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TRAIN OF THOUGHT
Page 62
Page 63
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The days of using worn-out, ex-fleet hacks for HGV training are fast disappearing. Brian
Weatherley samples a modem-day mobile
classroom that's 'licensed to teach'.
In September, Commercial Motor reported on the launch of a City & Guilds training qualification for new and experienced drivers, which was officially unveiled by transport minister Stephen Ladyman (see the panel on the following page).
At the time, Ladyman couldn't resist the opportunity of taking a sideswipe at recent fuel protesters by declaring: -I wonder how many people blockading the M4 have actually bothered to make an investment in training or have got in contact with a training organisation?"
His remark was somewhat ironic considering that his host at the launch, Kent-based Eurosafe Training, was at the event to roll out its -T007 training vehicle for the future', worth close to 150,000.
The T007 truck has been designed to satisfy the regulations for HGV training vehicles, which are due to be implemented in 2007 (see the panel on the right). Based on an 18-tonne 250hp Cummins-powered BMC Pro 625 crew cab rigid, the T007 can take an instructor and four pupils (with one driving) in full comfort and safety. Not only does the four-door truck have seat belts fitted throughout, it also has dual brake and clutch pedals, permitting an instructor to intervene if necessary.
Other safety features include Groeneveld's Greensight reversing aid and obstacl ede tection system. plus an unusual in-cab video-recording system with two cameras — one of which is pointed at the pupil driver while the other is aimed at the road ahead. Using an in-cab video monitor with a splitscreen display,T007 pupils can replay their drive and note their position on the road, as well as their use of controls and mirrors. Replaying the view seen by the `road-ahead' camera also makes for an excellent real-world hazard-perception exercise.
CM recently joined Eurosafe instructor Neil Mann and two of his pupils for a trip in the T007. The crew-cab configuration is certainly a major step forward from the traditional scenario of 'three in a day cab', in which the instructor and second pupil squeezed onto a bench seat.
There's plenty of room to stretch out in the crew section and, thanks to the video link, even a learner sitting directly behind the driver can see what's going on.
Taking the wheel
The BMC Pro 625 is fitted with a nine-speed Eaton range-change gearbox.This provides good experience for learners who want to get their C+E and, if successful, will find themselves confronted with a range-change box.
We initially took a back seat while Neil carried out a 40-minute assessment with Tom Brown, whose training was being funded by the local Jobcentre Plus Scheme.
Then it was our turn. Access into the front and back of the Pro 625 crew cab is easy thanks to wide steps and decent grab handles. Likewise,the view from the driver's seat is fine, although we'd probably mount the driver's mirror lower down to make it easier to see across roundabouts and blind junctions.
The BMC may not have the plushest cab on the market, but its robust no-nonsense spec and uncluttered control layout makes it ideal for a training truck.
After 10minutes of driving, we were keen to see the dual controls in action.As we approached a roundabout, Mann advised us to hold off our braking. He slowed the vehicle using his own pedals before we took back control. [fit makes sense to fit dual controls to cars for learner drivers, then fitting them on HGV training vehicles is an obvious no-brainer. The BMC's unladen steel-sprung chassis proved somewhat lively on potholed minor roads around Manston; given a choice we'd put in a bit of ballast (six tonnes or so),just to settle things down. We've never understood the reluctance of the DtT and DSA to back laden testing for HGV drivers.
However, our overall impression of T007 is that it provides a modern yet practical environment in which to teach the HGV drivers of the future. •