2011 Newcomer

[Peter]

Hi all, I have just started work at Serco Docklands as an Assistant Project Engineer within Signalling. It is a completely new area for me and I am looking to start working towards the exams for 2011. I completed a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in the Rail industry for 2.5years but in project management. I would appreciate it if I can get some pointers from anyone as to what would be the first steps in terms of physical studying. I've done my background reading on this forum and have read the introductory threads. I am in the process of applying for membership and once the exam registration is up on teh website I will be completing that also. Additionally, I will be attending the YM AGM on 20th Jan to help me get started. In the meantime, has anyone got info on the following?

Is it ambitious to undertake 2 modules per year bearing in mind I have to learn from first principles(I am quite worried...)? I'm not quite sure whether these exams are designed for people coming from backgrounds other than signalling and therefore the level of difficulty will be higher for me?

If you are talking about learning right from scratch, to do so for any two modules in a year might be tight. A lot of the exam is not just about mechanical application, you need to be able to spot the subtle bits and deal with those. Doing 20 auto signal Control Tables will not get you many marks, but doing one swinging overlap well would be good. See the comment on when to do M1

I have not seen any set information regarding study groups in London for 2011, anyone know where they may be held?

There will be an update to the link on the IRSE website and the hopefully, those working with the London group will update the section on this site.

Can I get hold of the textbooks/technical papers etc at the IRSE Library and if neccessary purchase the listed textbooks? I am also particularly interested in the "green booklets" and technical papers. Atleast then I have all the material and can get started on studying.

I have to say I am not sure that the IRSE has a library. Technical papers should be available from the IRSE Proceedings but I am not sure what the availability of these is for years gone by. Find a colleague with the old ones in a dusty cupboard. The Green Books are available from IRSE but sort out your membership first as members get them cheaper.

Do I get access to past papers when I have completed an exam registration including model answers? I have already got a copy of the 2010 papers.

Past papers are usually on the study pack disk for the relevant module that you get when you register, although sometimes they seem a bit slow coming out. Previous candidates were allowed to have copies of the papers they sat so if you know someone who has taken modules in previous years, they may have them. If you have a request for a particular year's paper, you can put a request on here and someone may be able to share it with you. Model answers are not issued as a matter of course. Some do exist from a variety of sources but these are probably not endorsed by the examiners.

Are there any tutorials held anywhere alongside the study groups to aid with your independant learning?

Only the study groups. This forum was set up for those who cannot get to a fixed group and works on the basis of people giving feedback on attempted answers or comments on particular points rather than being here to carry out teaching.

I have alot of questions in mind but do not want to bombard you with all sorts right now! I want to make sure I understand what I am letting myself in for so I can prepare well and remain commited and focussed.

Many Thanks

I note you are intending to attend on Thursday so that will be a good place to clear up some of your queries.

Peter