Paul C

I'm on my second pair of air streams great boots. The soles on my first pair went after 7months walking on railway ballast but a £45 resole from alt-berg in Richmond and there good as new if not better.

New Boy, check out the employment thread on the forum there are some big firms that deal in rail work wanting blokes. You will need a PTS card before you can do rail work and to get one one of these you will have to complete a medical plus the personnel track safety (PTS) course. In order to take a PTS course you will first have to be sponsored by a company that does de-veg rail work. It sounds a little drawn out but is pretty straightforward, the best place to start would be to send an expression of interest to one of the firms that deal in this line of work. There should be someone not too far from your area if your lucky. Regards, Paul

Here here, Mike.

New Boy, ever thought about some rail work?. There's loads of it around at the moment, not the most glamorous of work but you'll learn very quickly which if you've not had much experience is invaluable and it's not all about butchering trees. I was in a pretty similar situation to yourself 7months ago and have enjoyed nearly every minute........ Getting lots of tickets (I did) sounds good but doing this job has certainly opened my eyes. Definitely food for thought and you'll soon realise if you made the right decision plus most gaffers if starting as a subbie with provide saws etc so you'll just have to fork out for ppe.

Many thanks guys for the responses. The stretch air's seem the way ahead but according to some arb suppliers, the UK distributer for Pfanner don't import the size I'm after!. Back to the drawing board. Cheers, Paul

Does anyone know where I could get hold of hi vis orange chainsaw trousers for railway work to fit me. Got to be 38/40 waist and inside leg 36". I already have some XXL GO/ORT orange hi flex but still too short, oh and I don't have legs like pipe cleaners. Any suggestions other than a crash diet?. Cheers, Paul

Congratulations mate.

I done some of my resettlement with TKF in Holmfirth a month or so ago. Great set up and good tutors. Places on courses are limited so you might want to get a shift on if you've only a few months left, they couldn't be more helpful. Good luck mate.

Can anyone tell me if Meindl Airstream boots comply with EN ISO 20345. Most likely a bone question but I'm scratching my head trying to find out. Cheers, Paul.

Cheers Openspaceman.

Hi Treemon, Thanks for the info. I'm currently based in Co Durham but would be willing to travel. Do you need the drugs and alcohol test before you start the course?. Cheers, Paul.

Hi All, Could anyone advise me with regards PTS training. I have just left the forces and have CS 31, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 48 as well as a LANTRA award in woodchipper use and maint. I also have my IRATA level 1 qual and was wondering if it is worth trying to get a PTS certificate for trackside work. Would this make me more employable or is it worth getting stated with a company first?. If so do you require a land based company to sponsor you prior to starting the course. Many thanks, Paul.

Interesting setup, I've just done my IRATA level 1 qual and its pretty similar to what we used on the course. I'll stick to my prusik loops for tree climbing though.

This may help with regards anyone wanting to get in touch. I am contactable on 07904800596. Many thanks, Paul

Cheers guys.