Tom
@tom40a.bsky.social
Train driver, former conductor with EMR. Opinions are my own and not my employers. No posts made while undertaking safety critical duties.
‘Sprinter Squadron - 158 - Express Traincrew’
These patches have been produced in support of Epilepsy Action by Northern guard Craig. Sadly they’re sold out but you can support Craig’s fundraising here:
www.justgiving.com/page/craig-s...
These patches have been produced in support of Epilepsy Action by Northern guard Craig. Sadly they’re sold out but you can support Craig’s fundraising here:
www.justgiving.com/page/craig-s...
August 26, 2025 at 8:02 AM
‘Sprinter Squadron - 158 - Express Traincrew’
These patches have been produced in support of Epilepsy Action by Northern guard Craig. Sadly they’re sold out but you can support Craig’s fundraising here:
www.justgiving.com/page/craig-s...
These patches have been produced in support of Epilepsy Action by Northern guard Craig. Sadly they’re sold out but you can support Craig’s fundraising here:
www.justgiving.com/page/craig-s...
Can anyone identify the mystery moquette on this drivers seat? Found on one of our 170s today and it’s not one I’ve seen before!
(Cab not active when photo taken)
(Cab not active when photo taken)
January 20, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Can anyone identify the mystery moquette on this drivers seat? Found on one of our 170s today and it’s not one I’ve seen before!
(Cab not active when photo taken)
(Cab not active when photo taken)
Last turn of the week complete. A nice easy shift with no issues.
I’m now off for a week and a half with my long weekend and an annual leave week.
I’m now off for a week and a half with my long weekend and an annual leave week.
January 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Last turn of the week complete. A nice easy shift with no issues.
I’m now off for a week and a half with my long weekend and an annual leave week.
I’m now off for a week and a half with my long weekend and an annual leave week.
Spare this morning, but I was sent out to cover a Cleethorpes to Barton trip. It was a little bit fresh at Habrough!
January 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Spare this morning, but I was sent out to cover a Cleethorpes to Barton trip. It was a little bit fresh at Habrough!
I think I’ve driven through almost every type of weather we see in this country today. Also been cautioned over a malfunctioning crossing, reported minor flooding, had to pass two signals at danger due to another crossing issue and some unplanned shunting to finish off. Bed time 🥱
January 6, 2025 at 7:05 PM
I think I’ve driven through almost every type of weather we see in this country today. Also been cautioned over a malfunctioning crossing, reported minor flooding, had to pass two signals at danger due to another crossing issue and some unplanned shunting to finish off. Bed time 🥱
The first unit of the new year, 170504 was mine for my entire 9hr 20 shift. A double Peterborough and a Doncaster.
January 3, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The first unit of the new year, 170504 was mine for my entire 9hr 20 shift. A double Peterborough and a Doncaster.
Happy new year to all my followers, wishing you a wonderful 2025!
My last unit of the year was 170208 on 2L81 Leicester to Lincoln.
My last unit of the year was 170208 on 2L81 Leicester to Lincoln.
December 31, 2024 at 11:01 PM
Happy new year to all my followers, wishing you a wonderful 2025!
My last unit of the year was 170208 on 2L81 Leicester to Lincoln.
My last unit of the year was 170208 on 2L81 Leicester to Lincoln.
Not used to this view anymore.
The first part of my job has been taken by a driver manager for an assessment so it’s a pass ride instead to pick up my first of two Leicester trips.
The first part of my job has been taken by a driver manager for an assessment so it’s a pass ride instead to pick up my first of two Leicester trips.
December 31, 2024 at 1:38 PM
Not used to this view anymore.
The first part of my job has been taken by a driver manager for an assessment so it’s a pass ride instead to pick up my first of two Leicester trips.
The first part of my job has been taken by a driver manager for an assessment so it’s a pass ride instead to pick up my first of two Leicester trips.
After a lovely Christmas it’s back to work on an amended job that has taken in Newark North Gate, Doncaster and Peterborough. My early spares this weekend have morphed into slightly later starts which is more welcome!
December 27, 2024 at 12:22 PM
After a lovely Christmas it’s back to work on an amended job that has taken in Newark North Gate, Doncaster and Peterborough. My early spares this weekend have morphed into slightly later starts which is more welcome!
Back to this day in 2020, working back from Doncaster to Lincoln with 156405.
December 18, 2024 at 6:06 PM
Back to this day in 2020, working back from Doncaster to Lincoln with 156405.
Beautiful skies over Newark this morning 🌅
December 17, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Beautiful skies over Newark this morning 🌅
This morning I was 0315 standby, but I’ve picked up a whole job. Worked the 0458 to Cleethorpes, then the first trip to Barton. The return working has now been retimed to leave Barton at 0753 so we have 50 minutes standing time up here now.
December 16, 2024 at 7:17 AM
This morning I was 0315 standby, but I’ve picked up a whole job. Worked the 0458 to Cleethorpes, then the first trip to Barton. The return working has now been retimed to leave Barton at 0753 so we have 50 minutes standing time up here now.
Forgot to post this one yesterday but it was Christmas Jumper Day so I had to get out the one @bessbbe.bsky.social got me a few years ago!
Taken on my pass ride up to Cleethorpes before working a double Barton.
Taken on my pass ride up to Cleethorpes before working a double Barton.
December 13, 2024 at 3:18 PM
Forgot to post this one yesterday but it was Christmas Jumper Day so I had to get out the one @bessbbe.bsky.social got me a few years ago!
Taken on my pass ride up to Cleethorpes before working a double Barton.
Taken on my pass ride up to Cleethorpes before working a double Barton.
It’s 3 years since the final 153 worked for EMR. It had been due to finish its night on the Barton service but had failed at Great Coates due to lack of coolant so was attached to the rear of my Grimsby to Lincoln service then taken on empty to Nottingham.
December 11, 2024 at 10:22 PM
It’s 3 years since the final 153 worked for EMR. It had been due to finish its night on the Barton service but had failed at Great Coates due to lack of coolant so was attached to the rear of my Grimsby to Lincoln service then taken on empty to Nottingham.
On this day in 2020, a HST set overtaking us just after departure from Barrow upon Soar.
December 7, 2024 at 9:23 PM
On this day in 2020, a HST set overtaking us just after departure from Barrow upon Soar.
Something new for me tonight. Covering a Nottingham depot job off standby and ended up working the 2259 Leicester - Nottingham which runs via the fast lines to East Midlands Parkway. It was a novelty getting to take a 170 up to its maximum permissible speed of 100mph.
December 6, 2024 at 12:57 AM
Something new for me tonight. Covering a Nottingham depot job off standby and ended up working the 2259 Leicester - Nottingham which runs via the fast lines to East Midlands Parkway. It was a novelty getting to take a 170 up to its maximum permissible speed of 100mph.
Back to 9 years ago when Lincoln Christmas Market was still held. We ran various extra services and I worked a special diagram made up of these. I actually remember the first half being pretty quiet but the 1602 to Cleethorpes was absolutely packed.
December 4, 2024 at 9:49 AM
Back to 9 years ago when Lincoln Christmas Market was still held. We ran various extra services and I worked a special diagram made up of these. I actually remember the first half being pretty quiet but the 1602 to Cleethorpes was absolutely packed.
Almost 5 years since I got to pretend I was a ScotRail guard for a morning. Sadly nothing like the beauty of the West Highland line but a Grimsby to Newark trip - all a bit novel!
December 1, 2024 at 9:55 PM
Almost 5 years since I got to pretend I was a ScotRail guard for a morning. Sadly nothing like the beauty of the West Highland line but a Grimsby to Newark trip - all a bit novel!
Always happy when I come across a picture of me driving trains - look you can see my hand 👋🏻
📷 by Keiran James
📷 by Keiran James
November 28, 2024 at 2:11 PM
Always happy when I come across a picture of me driving trains - look you can see my hand 👋🏻
📷 by Keiran James
📷 by Keiran James
Poor weather today, further hindered by leaf fall conditions. Please be patient if you’re travelling. We’ll be doing our best in what I expect are going to be challenging conditions.
November 23, 2024 at 7:47 AM
Poor weather today, further hindered by leaf fall conditions. Please be patient if you’re travelling. We’ll be doing our best in what I expect are going to be challenging conditions.
It was far more enjoyable looking at the snow on my pass rides to and from Nottingham than it was driving home in it last night.
Two rest days now, back on Friday for another double Barton.
Two rest days now, back on Friday for another double Barton.
November 19, 2024 at 9:06 PM
It was far more enjoyable looking at the snow on my pass rides to and from Nottingham than it was driving home in it last night.
Two rest days now, back on Friday for another double Barton.
Two rest days now, back on Friday for another double Barton.
Not quite the sleet that was forecast.
Driving trains wasn’t a problem but the drive home from work in my car wasn’t pleasant at all.
Driving trains wasn’t a problem but the drive home from work in my car wasn’t pleasant at all.
November 19, 2024 at 1:09 AM
Not quite the sleet that was forecast.
Driving trains wasn’t a problem but the drive home from work in my car wasn’t pleasant at all.
Driving trains wasn’t a problem but the drive home from work in my car wasn’t pleasant at all.
Time for another #SignalBoxSunday.
Today it is Lowdham, a Midland Railway box dating from 1896. At the time of this photograph in June 2016 it was due to close with control passing to Derby EMCC. Fortunately the box has been relocated to the station house and serves as part of a heritage centre.
Today it is Lowdham, a Midland Railway box dating from 1896. At the time of this photograph in June 2016 it was due to close with control passing to Derby EMCC. Fortunately the box has been relocated to the station house and serves as part of a heritage centre.
November 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Time for another #SignalBoxSunday.
Today it is Lowdham, a Midland Railway box dating from 1896. At the time of this photograph in June 2016 it was due to close with control passing to Derby EMCC. Fortunately the box has been relocated to the station house and serves as part of a heritage centre.
Today it is Lowdham, a Midland Railway box dating from 1896. At the time of this photograph in June 2016 it was due to close with control passing to Derby EMCC. Fortunately the box has been relocated to the station house and serves as part of a heritage centre.
Two years ago today I drove my first train out on the mainline with an instructor. Seems so long ago already!
November 15, 2024 at 9:06 AM
Two years ago today I drove my first train out on the mainline with an instructor. Seems so long ago already!