Two Score for Philip Dearlove

KiwiRail Locomotive Engineer Philip Dearlove celebrated the impressive milestone of 40 years’ service to our industry on January 18 2011.

Beginning as a Locomotive Trainee at Te Rapa, Philip returned to Tauranga within five months where he was to remain for the following 20 years. By 1980 he had passed all necessary exams to qualify as a First Grade Locomotive Engineer.

During this time he also worked on the old ECMT via Waihi and Paeroa in DB, DI and DF(EE) locomotives under tablet and SLAS systems, until 1978 when the Kaimai Tunnel opened.

“This was a big event at the time and operating trains to Kinleith and Te Rapa was then a welcome change of scenery,” says Philip.

Since returning to Te Rapa in 1991, Philip has driven freight and passenger trains and undertaken stints as a Minder Driver, Team Leader and visited a “good many schools” with the Rail Safe Programme, while also completing the Level 4 First Line Management Course.

“Although I set out to drive trains, strange as it may seem, I cannot say it has given me the most outstanding highlights or enjoyment.

“In reflecting back, I always enjoyed attending various work-related courses with other Locomotive Engineers -- not forgetting the nice lunches that were part of the deal.

“Also, visiting schools and meeting the kids and teachers to present the ‘Tracks are for Trains’ message is always interesting and enjoyable.

“Looking back, despite the ‘protests’ of the body clock trying to synchronise with shift work at times, for me thus far, it has been a good and interesting job.”

Among interesting observations made during the past 40 years, Philip notes that he is now paid 60-times more than the 60-cents-per hour rate he was first employed on. Additionally, he notes that in stark contrast to the “hi-viz” age uniforms of today, 40 years ago uniforms consisting of dark navy blue overalls and back lammie coats blended completely into the darkness of night shifts.

Looking ahead, Philip says unless something comes up that has “particular appeal”, he will be quite happy to “chug along and drive trains for another 40 years -- maybe”.

KiwiRail Line Haul Operations Manager Theo De Bruyn appreciates his personal experience of Philip, which began six years ago when Theo was a Toll Rail Locomotive Engineer in Te Rapa and Philip’s roles included Relief Team Leader.

“He showed me some of his knowledge by being my Minder Driver on some occasions,” says Theo.

“After a few years I became the new Team Leader and Philip was always too willing to show me the skills that I lacked!

“In 2010 I became the Linehaul Operations Manager in Te Rapa, but I still rely on the more advanced Locomotive Engineers -- the likes of Philip -- to keep me informed as well as knowledgeable.

“A more calm and precise person would be hard to find and I look forward to many more years of working with him.”