GWR - Time Keeper’s Assistant

[InvisiblesRus]

Can anyone tell me in the 1890s, what would a Time Keeper’s Assistant have done? Would they have been station-based or on the move?

Thanks everyone

M

[mckha489]

Well, I did not appreciate this!

https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/standardising-time-railways-and-electric-telegraph

[InvisiblesRus]

Interesting

[mazi]

I wish it were simple, but basically the timekeeper and his assistant were responsible for booking enginemen and firemen on and of duty.

The railways ran 24 hrs a day 7 days a week so the assistant would fill in the gaps, essentially doing the same job.

As well as keeping records of hours worked, overtime, mileage allowance etc, it was often necessary to arrange cover for someone off sick or not turning up,  but as engine crew were entitled to twelve hours rest before being called for extra duty the time keeper would need to know who was available and whether they were qualified to do the job.

A vital position in a busy engine shed,  but the railway workshops at Swindon would also have timekeepers and assistants timekeepers keeping track of the hours worked by the several hundred men employed in the railway works, no mean task.

Mike

[youngtug]

That should read several thousand employed in the Swindon works

[mazi]

That should read several thousand employed in the Swindon works

Very true, but each shop had its own time ofice