A reasonable level of health and fitness is required. The precise requirements depend on the roles for which you volunteer.

Drivers and firemen, for instance, will need good eyesight, the physical strength to shovel tons of coal on a rocking footplate and the agility to crawl into the bowels of a locomotive whilst preparing it. Signalmen require good hearing and an ability to work alone for long periods whilst maintaining concentration.

All new volunteers are required to complete a self-declaration medical form on their volunteer application form. This must be completed honestly.