VOLUNTEER ROLES - TRAIN OPERATIONS

Station Operations

As a member you have the opportunity to drive and guard trains. However, every member starts on the Diamond Valley Station assisting the public to board and disembark the trains. This includes a variety of roles including ticket collection, train dispatching, and arrivals supervision (opening the gate to let the passengers off the station safely).

Train Guard

After approximately 20 hours in various roles of Station Operations, you have the opportunity to join our train crew. As a Guard, you are responsible for the safety of around 30 people whilst the train is travelling more than 2km around Eltham Lower Park. Written or verbal examinations demonstrate that you understand how to Guard a train safely.

Train Driver

After 30 hours of being on a train as a Guard you have the opportunity to become a non-steam driver (Petrol/Diesel/Electric powered). As a Driver, you are responsible for the safety of around 30 people for 2km around Eltham Lower Park. Driving a train is a responsible and a fulfilling experience. All training is provided. After a year of non-steam driving, there is also the ultimate and challanging opportunity to train to be a steam loco driver which requires a different set of skills. Talk to one of our steam engine drivers anytime you are at the Railway, they love the challenge!

Signalling

Controlling the passage of the trains is a vital and responsible task to keep the railway running. After you have been qualified as a driver, you may progress to learn how to control our signalling system using lever frames, switch panels, and computer screens.