3D simulator keeps drivers on the rails

Now a new simulator has been installed in Birmingham which gives train drivers the chance to drive that route, without leaving the classroom.

London Midland's new £1m driver simulator is the first of its kind in the UK.

It incorporates the latest 3D graphics using shadows, sun glare and various weather conditions to replicate actual driving conditions. Drivers get to sit in a cab, which is a replica of one you would find on London Midland's Siemens Class 350/2 Desiro train, and have the controls at their fingertips.

The trains operate on the route between London and the North-West and pick up passengers at Wolverhampton, Coseley, Tipton, Dudley Port, Sandwell & Dudley and Smethwick before arriving at Birmingham New Street.

One of the main functions of the simulator is that it assesses a driver's energy consumption, which means drivers not only learn to drive safely but economically and in a way that is good for the environment.

Paul Owen, head of operation standards at London Midland, says: "In the past, when we had a new train, our drivers used to have to go to a depot to have a walk around it. With this new simulator they can learn about the train without having to leave the classroom."

Drivers get the chance to experience different scenarios from foggy weather to shopping trolleys on the track and stones being thrown at the windows. Paul, who used to be a train driver, says: "Drivers don't expect to have windows broken and cows on the line but we can put that into the simulator and teach them how to react.

"The trains have an onboard computer and we show new drivers how to rectify faults without having to leave their cab."

The simulator, which was created in France, is based at London Midland's training academy at New Street. If you thought that drivers just pressed a button and then sat back and read a newspaper then you couldn't be more wrong. Firstly there is the Dead Man's Handle which is a metal board under your feet and if you lift your foot of it, it sounds an alarm and stops the train – this is a safety device in case the driver falls unconscious during the journey.

There are various different alarms and sounds that you have to react to and, as on the roads, the speed limit changes regularly.

So, while you can speed along at 65mph between stations, you have to go at 15mph when you approach a platform and at 10mph when heading into New Street station. Sitting with the controls at your fingertips you can see on the screen in front that you are at Wolverhampton train station. Pulling a lever and you start to move along the track and it's not long before you spot the familiar Black Country factory buildings, canals, houses and shops. There are a number of times where the next station is hidden so drivers have to learn to look out for certain landmarks so they know when to apply brakes. Nick Reading, simulator centre manager, is in charge of putting the drivers through their paces.

He said: "The simulator allows us to work with anyone from new drivers through to someone who has had 30 years experience – over a two year period every one of our drivers will have a go in the simulator."

After around two years training drivers get paid £38,000 and around 250 people apply for every vacancy.