BRITISH RAILWAYS
EASTERN REGION

PREPARATION DUTIES

1. Collect keys: Control key, reversing lever vacuum brake handle and, where fitted, A.W.S. key.

2. Enter selected Driving Cab and check:
(a) Handbrake on
(b) Fire extinguishers - Two C.02
(c) Detonator case intact
(d) Handlamp, trimmed with red shade
(e) Deadman’s cover intact (power car only)
(f) Set route and destination indicator
(g) Check no keys are in position and gear lever is locked in Neutral
(h) Insert and turn control switch key
(i) Put reversing lever in pocket
(j) Leave brake handle and A.W.S. key on desk

3. Start Engines from the ground
(a) Check fuel in tanks
(b) Check sump dipstick
(c) Pull hand throttle to full open
(d) Press engine start button and release it when engine starts (do not press for longer than 3 seconds and if engine fails to fire, wait 10 seconds before pressing button again)
(e) Ease throttle back to a fast tick-over for 45/50 seconds (do not race engine)

4. Start other engines in similar manner

5. Going round train:
(a) Examine jumpers, couplings and flexible pipes
(b) Check unloader valve blanking cap is in position on each power car and that it and the protecting cap can be changed by hand.
(c) Note fuel in heater tanks on trailer cars
(d) Check trip gear isolating cock is closed and striking arm up
(e) Check all cabs, handbrakes off, detonators and fire extinguishers, indicators, lock doors.
(f) In rear cab, check air pressure is above 75 p.s.i. in addition to previous item.
(g) Return to driving cab STOPPING ENGINES ON THE WAY.

6. In Driving Cab:
(a) Place A.W.S. key in position (if fitted).
(b) Put vacuum brake handle in position and leave in LAP.
(c) Place reversing handle into position and move to required direction
(d) Depress throttle handle and move it to Notch 2.

7. With Engines Running:
(a) Depress throttle
(b) Move vacuum brake handle to OFF and check release vacuum is at least 26 inches and train pipe 19/21 inches. Wait for two minutes.
(c) Await Guards brake test and check train pipe vacuum is restored (if Guard is present).
(d) Move brake handle to lap and note train pipe vacuum is retained
(e) Release deadman and note train pipe vacuum falls after 5 - 7 seconds
(f) Release handbrake
(g) Note air pressure is 80/95 p.s.i.
(h) Test horns and proceed.

This extract comes from the Fault Finding Chart for Diesel Mechanical Railcars, as issued to drivers by British Railways, Eastern Region.