Fixed elevated track Standard Operating Procedures
A Controller, who will be in charge of all train movements and safety, must be appointed for each running session.
The controller must inspect the track, steaming bays, transverse & signalling equipment to ensure safe operation before train movements take place. The entry point to the track must be checked for security by the controller prior to running.
The controller can require any driver driving in an unsafe manner to return to the steaming bay.
No road locomotive, rail locomotive or stationary engine shall be subjected to steam pressure unless it has a relevant current certificate or it is being steamed in the presence of the WWSME boiler inspectors, prior to the issuing of a certificate. All club boiler tests must be carried out in accordance with the Southern Federation of Model Engineers minimum requirements for the testing of miniature steam boilers.
Having raised steam, correct operation of safety valves, water gauges, pressure gauge and water feeds to the boiler are to be tested prior to commencement of running.
All visiting drivers of steam locomotives must provide current steam & hydraulic test certificates, the number of which will be recorded. The owner/driver of the locomotive must sign the visitor’s book to validate our insurance.
The maximum speed limit on is set at 6 mph.
Drivers must be a minimum of 16 years of age. Drivers under 16 years must be accompanied by an experienced driver.
Drivers must observe & obey the signals which control train movements at the steaming bays and any flag or hand signals they may be given. In the event of an emergency the driver must protect the rear of his train.
Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance behind a train ahead in order to prevent collision in the event of the train ahead suddenly stopping.
The direction of running will change from time to time. Drivers must make themselves aware of the running direction prior to joining the track.
Whilst on the steaming bay rails or on the traverser, the locomotive regulator must be shut, the reverser in mid-gear and (if fitted) the hand brake applied. In the absence of a hand brake chocks or a physical restraint must be used. Non steam locomotives shall have an immobilizer, IE key or master switch which must be placed in the off position.
No road locomotive, Rail locomotive or stationary steam boiler in steam shall be left unattended. When not in use the regulator must be shut, the reverser in mid-gear and (if fitted) the hand brake applied. In the absence of a hand brake chocks or a physical restraint must be used. Non steam locomotives shall have an immobilizer, IE key or master switch which must be placed in the off position whilst the locomotive is unattended.
All Railway locomotives shall use an effective braked driving truck, which must be securely connected to the locomotive and train. The preferred method is by rigid link secured by bolts or shear pins. Bent nails will not do. If a loose chain is used, it must be secured at both ends by a nut or bolt, ‘R’ pin or pins secured with split pins. Unsecure chains and hooks are not permitted.
Passengers are required to sit facing forward at all times. Passenger vehicles must not be overloaded. Passenger clothing and belongings must not foul moving parts of the train.
At public running events the following Safety notice must be displayed:-
FOR YOUR SAFETY & COMFORT PLEASE BE AWARE THAT STEM ENGINES ARE VERY HOT, GIVE OFF HOTSTEAM, SMUT, CINDERS & DIRTY OIL. For your own safety & comfort – please sit still – DO NOT LEAN OVER.
A guard must be carried whenever a vehicle capable of carrying more than two members of the public is used.
A first aid kit including eye wash and burn ointment must be available for general use at all events
Passengers may be carried at the sole discretion of the driver.
In the interests of safety drivers should only stop at the station. In the event of running out of steam and stopping the driver must protect the rear of his train.
The braked guard’s truck is to form the last carriage of the train. The guard must use the brake appropriately to assist the driver as necessary.
Passengers must be verbally warned not to lean over and remain seated at all times.