Becoming a Train Engineer

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know who I can contact about finding a school near me that teaches people how to become a train engineer? I've been obsessed with becoming one since I can remember, but I do not know who to contact or how to find out on my own, any help is appreciated, Thank You.

[wcfan4ever]

You should check out Modoc Railroad Academy in Madison, CA. I think there might be one in Kansas City, MO too, you'll have to check with some actual workers as I too am trying to find out some locations. I think i'm either going for a shortline close to me or UP? I know most shortlines would be able to train instead of going to school.

[Rick Gates]

I don't know of any schools anyone can just walk into and sign up for in this field. The usual method, which varies a bit for each carrier, is the you get a job on the R.R. 1st. I believe most RR's have you start as a brakeman 1st and as you qualify your way up to Conductor they will choose who the canidates will be. This is done as most of the training is "On The Job." After working as a Fireman for awhile then you will be sent to the carrier's own "Choo-choo U." Usually 6-8 weeks of classroom(5-8 part written exam at the end). Then back to OJT with a report card for the Engineer to fill out as to how you fair in your duties, i.e. inspections, knowledge, handling, etc. After that, you go back for oral exams on various locos for on hand knowledge,inspections, etc. If you fail this you get one more chance. Fail again and you are washed out, or fired. At this point if you have passed, you recieve a certificate that says you are a Locomotive Engineer however; you may not work as a Hoghead until you go to the various locations you will be required to operate in and pass tests on your knowledge of the tracks, rules in effect for each, special instuctions as the apply to locale, etc. Then you may operate as a "Promoted Engineer. " Of course now-a -days each year you must pass a rules test to maintain your licence to run (must also keep your driving record relatively clear) and every two years pass an air brake refesher and exam. That's a rough outline. Each RR is different and yet similar. There is more, but that's a basic outline.

[Anonymous]

Like Rick said, it does vary from RR to RR.

Your best bet is to check in with the RR that you would like to work for and see what you need to do before you go and sign up for a school somewhere else. I doubt there is any railway out there that will allow you to work as an engineer right off the bat. Most railways will require about 2-3 years or more (depending on the person and how badly they need engineers) working as a conductor before you can be upgraded to engineer.

Prospects are very good for landing a job on the Railway these days, with most railways expecting a turn over rate of about 70% due to retirement. Most of the Class Is have already started major recruiting and are pushing for people to consider a career on the rails.

[wabash1]

most class 1 railroad will pull its engineers from the conductors slots after 1 year of service. ( fra says 1 year) then they will train you for this position. you will pass all the test and then on the job training this will take up to a year. then you must qualify on a run with the division road forman. if you qualify then you get a certificate ( its like a driver lic only this says locomotives and what type of trains you can run) and with this you can work for any railroad you want . these certifacations are fra issued ( company does it by the fra guide lines) .

[Rodney Beck]

Hi group you frist must be hire out as a conductor trainee then after 15 weeks and a test you will be permoted as a conductor. Then it is a matter of seniority and a bidding process for engineer training if selected you will spend 6 weeks at choo choo u take another test and do simulator runs and return to your terminal for ojt for the remander of the 6 months and after all of that you will get you engineer card. Rodney conductor BNSF