demands.
Footplate Diesel
Driver
As a diesel locomotive driver you are responsible for the safe operation of the diesel loco and the rolling stock it conveys. To reach this position you must have been a Passed Secondman for several years before commencing driver training. As a general rule all diesel
crews are expected to assist with the care and maintenance of the locos.
You must be reasonably fit and will need to pass traction examinations on each particular class of locomotive on Peak Rail.
Secondman
Working under the control of the Driver to ensure safe operation of the locomotive. This includes preparation, operation and disposal of the locomotive at the beginning and the end of each operational day.
Guard
Guards have responsibility for the safety of the train. Again you will be required to complete a training course along with a set number of turns and be expected to undertake an examination. A guard's day normally starts well before the departure of the first train with the checking of the stock and the cleaning of the interiors. The guard is responsible for the safe departure of trains leaving stations, Checking doors and liaising with station staff and train crew prior to departure. When given the all clear from the Station Master that the train is ready to start the guard signals to the driver using a green flag or lamp that it is safe
to depart.
Station Staff
Station Master
Each station has an appointed volunteer Station Master who oversees all station matters. New volunteers are mentored for a set number of turns at each of Peak Rails three stations, and then a written examination is to be taken overseen by the Stations Manager. After this you will be rostered at one of our three stations. The duties of platform staff may seem
glamorous but can be summarised as follows. Arriving before the departure of the first train and cleaning the station, Ensure that trains arrive and depart from the station safely and in line with the rules and regulations. Being available as a smartly dressed representative of the railway and assisting our visitors, answering queries and keeping an eye on their safety.
Signalling
Signalmen/women work in one of Peak Rail’s three signal boxes at Church Lane, Darley Dale or Matlock. All new recruits will be met by the signalling manager and given an introductory tour, visiting the signal boxes, to observe the method of operations used on the line. If after this you still wish to become a signalman then you will be assigned to an experienced signalman at Church Lane where a training plan is issued. A minimum of five days practical training is required to be completed at Church Lane Signal box before and practical assessment can be arranged. Once passed out (qualified) to operate Church Lane signal box then the option to train at Darley Dale or Matlock Signal boxes can be arranged.
Catering
There are 3 areas where we operate catering.
Rowsley Station has a permanent buffet.
Working alongside and accountable to the Chef the buffet assistant is the “Front of House”
counter member of staff who takes food orders from visitors, makes hot drinks and is responsible for taking money for the sale of food items.
A calm courteous manner is ideal and a person who works well as a team at busy times is essential.
Miniature Buffet on train
You will be responsible for the operation of the ‘on train’ buffet on your day of duty. Work includes stocking up, checking the float, and cashing up along with selling pre-packed sandwiches, cakes and confectionary, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus making tea and coffee. This is a service that is much appreciated by our visitors.
Palatine Restaurant Car
Our luxury Wine and Dine service on board the Palatine Restaurant Car offers traditional home cooking in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, providing our customers with waiter/waitress service and the facilities of a fully licensed bar.
We pride ourselves upon giving the utmost care and attention to our clientele thus making this a perfect venue for that very special family occasion.
Ticket Office and inspection
The Booking Office Clerk is normally the first member of the station staff to courteously meet and greet our visitors. This position is very important as the first impressions of the railway come from contact with its staff.
If you are numerate, of a calm nature and enjoy meeting and dealing with the public, then this could be a position for you.
On special event days additional staff will be on duty to spread the workload.
Full training is given to enable you to become a qualified Booking Office Clerk.
The duties of the Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI) embrace the care of the travelling public, checking and issuing of some tickets and fostering good public relations.
Training begins with an Induction Day with one of the Training Officers and, if it is mutually agreeable, prospective TTIs go on to spend a number of training days working with experienced colleagues. The length of the course depends on individual need and once completed the final examination takes the form of a practical day doing the job.
It is particularly important that TTIs are smartly turned out in the correct uniform and are able to relate appropriately to members of the public.
Footplate Steam
The Steam Locomotive Department is responsible for providing the appropriately trained volunteers to operate steam locomotives on Peak Rail passenger trains.
All volunteers start as a Cleaner helping to prepare the loco for service. This includes the important work of cleaning the loco. Cleaners then join the Fireman/woman and Driver on the footplate for the day before helping with the disposal of the loco. In time volunteers progress to become Firemen/women, Passed Firemen/women and Drivers. Training is practical throughout with Peak Rail qualified volunteers. At each stage volunteers must complete a minimum number of turns and are assessed through written and practical examinations. Mutual Improvement Classes are held to help prepare volunteers for the examinations.
Working on a steam locomotive is a challenging and responsible role with up to 350 tons of train and hundreds of passengers. It also demands an early start to the day and finishing after most others have gone home. However, it is extremely rewarding despite the physical and mental demands.
Footplate Diesel
Driver
As a diesel locomotive driver you are responsible for the safe operation of the diesel loco and the rolling stock it conveys. To reach this position you must have been a Passed Secondman for several years before commencing driver training. As a general rule all diesel
crews are expected to assist with the care and maintenance of the locos.
You must be reasonably fit and will need to pass traction examinations on each particular class of locomotive on Peak Rail.
Secondman
Working under the control of the Driver to ensure safe operation of the locomotive. This includes preparation, operation and disposal of the locomotive at the beginning and the end of each operational day.
Guard
Guards have responsibility for the safety of the train. Again you will be required to complete a training course along with a set number of turns and be expected to undertake an examination. A guard's day normally starts well before the departure of the first train with the checking of the stock and the cleaning of the interiors. The guard is responsible for the safe departure of trains leaving stations, Checking doors and liaising with station staff and train crew prior to departure. When given the all clear from the Station Master that the train is ready to start the guard signals to the driver using a green flag or lamp that it is safe
to depart.
Station Staff
Station Master
Each station has an appointed volunteer Station Master who oversees all station matters. New volunteers are mentored for a set number of turns at each of Peak Rails three stations, and then a written examination is to be taken overseen by the Stations Manager. After this you will be rostered at one of our three stations. The duties of platform staff may seem
glamorous but can be summarised as follows. Arriving before the departure of the first train and cleaning the station, Ensure that trains arrive and depart from the station safely and in line with the rules and regulations. Being available as a smartly dressed representative of the railway and assisting our visitors, answering queries and keeping an eye on their safety.
Signalling
Signalmen/women work in one of Peak Rail’s three signal boxes at Church Lane, Darley Dale or Matlock. All new recruits will be met by the signalling manager and given an introductory tour, visiting the signal boxes, to observe the method of operations used on the line. If after this you still wish to become a signalman then you will be assigned to an experienced signalman at Church Lane where a training plan is issued. A minimum of five days practical training is required to be completed at Church Lane Signal box before and practical assessment can be arranged. Once passed out (qualified) to operate Church Lane signal box then the option to train at Darley Dale or Matlock Signal boxes can be arranged.
Catering
There are 3 areas where we operate catering.
Rowsley Station has a permanent buffet.
Working alongside and accountable to the Chef the buffet assistant is the “Front of House”
counter member of staff who takes food orders from visitors, makes hot drinks and is responsible for taking money for the sale of food items.
A calm courteous manner is ideal and a person who works well as a team at busy times is essential.
Miniature Buffet on train
You will be responsible for the operation of the ‘on train’ buffet on your day of duty. Work includes stocking up, checking the float, and cashing up along with selling pre-packed sandwiches, cakes and confectionary, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus making tea and coffee. This is a service that is much appreciated by our visitors.
Palatine Restaurant Car
Our luxury Wine and Dine service on board the Palatine Restaurant Car offers traditional home cooking in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, providing our customers with waiter/waitress service and the facilities of a fully licensed bar.
We pride ourselves upon giving the utmost care and attention to our clientele thus making this a perfect venue for that very special family occasion.
Ticket Office and inspection
The Booking Office Clerk is normally the first member of the station staff to courteously meet and greet our visitors. This position is very important as the first impressions of the railway come from contact with its staff.
If you are numerate, of a calm nature and enjoy meeting and dealing with the public, then this could be a position for you.
On special event days additional staff will be on duty to spread the workload.
Full training is given to enable you to become a qualified Booking Office Clerk.
The duties of the Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI) embrace the care of the travelling public, checking and issuing of some tickets and fostering good public relations.
Training begins with an Induction Day with one of the Training Officers and, if it is mutually agreeable, prospective TTIs go on to spend a number of training days working with experienced colleagues. The length of the course depends on individual need and once completed the final examination takes the form of a practical day doing the job.
It is particularly important that TTIs are smartly turned out in the correct uniform and are able to relate appropriately to members of the public.