Simple answer is the 'Vigilance device' there is a bleeping sound that the driver must respond to by moving his feet on the dead mans pedal it goes of after the driver has not used the power handle or the brake then it will go off every 60 to 90 seconds this makes sure he or she isn't a sleep or having a heart attack.
@ShaurntheSheep it isn't good that he's standing almost in front of John but im sure he used the zoom and not held the camera 3 inches fom John's right temple?
Valid question, (ish) simple answer is go before you sign on or board the train. However it's not unknown to have drivers dive out of the cab and run to the platform toilet if they had 1 too many teas.... as for number twos well as the doctor advises open your bowels every morning before going to work, but if you have the "2 bob bits" have a day off sick to avoid an explosion! I've had to report a 2 minute delay due to driver PNB!
@readytoparty100 Not very long is the simple answer usually the distance is the amount of clear signals back to where the next train would be close to. eg Red before the crossing then a single yellow then double yellow and then green but most likely the green before that for line speed. however a busy crossing such as those near Doncaster he may have to drop as the train passed the double yellow and the train can open up once the barrires are down.
HSTs are great,but being a driver seems to me,that you are no more than a caged laboratory rat.Not sure if I would like to do this on a daily basis....toooooo many things going on,lots of responsibility,and not reallly allowing you to actually enjoy any parts of the trip !!!
