Anyone an Engineer?

[Ianita]

Trainboy, have you spoken with anyone from CPR? If so, they'll probably tell you to forget SAIT and attend one of their info sessions in Calgary when they have one. I've tried twice here in BC to get in with them. First you go to an information session (if you are chosen to do so from the 400 or so applications they receive), then you have to pass a short written test. Then they send you away for 3 hours while they cut the group in half. Half get the boot, half get to write aptitude tests. Then the interview, then you wait to hear. In Coquitlam, they hired 12 conductor trainees...I was an alternate. Basically, I was in limbo for 3 months before they told me I wouldn't get in this time. I don't want to discourage you, they are expecting a big turnover in their train personnel in the next few years. They want to train you themselves, so I'm not sure a certificate from SAIT would impress them at all. This is what I was told by a guy I know who is a conductor with CP. Hope it sheds some light on what the application process is like!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

There was an article a short time ago in Trains about a guy that hired out in KC, then quit after a year or so and why he did.

Anybody happen to know which issue this was in, or what the title of the article was. I've been thinking of applying with a railroad around here. Biggest reason I worried about it is the aparrant lack of family time...I'm getting married in three short days [:D] The last thing I want is to be away from her for days or weeks on end.

[trainboyH16-44]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jkgp35

I have been an engineer for 12 years on a very well known northeastern railroad. For you guys and girls out there looking to join this crazy world, think long and hard about the following:

Negative Side:
1. on call 24/7/365 for at least 15 years
2. days, nights, rain, snow, sleet, hot weather, cold weather
3. DANGEROUS WORKING CONDITIONS.
4. Railroading is not Railfanning. True story; A new hire came up to me one day and with a very serious look said , "Some people laugh at me when I say this but you don't have to watch out for me because I have a large HO railroad at my mom's house and I practice railroading all the time." When I was done laughing my a** off I proceeded to ask him if his model train ever ran over his foot so I could make sure he knew what to do when the real thing did it to him. Bottom line; 1:87 is safe 1:1 can be very dangerous if you take it for granted.
5. Family life. If your here you ain't got one. Divorce rate is better than 30%.

Positive Side:
1. Pay. Where can you go and make $60,000+ and have this much fun.
2. Retirement. You can retire at age 60 and it has nothing to do with social security
3. People. You get to work with a majority of great people.
4. Not stuck in doors all day.

So for you perspective conductors and engineers out there, think things through before you jump in.

I've already thought about those things, and I am prepared for them. I have heard this from engineers on some of the freights that I've hopped (With the engineers' permission, while the train was stopped, and I got to ride in the cab. Beauty.)
I heard that you have to work 24/7 with only 8 hours off, but the pay is good, which would be good for my model railway. I had hoped that, when the weather is good, I could take a picture of my train when it was in a siding. Any thoughts about that?
Trainboy

[Anonymous]

You may want to think about volunteering for a tourist railroad. I did and worked my way up from Trainman to Brakeman to Conductor and now I have my Student Engineer card.

The definite plus side is that I've learned shortline railroading without the long hours away from home, etc.

But because its a shortline doesn't mean things are any less dangerous. People act like the trains are toys, but they're not. I've been up in the cab when someone has run the flashers right in front of us. One particular time, I was in the cab when we came about within about 5 inches of nailing someone because they blew the crossing protection. We had finished up freight for the day and were heading back when it happened - someone risked their life rather than wait the 30 seconds for the light engine to pass. Amazing.

Kevin

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

Going to a railroad training class or school might be good, but I heard (atleast CSX anyway) prefers to train their employees themselves.

Not exactly. CSX makes you quit your job, pay $3000/$4000 [if you live in an Empowerment Zone, the taxpayers foot the bill] to spend six weeks at "Choo-choo U."...all I've met came through North Florida Community University in Jacksonville,Fla. [probably with some CSX big-wigs or their in-laws on the Board].

In the meantime, you are without a major paycheck while your wife and kids still have to eat and the rent/mortgage still needs to be serviced. IMHO, the CSX training scam is a travesty, with lots of good people turned away because they can't afford to pay for the dance.

BTW, I am an engineer of over 30 years with nearly 40 years of total railroad service. I've seen lots of change...almost NONE of it good.

[Anonymous]

Going to a railroad training class or school might be good, but I heard (atleast CSX anyway) prefers to train their employees themselves.

[Anonymous]

I have been an engineer for 12 years on a very well known northeastern railroad. For you guys and girls out there looking to join this crazy world, think long and hard about the following:

Negative Side:
1. on call 24/7/365 for at least 15 years
2. days, nights, rain, snow, sleet, hot weather, cold weather
3. DANGEROUS WORKING CONDITIONS.
4. Railroading is not Railfanning. True story; A new hire came up to me one day and with a very serious look said , "Some people laugh at me when I say this but you don't have to watch out for me because I have a large HO railroad at my mom's house and I practice railroading all the time." When I was done laughing my a** off I proceeded to ask him if his model train ever ran over his foot so I could make sure he knew what to do when the real thing did it to him. Bottom line; 1:87 is safe 1:1 can be very dangerous if you take it for granted.
5. Family life. If your here you ain't got one. Divorce rate is better than 30%.

Positive Side:
1. Pay. Where can you go and make $60,000+ and have this much fun.
2. Retirement. You can retire at age 60 and it has nothing to do with social security
3. People. You get to work with a majority of great people.
4. Not stuck in doors all day.

So for you perspective conductors and engineers out there, think things through before you jump in.

[trainboyH16-44]

QUOTE: Originally posted by johncolley

How about after you graduate HS save up your money and take the 8 week course at Modoc for Locomotive Engineer certification.

I'm planning to go to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
They have a good conductor course there, I hear. Ever since I went to Supertrain 2003 (The local model train show) I've wanted to go there. They're a bit expensive, though, but they are only 10 Km from my house.
Trainboy

[grayfox1119]

Yup, electrical engineer retired.......but I also rode in the engine of an FP7 through Crawford Notch.

[johncolley]

How about after you graduate HS save up your money and take the 8 week course at Modoc for Locomotive Engineer certification.

[Anonymous]

I've actually always wondered what real railroad personell thinks about model railroaders. Do they think something like - those guys are crazy. I get paid to do this sh1t and still hate it and those lunatics would actually spend their own money on their trains [:D]

[jpmikesh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainboyH16-44

I would like to know how many of you forum guys are engineers or aspiring to be engineers. When I finish school, I'm planning to take a conductor program, and apply at CP. Any words of advice besides "Instead of talking on forums, do your schoolwork"?
Trainboy

I'm a conductor ( amongst other jobs). Working for the railroad takes a unique person because railroading is not for everyone. A lot of rules and regulations and time away from home. You will never get to see your family, friends, or time for yourself when things are busy and you will be out the door every 8 hours with or without sleep. When things are slow you may work once a week and be eating hand to mouth if you don't get furloughed. ClinchValley point out a very good article to read that was in Trains Magazine a while ago. I was giving this out to applicants and candidates doing interviews for hiring out on the railroad. Another thing to keep in mind is that railroads rarely high locomotive engineers off the street. You will most likely have to higher out as a brakeperson (man) and work your way up through the ranks. If you think you may want to work for a railroad contact your local railroad museum group or operating historical society. If you really are interested look into one of the shortline railroads the operate in your area and go from there.

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Virginian

No, I R 1 (eye - are - one) is correct. Maniacal er I mean Mechanical Engineer. Licensed.

I was joking. A bit of electrical humor (P=(I^2)*R).

[Virginian]

No, I R 1 (eye - are - one) is correct. Maniacal er I mean Mechanical Engineer. Licensed.

[Anonymous]

I had often thought about becoming one, with growing up accross from a Conrail branch line trackage. then moving to Ohio and buying a house across from the Ohio Central Mainline, Then back to PA for Bussiness reasons. I guess Model rail Roading is as close as I'll Ever get to it!

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Virginian

I R 1. But not the train kind.

Isn't that supposed to be I squared R?

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

I'd like to be an engineer. All the engineers I've talked to say they love their jobs, but they don't like being on call 24/7, 365 days a year. I wouldn't either. That's what discourages me.......

One time I had an engineer complaining to me about how he never gets to see his family and how the toliets in the locomotives are always overflowing. Once a conductor told me did not have a day off from early December to mid April of the next year.

[ericsp]

I assume you mean locomotive engineer. If so than I am not. However, I am a mechanical engineer.

[Train 284]

Well, sort of... I run trains on a 15" gauge live steam railroad. (www.onprailroad.5u.com) Next best thing!

[joseph2]

I work as an engineer/brakeman on a 35 Ton GE at a grain elevator.There is railroad employment news at www.railroad.net forums

[Anonymous]

I'd like to be an engineer. All the engineers I've talked to say they love their jobs, but they don't like being on call 24/7, 365 days a year. I wouldn't either. That's what discourages me.......

[ClinchValleySD40]

Ex engineer. FEC and Chessie. Advice on a railroad career - think real hard about it. It's okay to try it, but don't be surprised if you're disappointed. There was an article a short time ago in Trains about a guy that hired out in KC, then quit after a year or so and why he did.
Nice job, good pay, terrible working conditions. And forget about having any kind of family life.

[Virginian]

I R 1. But not the train kind.

[jwr_1986]

I'm looking to do the same for CSX. They require at least three years full-time work experience after high school or an Associates or Bachelors degree. I'm going for my associates in business accounting that way I have a fall back plan should the need ever arise.

Jesse

[Anonymous]

I believe there are some career railroad people that hang out over on the Trains Magazine forum. You might also post your question there since not all are modelers and see this thread

How's the schoolwork going, anyway?

Wayne

[trainboyH16-44]

I would like to know how many of you forum guys are engineers or aspiring to be engineers. When I finish school, I'm planning to take a conductor program, and apply at CP. Any words of advice besides "Instead of talking on forums, do your schoolwork"?
Trainboy