BNSF Fresno/Calwa yard

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I have been lurking here, learning quite a bit and taking all of it in with a grain off salt! It's time to get off my 6 and participate.

I have been offered a Conductor Trainee position for Fresno, CA. I am thrilled, but I have no idea what to expect in Fresno.

Do they do any mainline running, or is it mostly locals and yard work? What is Fresno like as in cost of living, etc.

Anything you all can add would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mark

[UPTRAIN]

I'm not sure about Fresno...I work for Up and love it...been on the rails since 1976...welcome to the forums. [:D]

[TH&B]

Sounds good to me, California away from LA, and yard work and locals is better anyways, you get to play train and you're homr every day in a sunny place.
good luck

[Anonymous]

Hey congradulations, I'm kinda in the same boat but I'll be in Richmond, CA trying to figure out the work enviorment; when does your class start for you?

Also where did you interview and what date, you might have been in my testing session!

If anybody can tell me the full job details like the physical part and assignments how it's really like being a conductor please drop me a line.

Hope to pass by there once a while!

Jimiec

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to add cost of living in the Richmond CA bay area is HIGH San Francisco, OLD HOMES, 2 bed 1 bath in a OK neighborhood around 400-500k

Nice ones 600,000 to ??,???,??? a lot

Rent here 1 bed and bath in ok neighborhood 800-1000 and nicer ones lucky 1000 usaully 1100-1500 a month but it always depends

Fresno should be about half of this don't quote me on it hope that helps!!

Ta TA
Jimiec

[Anonymous]

Hey Jimiec!

If all goes well...and it has SO far....I'll be in Bakersfield to start traing June 21st. Then back and forth to Fresno for the next 14 weeks. I was originally hoping for Bakersfield, but after some research the opportunities will be better in Fresno (my primary recall location).

I did my interview in Stockton on the 4th of this month...drove down from Portland. I have completed the strength tests and have my "physical" tomorrow.

Well, I hope we run across each other soon. I also hope that you are getting in before July 1st! If you don't know the significance of that date, e-mail me at [e-mail] and I'll tell you why it is significant! [:D]

Good luck!

Mark

[mudchicken]

The old ATSF Valley Division has in the past been a good mix of mainline, yard and local assignments, especially in the Calwa/Stockton middle of the division. I'm track - not operating - but the territory is never dull.

JimieC: Say hello to my old friends 1,2 &3 between Christie and Maltby.....and both of you be carefull in Riverbank Yard when it gets wet. (I assume the yard still sinks into the ooze every Monsoon season!)

Rock Kickin Mudchicken[banghead][banghead][banghead]

[Anonymous]

Hey Mark,
I guess we just missed each other, my session was in Stockton at the Radisson but I went on April 12 I belive.

I'm done w/ medical, physical, and just finishing on back round check 1 more clearence.(education)

Then training on May 24, 2004

Where are you coming from?

[Anonymous]

Hi Jimie,

I now live in Vancouver, WA (Portland), about 750 miles from Fresno.

I guess I am lucky that I am single with NO attachments, so it should be relatively easy to do this move!

Passed all of my physical, I believe. Background shouldn't be a problem as I already have a clearance from the DoD for my current job!

It seems to me that you have decided to take the job. I wish you good luck and I hope that you have fun! E-mail me if you have any other questions!

Mark