Sign In

Staff Training

Scottish Region

The first DMUs to enter traffic on the Regio were the Inter-City sets between Edinburgh and Glasgow in January 1957, although some Met-Camm Lightweights had been on loan the previous year, and there had been diesel shunters for several years. The September 1955 ScR edition of the staff magazine noted this about training:

"Since the introduction of diesel locomotives, training of staff to meet requirements has progressed steadily. The manufacturers of the various components used in the diesel locomotives and multiple unit sets have given every assistance, and selected members of the Scottish Region staff have received training in the various works. As an auxiliary to this good work, the series of diesel articles in the Scottish Region Magazine should prove helpful to those of the staff interested in the technicalities of the subject."

The Region would have a diesel school at Leith Central and at Glasgow.

Instruction Train

The February 1958 edition of the staff magazine noted that the mobile instruction train was visiting: "during 22 September /20 October and from 1 December/11 January, this train is touring our Region visiting twenty depots before continuing its tour South of the Border. In charge of Mr J. Greener, Instructor, the train at the time of writing is on a four day visit to Eastfield Motive Power depot where the staff gave it a warm welcome."

The accompanying description of the train was similar to the the one on the Eastern Region, except the lecture room seated 41 rather than 38. The seats are noted as having a shelf fitted to the back that can be pulled down for taking notes.

Diesel Engine Lectures

In December 1957 lectures were given on the diesel engine at Leith Central diesel depot, Cowlairs and Inverurie Works.^[1]

The image shows Mr G. Mackie (left), Works Manager, and a number of staff members watch Mr W. Lusty, Service Manager from Self Changing Gears Limited demonstrating a sectioned epicyclic gearbox at Inverurie Works in December 1957.

Stow College

This Glasgow college ran diesel classes which some staff attended. It included cisits ot works to see diesel engines and parts being assembled - such as to the North British Locomotive works at Springburn where MAN diesel engines were being built, and Queens Park Locomotive works where 2000hp diesel units were being constructed.^[2]

MIC Notes - Staff Magazine

While not aimed at those that would be directly dealing with the diesels, the Scottish Region edition of the British Railways Magazine ran a series of articles for any staff member with an interest in the technology of the new trains.