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Guards Department – © Rory Lushman

Guards Department

There is a perception that the driver is in charge of a train and in reality it is the Guard. A train cannot leave a station or a siding until the Guard has given his/her permission to depart.

The Guard's role is varied and is a Safety Critical position. Duties can involve:

 

  • Preparing, inspecting a train in sidings or in the station in readiness for the day ahead.

  • Doing brake tests on the train.

  • Dispatching trains safely from stations.

  • Knowing all the rules of the railway.

  • Interacting with the public and championing the East Lancashire Railway.

  • Interacting closely with other departments such Station Staff and Train Crews.

  • Being physically fit to be able to do the role as climbing up steps from the ground level is required at times.

  • Be prepared to work in extreme weathers and also dark morning and evenings.

Every train must have a Guard and no train can run without one. The Guards Department is a friendly group of people who thrive in a Safety Critical roles whilst providing a customer facing profile of the railway.

For more information on becoming a working member, please contact the Volunteer Liaison Team on 07585 198455 or at volunteers@elrpsltd.org.uk.

(C) East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Ltd 2025

Text is copyright ELRPS Ltd and may not be reproduced without written permission. All photographs are (C) to photographer and may not be reproduced without their permission.

East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Ltd.

Company Registration Number 11773904

Registered Charity Number 1190609

33 Croft Meadow, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 8HX

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