Are Pilots Still Used in the UK?

[PaulMac]

Are pilots (small shunting locomotives) still used in the UK to move passenger cars around stabling yards? Or are passenger trains generally kept in uniform, unbroken consists?

 

[JN114]

Are pilots (small shunting locomotives) still used in the UK to move passenger cars around stabling yards? Or are passenger trains generally kept in uniform, unbroken consists?

Yes, but very very rare these days.

Almost all operators now used fixed-formation multiple units now; and even in the cases of operators that use flexible formation loco and coaches; very little shunting occurs.

Great Western have a couple for shunting the night riviera sleeper trains and HSTs.

 

[birchesgreen]

Many, though by no means all, motive power depots and facilities will still have a class 08 shunter. I was lucky to see the one at the Bombardier facility near Burton-on-Trent moving a Voyager around a few weeks ago when passing on a train.

 

[The exile]

Is “pilot” as a term for a shunting loco and Americanism (thought that was switcher)? My understanding of “pilot” as applied to a locomotive was as a (usually smaller) locomotive coupled in front of the train engine for assistance- though of course “station pilot” fits in with the OP’s usage.

 

[co-tr-paul]

Ours is used daily at Long Rock for Night Riviera sleeper stock.
Normally 08645 but it's having a rebuild so currently borrowing one from Plymouth.

 

[Harpo]

Is “pilot” as a term for a shunting loco and Americanism (thought that was switcher)? My understanding of “pilot” as applied to a locomotive was as a (usually smaller) locomotive coupled in front of the train engine for assistance- though of course “station pilot” fits in with the OP’s usage.

‘Station pilot’ or ‘yard pilot’ has a long history of use in the UK as does pilot engine for any lead engine manned and coupled ahead of the train engine and when all are working normally.

 

[matchmaker]

Is “pilot” as a term for a shunting loco and Americanism (thought that was switcher)? My understanding of “pilot” as applied to a locomotive was as a (usually smaller) locomotive coupled in front of the train engine for assistance- though of course “station pilot” fits in with the OP’s usage.

The Glasgow & South Western used the term "couple" instead of "pilot" - for example "couple the diner" meant provide a pilot for the diner.

Back to original query - I think Inverness has an 08 for shunting HSTs around the depot - possibly the sleeper as well, although might be a coupling problem,

 

[Belperpete]

The term pilot in nautical or aeronautical parlance means the person who takes charge, e.g. ships take on pilots to navigate tricky waters, the pilot taking over navigation duties from the captain. Hence the term "pilot" in railway usage generally means the lead engine, where a loco is attached ahead of the train engine.

Back in the days of steam, when shunting of coaches and wagons on and off trains was common place, "station pilots" were often provided. I suppose the term kind of makes sense, as it is the loco in charge of shunting moves at a particular station. Must admit that I had never heard the term yard pilot used before, though, I have always heard them referred to as yard shunters (or various local derogatives, such as "the donkey").

Shunters or shunting locos is usual UK parlance, as opposed to switchers in US - although I think switchers can cover quite large distances in the US. The Ffestiniog Railway used to have a "bottom shunter" for shunting between the stations and yards at the bottom end of the line, and likewise a "top shunter" for shunting between the quarries and stations at the top end of the line.

 

[chuff chuff]

The Glasgow & South Western used the term "couple" instead of "pilot" - for example "couple the diner" meant provide a pilot for the diner.

Back to original query - I think Inverness has an 08 for shunting HSTs around the depot - possibly the sleeper as well, although might be a coupling problem,

Inverness has a pug as does haymarket.

 

[PaulMac]

Ours is used daily at Long Rock for Night Riviera sleeper stock.
Normally 08645 but it's having a rebuild so currently borrowing one from Plymouth.

Thanks for all the informative replies.

I’m curious about your Long Rock pilot/shunter. For the sake of rolling-stock compatibility, ours is fitted with an ancient Westinghouse triple valve system - from 1894, if the manufacturer’s stamp is to be believed. If you don’t keep your eyes glued to the brake pipe gauge, you invariably end up with either locked-on brakes or an unstoppable, unbraked train.

Is that true elsewhere?