Spot the difference

The end finally seems to be in sight. Having spent all last week on a Principles of Route Learning course which was as dull and pointless as a 10W light bulb, we are into what promises to be the final stage before being allowed out with a minder. Yes folks, it's the long awaited Class 315 conversion course.

Quite a few drivers and instructors have said that there really isn't that much difference between these and the Class 317 units we have already driven, but I didn't quite appreciate how similar they were until today. Almost every system is exactly the same, and just a few are in different places. This makes things nice and simple and easy to grasp, which is a nice relief given that our basic traction course now seems so very long ago. The only real differences are that there are fewer fault indications than on a Class 317 and more things that will bring you to a embarrassing halt. Of particular concern is the DSD, which works like the deadman's handle of yore. On the Class 315 this operates instantaneously and requires a fair bit of pressure to keep it in, unlike the Class 317 which allows the driver a couple of seconds grace.

Having spent today looking around the inside and outside of a unit (well, as best as we could given that it was in a platform at the time), tomorrow we will have to drive one. However, given that these units normally only work suburban services, it isn't as easy to diagram a brake handling train. Therefore, our train tomorrow morning will have passengers on, which means that we will all have to be much more careful and concientious about stopping on the mark, completing station duties, running to time and generally doing everything properly than we were with out empty Class 317. So, no pressure then.

Commuters of Chingford; you have been warned.