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Some more information about the use of Engineer on USA Railroads:: Much like any othe names we have used or changed over the years, the work engineer goes back to the time of the early 1800's when the term was given to show the authority and responiblity of the man in charge. Just because we use the name differently today does not change the way it was used in the past. We are now using terms and names that were not even thought of thirty years ago. A Locomotive Engineer or train driver is a person who operates a railroad locomotive and train. The Engineer is the person in charge of and responsible for the locomotive(s) of a railroad train. They are also in charge of the mechanical operation of the train and all train handling. They share with the Conductor, whom is in charge of the train, responsibility for the safe operation of the train and application of the railway companys' rules and procedures. The Engineer controls the speed of the train and the handling of the cars and equipment. On many railroads, the career progression is one that starts as an Asst. Conductor (Brakeman), Conductor and finally, Engineer. In the United States the Engineer is required by the federal government to be certified, & re-certified every 2-3 years. A Locomotive Engineer who wishes to become an Engineers' supervisor would progress to the position of Road Foreman of Engines. [edit] Duties Responsible for preparing equipment for service, checking paperwork & vital seals, controlling acceleration, braking & handling of the train underway, following direction of the Conductor. Has memorized physical characteristics of the railroad, including passenger stations and all speeds. Along with the conductor, the engineer monitors time to not fall behind schedule, nor leave stations early. Often requires running at reduced speed when following other trains, approaching route diversions, or regulating time over road to avoid arriving too early, when builtin "recovery time" in schedule is not needed. Assumes duties of conductor if incapacitated or removed.
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