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In the Driving Cabs of the Llangollen Railcar Group's collection.

The cabs of the Railcars in the collection differ widely from type to type. The earlier types, such as the Wickham and the Gloucester, are not very well laid out and some of the controls are difficult to reach. In addition the instruments are on a panel in front of the driver's knees instead of being on a desk under which the driver can put his legs.
Later units were much more driver friendly and the controls were easier to get at. A further development is the type of cab fitted to the class 141, on which the controls were reversed, in other words the brake was moved from the right hand to the left and the power controller from the left hand to the right. These cabs were also better again for the driver, though modern units are a huge improvement on even this type of cab.

This is the driver's cab of the Wickham unit showing how the instruments are in front of the driver's knees and also how the brake pedestal is set awy from the desk, rather than being part of it. This means that application of the brake almost requires a driver to be double-jointed!

The class 105 type was built by Cravens of Sheffield and can be identified by the two-window cab. The desk is unusual in that it slopes and there is very little room in this cab for taller drivers. The brake vacuum gauge ( above the brake control) is particularly difficult to see.

Derby Works produced the most satisfying cab with all instruments easily in view of the driver. Our class 127 (above) is in original form with formica wallcovering and polished wood window surrounds. It should be noted that this car does not have a tachometer (as it has hydraulic transmission) and has a Rolls-Royce power controller. On the right is the clas 108 as refurbished towards the end of its life. Note that the engine/axle indicator panel has been replaced by rows of LEDs. The AWS warning system is the green instrument on the desk. On the mainline this shows the aspect of a signal to the driver. Both of these sets have working AWS equipment.

The class 104 has a three-window cab with a flat desk. The brake and air gauges are still out of the driver's eye line on the right. Above the engine indicators is the warning buzzer.

The class 141 unit is over 20 years newer than anything else in the fleet and a great deal has changed for the driver. The controls are grouped more conveniently and the seating position and view ahead is better. As class 141 is air braked the left hand gauge now shows the brake cylinder pressure and the reservoir air pressure. The other instrument is the speedometer - a rev counter is not required as the train has hydraulic transmission and therefore no gear changes are required. There are two telephone handsets, one is used to call the guard and is also used for public address - the other is used to contact signallers and internal railway numbers.

ŠLlangollen Railcar Group 06-08