Footplate crew outfit

Hi all,
I have 1 of the new Greasetops and it is really shinny on the top . Does anyone know how to get rid of this shine?

 

Leave it in a loco pit for a week and hope it's still there when you come back. That or the ash pile. Or you could rough it up with a file and drag it through oil and then ash. #-o

Just wear it and wait until it goes dull.

That or get a flat cap! :smt002

 

You mean you've got one of the PVC topped "greasetops?"

Get it on a loco with a properly hot fire, and you'll find they melt. You'd have been better off spending the extra money of one of Mr Beesleys! (mine's lasted about 15 years).

 

Taking it off topic a bit but i am becoming a cleaner at the ELR at the end of this year and i want to know what kit i need. I.e bib and braces, and that like.

I already have a pair of good saftey boots which i got for free when i did a Engineering course a few years ago and have lasted now for 4 years with out any cleaning and have lasted well.

What else do i need for becoming a cleaner. Also really taking it off topic i am also becomoming a second man on diesels at another railway at the end of the year what type of kit do i need for that or is it basiclly the same as a cleaner on the steam footplate would have.

Thanks Josh

 

Cleaner: Cotton Drill boiler suit with fire-retardant properties is best. Steel toe capped boots, (preferably not Rigger's boots - the lugs can get caught on things) Good pair of riggers gloves, pair of welders gaultlets, a hat to get dirty under engines, (to stop you getting oil in your hair) some old jeans and T shirts for under your overalls, (they will still get filthy) a pair of goggles/safety glasses and dust mask, (you'll probably get involved in other sundries around the shed or assisting others using power tools) a good supply of rags (possibly from railway itself) and I also find it useful to carry a car cleaning sponge, car shampoo, white spirits, Brasso & car polish. Also a torch would help! If you intend riding out on the footplate or aiming to become a fireman, then bib & brace overalls are a good start. Possibly a bardic lamp depending on if they are required. (for some railways they are essential)

Secondman: I'd assume a good pair of overalls of either type, boiler suit or bib and brace would be acceptible. Not sure on other kit required really. anyone else?

 

hi Cunni thanks for the info i should have said in my first post i will be a cleaner on the footplate. But am helping restore another engine so i will use the overalls i have already for that and any other bits i need which you mentioned in your post. so as you said a pair of bib and braces for the footplate and possibily a bardic lamp would i need anything else other then boots and gloves that i already have for being on the footplate and eventually becoming a fireman.

and for the diesel footplate all else i can think of is a shirt and a leather footplate bag to keep everything in which i can use for the steam footplate as well.

Josh

 

As a cleaner you wont necesserly be out on a engine . boiler suit for on shed and for out on the engine bib and brace shirt and tie and a jacket ,flat cap pair of gloves thats it really hats all i use .
i reccomend taking a towel and some shower gel too you tend to get funny looks going home in mucky overalls with a black face when your on the bus!!! ( been there done that)

 

You'll need more kit when you become a Fireman, but we'll deal with that when the time comes. Plenty of people will tell you what you need by then if you haven't figured it all out yourself. :smt002

 

I don't think that anybody has mentioned a waterproof and a good coat. Steam locos can be awfully cold and wet when running tender first! It always pays to look at the weather forecast the night before because carrying everything that you might need becomes an impossibility!

Some unwritten rules:
1) Never be separated from your food
2) Never go in clothes that you wouldn't want to throw away.
3) Never expect to do what you expect to do. (Well that certainly applies on the NYMR!)
4) Never expect to finish when you expect to finish.

 

Leather Drivers bags seriously cost, and to be honest, I wouldn't feel that you need to buy loads of expensive kit when you are just starting out. Accumulate it slowly. Start out with the essentials, like a good pair of boots. Don't fork out for the flashy footplate gear until you've firstly proved to yourself that you like the job, and secondly to the powers that be that you can do it!

I would suggest that the railway itself will provide you with a list of what you must have, and what they will supply?

 

Thanks for the info everyone and i will take up the points towards the end of this year that have been said when i get the kit i need.

Regards Josh

 

Are you leaving the PWAY lads Josh? Thought you would be a 'diesel' man anyway?

 

No im not conire and yes i am.

Josh

 

i donno if anyone has brought this website up, but i found this website and thought it may be off use for people for footplate clothing and equipments http://www.footplateequipment.co.uk/foo ... ment.shtml

Hope this helps.

 

John Beesley - very well known, good kit, esp the greasetops, but expensive.

You should also take a look at the NYMR shed shop for footplate overalls, via http://www.nymr.co.uk

 

I'll agree with this. i have just bought a Greasetop off of him. However even though they are expensive i understand that his products have a reputation for lasting. You definatly get what you pay for.

 

I'll second that...

Beesleys greastops are real good quality...

 

i purchased a set of nymr overalls and a greasetop and first thoughts are they are superb and look to be hard wearing

 

Dont bother wearing greasetops, or flat/clothcaps (their for old lads) just get a wiper/sponge cloth (clean one) and wrap that round your head ala southern style.And they only need washing at the end of your shift.

 

When on the footplate I never wear any kind of hat - Okay it looks professional, but you have to remember that not everyone wore head wear.... Always personal preference I guess.
I prefer to just wear Steel Toe-Capped Boots, Bib N Brace and a jacket. Although I think a cloth around you're neck such as I have seen the guys on the Bluebell wear, i think is a really good idea. Does anyone know where you can get these from?