LIF loco inspection fitter, but that is just a guess. A fitter could not work his way up to be a driver as the two grades were in entirely different lines of promotion. A fitter was usually a fully apprenticed tradesman who had served a seven year apprenticeship somewhere in the engineering trade. In many respects as a result of their apprenticeship and tradesman status they were often not regarded as full railway workers, and had entirely different wage, promotional, and conditions of employment structures to the rest of the rail industry. He could only become a driver if he resigned from his trade and started again as an engine cleaner. To do this he had to be under 25, and frankly nuts! The footplate staff had this promotional structure, cleaner, cleaner passed for firing, fireman, fireman passed for driving and driver. Some lines had an intermediate grade of shunting driver. To join under 25, over 5feet 4inches, physically fit with 6/6 eyesight and normal colour vision. Subject to medicals throughout career at 5 yearly intervals and on promotion, which was by seniority subject to passing technical exams. I could go on, but don't want to bore the viewers. Will try to answer any questions.
