Site Navigation

Locomotive Information

Galleries

Other Information

Volunteering with the GCRN Diesel Group

This page last updated: 22 February 2006

Have you ever thought what it would be like to drive a Class 56 or Class 25 on a regular basis? If you like the sounds - what about getting up-close and personal with a Ruston RK16 or Sulzer 12LDA. Perhaps like us, you've lamented the passing of "interesting" traction on the main line. Or maybe you've simply got some time to spare and would like to help out.

If any of these descriptions is you, then you should consider volunteering with the Diesel group at Ruddington.

Our volunteers come from a varied background - from Computing professionals to qualified diesel traction fitters, and comprise all ages. What we all have in common is the goal of seeing our locomotives and rolling stock running through the 10 miles of Nottinghamshire countryside that the GCRN route traverses, and who knows - even perhaps visit other railways with the locos. Some are able to volunteer every week, while others help-out one day per month or as their circumstances dictate.

No specific skills are necessary - just a positive attitude and the will to simply get stuck-in. There's everything you possibly imagine to do to restore and maintain these locomotives in working order from painting and bodywork, electrical maintenance, pipework right through to full engine rebuilds, bogie swaps and heavy overhauls. The facilities at Ruddington offer power, compressed air and heavy lifting capabilities, together with stabling in the workshops and yard areas.

Our maintenance volunteers are all trained through a mentoring process, with experience gained "on the job" under the guidance of existing volunteers. We maintain our locomotives and rolling stock to applicable standards, using manuals, processes and procedures followed by other volunteer groups and train operators alike. In the main, all our volunteers can and often do help each-other out. Most of the loco crews are also involved in maintaining the locos.

Our traincrew are also trained by a mentoring process, backed-up with classroom, practical and theory learning. Our qualifications are similar to those at any other heritage railway, comprising in-depth practical and theory knowledge which is put into practice out on the line. If you've volunteered or worked as traincrew before elsewhere, subject to verification, your qualifications should be portable to GCRN.

Above all, the railway and the Diesel Group volunteers have a very open, inclusive and friendly attitude and if you would like to volunteer with us, you will be made most welcome.

If you would like to help-out, would like to chat or explore the possibilities. then please contact us at the email addresses below, or join our egroup and post your question there. Note that in order to prevent spam we've modified the addresses. You'll have to substitute AT with "@";

mark.fowlerATawesome.clara.co.uk

markATwhitcombe3912.fsnet.co.uk

NOTE: Some pictures on this page courtesy of Rob Cuss