On Wednesday 22^nd May 2013, Virgin Trains were host to the IRO for a visit to the Simulator at Virgin Trains Talent Academy at Tatton House, Crewe.

18 members attended the visit, which was run by Chris Leedham and Paul Owen, training instructors based at Crewe.

The IRO members who attended the simulator visit were split into groups in order to ensure that everybody got a chance to drive a section of track between Coventry and Wolverhampton.

Once inside the simulator the trainer talked through what all the different controls, dials and warning sounds meant.  They then coached each participant through a section of the route, talking the driver through speed limits, signals and throttle control.  There were crew changes at major stations to make sure everybody got a turn.

Whilst this small group were inside the simulator another group would be watching on from the control room, after they had finished their driving duties, they could then see how their driving skills compared to their fellow ‘drivers’! They had fun influencing the types of hazards the drivers would face.  For example, putting a horse and on the tracks or cracking the windshield!

After driving duties were over it was most important that the ‘trainee drivers’ had their PNB and hot refreshments were provided in the First Class carriage on the training train which resides in the car park at Tatton House.

Area member, Daniel Fredriksson stated ‘Being in control of a Pendolino was a fantastic experience!  Seeing the Bullring appear on the horizon as I approached Birmingham New Street was great.  The panoramic views and accurate controls made it all the more realistic.   There were so many controls to remember that it was tricky to get the hang of, but at least I didn’t have to worry about steering! Thank you very much for putting the event on – I had a blast!  The food was fabulous too’

22/05/2013