Notes for Drivers
Operating Instructions & Procedures for Drivers
Only paid up members of Leeds SMEE and other Societies recognised by The British Model Engineering Liaison Group (BMELG) for boiler certification purposes are allowed to operate model locomotives. Discretion may be allowed in the case of owners or drivers who are not members of such a Society provided they are covered by their own public liability insurance.
Junior members of Leeds SMEE or of other BMELG Societies between the ages of 10 & 17 who are signed in may drive provided they are accompanied by a competent and experienced adult driver, who must also be a paid up BMELG club member. Passenger hauling by a young person is restricted to their family members, Leeds SMEE members and paid up visiting BMELG club members, not members of the general public. Track officials will be on duty to help you and ensure these procedures are followed. Officials are authorised to limit the number of drivers using the track at the same time and stop any activity if it is considered to be unsafe. Junior members become full members on their 18th. Birthday.
Before Running Your Locomotive
Up-to-date BOILER & ANNUAL INSPECTION CERTIFICATES must be shown to & verified by the STEAMING BAY SUPERINTENDENT for each steam locomotive that is to be operated. Any one operating a locomotive (steam, electric or IC powered) is required to sign the attendance book and enter details in the Running Daybook. Inspect your locomotive and tender to ensure they are safe to run. Only rigid link or short chain couplings fitted with pins which are securely locked are permitted. Spark arrestors are required for steam locos when hauling the public as passengers. A working audible warning device is required. In conditions of poor visibility a lighted red tail lamp is required at the rear of the last carriage.
Handling Your Locomotive
When loading or unloading heavy locomotives to or of from your vehicle please use the lifting table or ramp. Seek the assistance of someone else if you need to lift or carry your loco. Use the manual traverser to move locos within the steaming bay area. Do not use the station loop traverser except under the supervision of the track official on duty.
Servicing Your Locomotive
Do not raise steam, drop fires or prepare battery operated locos adjacent to areas where fuels such as petrol, diesel or LPG are being used. Use the 12 volt and compressed air supplies in the steaming bay with care and respect for the safety of others. When raising steam check for leaks and check that a minimum of two water feeding arrangements operate correctly. Check gauge glass blowdown, whistle and the safety valves all operate correctly. Correct any faults before you run the loco.
Running on the Track
A driver may use his own driving car provided it has an efficient braking system. Do not enter the main track except under the supervision of the track official. He will operate the pneumatic north traverser when it is safe to do so. On starting your run you will be issued with a key to operate the south traverser. If you are unfamiliar with this system please ask the Track Marshal for a demonstration. If you are new to the track proceed slowly until you gain familiarity with the conditions and signal arrangements. Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and occupancy of the track and keep well behind the train in front. Take care when approaching the tunnel. Signal your intention to stop to the driver behind. Proceed with extra CAUTION after a YELLOW light and STOP at a RED light. STOP if you see a waved red flag. Watch out for stationary trains especially in the station loop. Only exchange passengers, take on water, fuel and oil in the station area. Do not leave your loco unattended when it is in steam. As you approach the gantry signal look out for golfers on the tee ahead. Stop before the tee until they have completed their shots. You are responsible for ensuring your locomotive and train is under control at all times. If no guard is appointed you are also responsible for the safety of any passengers you may carry. A track official will appoint a Society member to act as a guard when passengers are being carried on one or more riding cars behind the driver's car. In this case the guard will be responsible for the safety of the train and its passengers. Report to the Track Marshal any unsafe practices, accidents, near misses or injuries.
PLEASE OBEY THE SIGNALS AT ALL TIMES.