Trains.com

lady locomotive engineers

11016 views
95 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
lady locomotive engineers
Posted by edblysard on Monday, May 8, 2017 3:56 PM
 
Hope the link works, story about women working on the railroad, concentrates on UP’s first female locomotive engineer, followed by the hiring of their first black female engineer.

 

Not real sure why the author differentiates between the two based on color…my experience with female engineers is they smell better than the guys!

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Iowa
  • 3,293 posts
Posted by Semper Vaporo on Monday, May 8, 2017 4:08 PM

That looks like an e-mail address... not a web page URL

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
Posted by edblysard on Monday, May 8, 2017 4:21 PM

Durn it...let me see how to fix it...

Try this

http://www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/index.htm

 

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Monday, May 8, 2017 4:29 PM

edblysard
…my experience with female engineers is they smell better than the guys!

That hurt, Ed.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Iowa
  • 3,293 posts
Posted by Semper Vaporo on Monday, May 8, 2017 4:56 PM

zugmann
edblysard
…my experience with female engineers is they smell better than the guys!

That hurt, Ed.

Probably not as bad as if it had said they smell worse... and one of them found out about it!

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 2,515 posts
Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Monday, May 8, 2017 9:44 PM

Does anyone know how many lady engineers there are today. I know Amtrak has some. When I rode the Carl Sandburg (#381) to Quincy, it had a lady engineer and she was solo in the cab. When the Ft Worth Dispatcher radioed to issue an order for a meet between Galesburg & Quincy, she brought the train to a nice smooth stop, received the order, read it back, DS made it "Complete" and away we went. I was sitting near the conductor and he also copied it. 

Also had one on a Pacific Surfliner (#769). She was operating in the cab car and I requested to be allowed to come forward (rope across the aisle) and she said I needed to stay back by the stairs which I did. Cab door was open and at one stop, after cussing out the brakes ( I think she overshot the desired stopping point) she then jumped out of the cab, ran down the stairs, and assisted the station agent in some labor and came back up and away we went. Both handled their trains like the pro's they were. 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, May 8, 2017 10:06 PM

Females have been qualified Engineers for 30 years or more in my experience.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
Posted by edblysard on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 12:07 AM
My very first engineer on my very first paid trip marked up as the conductor was a statuesque and very stunning beautiful black lady named Elenore….she smelled like jasmine, looked like how you imagined Cleopatra would, all of which made keeping your mind on the job at hand difficult.
Moreover, she turned out to be one of the best engineers the PTRA had.
She could make ‘em walk and talk and stop on the spot every time.

 

One of the few people who we threw a party for when she retired, even the superintendent showed up. 

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 7:03 AM

Back in the mid-1980's, I remember regularly seeing female engineers on the BN suburban trains.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
Posted by jeffhergert on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 10:08 AM

edblysard

Durn it...let me see how to fix it...

Try this

http://www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/index.htm

 

 

This story linked to, is about the new display at the Union Pacific Musuem in Council Bluffs, IA.  The musuem is in the old Carnagie Library and worth a visit if you're in the area.

We currently have a couple of lady engineers and a couple of lady conductors.  We've had a few more on both sides of the cab, but they left through retirement or resignation, and sadly one ( who was in my engineer's class) through death.

Jeff   

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Guelph, Ontario
  • 4,819 posts
Posted by Ulrich on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 3:28 PM

I think "female engineers" might more correct and appropriate than "lady engineers". It's funny how some professions identify themselves so strongly with gender. You might hear "I'm a male nurse" and not think too much of it, but you'd likely raise an eyebrow if you told someone "I'm a male locomotive engineer".. or male plumber. 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:16 PM

Ulrich
I think "female engineers" might more correct and appropriate than "lady engineers".

Indeed, there might be some that aren't exactly "ladies," much as some male engineers might not be "gentlemen."  Of course, in these gender-role-sensitive days, I must specify that I mean they are/aren't "polite, genial..."

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:21 PM

Ulrich
.. or male plumber.

Urologist?

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southeast Michigan
  • 2,983 posts
Posted by Norm48327 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:37 PM

Ulrich

I think "female engineers" might more correct and appropriate than "lady engineers". It's funny how some professions identify themselves so strongly with gender. You might hear "I'm a male nurse" and not think too much of it, but you'd likely raise an eyebrow if you told someone "I'm a male locomotive engineer".. or male plumber.

Ulrich,

Your post sounds like the typical liberal cop out. Sure, there are those who stand out because their choice of professions doesn't comply with convention. There are male nurses, and there are women who by their choice have entered professions typically dominated by men. The reverse is also true. Gender neutrality has no place in life. You take what you are born with and live with it.

Norm


  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:51 PM

My brother bought me a helicopter ride for my 50th bithday, and lo and behold the pilot was a young woman!  Very good at what she did and very professional too, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't talk her into flying under the Manchester Bridge, the Lee Bridge, the ACL Bridge, or any other bridge in the Richmond area!

She had more sense than I did, that's for certain!

To keep this railroad-related I've seen some female engineers getting off Amtrak locomotives locally.

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:51 PM

Actually, the railroad has been pretty gender neutral for ages.  An engineer is an engineer, a conductor is a conductor, TM is a TM, yardmaster a yardmaster, etc...  Pay is the same no matter what dangly bits one has.  All that really matters is seniority. 

Even the bathrooms in the nose of the engine are gender-neutral.  Somehow, we all survive that giant liberal cop out.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Guelph, Ontario
  • 4,819 posts
Posted by Ulrich on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 4:56 PM

Wasn't aware what a typical liberal cop out sounds like, Norm...but ok. Haven't said anything about gender neutrality.. simply stated that the word "female" might be more suitable than "lady". As others have noted, the word "lady" confers certain attributes that may or may not be present in some women. Just as all men aren't gentlemen.. i.e. the gentlemen who blew up a building in Oklahoma a few years back. 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Guelph, Ontario
  • 4,819 posts
Posted by Ulrich on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 5:01 PM

Firelock76

My brother bought me a helicopter ride for my 50th bithday, and lo and behold the pilot was a young woman!  Very good at what she did and very professional too, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't talk her into flying under the Manchester Bridge, the Lee Bridge, the ACL Bridge, or any other bridge in the Richmond area!

She had more sense than I did, that's for certain!

To keep this railroad-related I've seen some female engineers getting off Amtrak locomotives locally.

 

 

My dentist is a women. 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 5:04 PM

It wasn't all that many years ago that a male nurse or a female doctor were considered oddities (Dr Quinn notwithstanding).  Today, nobody even notices.

That those of us "of an age" still feel the need to specify the gender of members of some professions is simply a product of our upbringing.  It wasn't wrong, it simply was what it was.  Times have changed.

There's a woman who often has the controls for Amtrak on the Chicago line through Utica.  I don't know where she works from.  

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 5:47 PM

Ulrich
 
Firelock76

My brother bought me a helicopter ride for my 50th bithday, and lo and behold the pilot was a young woman!  Very good at what she did and very professional too, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't talk her into flying under the Manchester Bridge, the Lee Bridge, the ACL Bridge, or any other bridge in the Richmond area!

She had more sense than I did, that's for certain!

To keep this railroad-related I've seen some female engineers getting off Amtrak locomotives locally.

 

 

 

 

My dentist is a women. 

 

So's mine, and all the dental techs in the practice as well.

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 6:06 PM

Finally, you only have to be a human to try to qualify for any job and it isn't based on your "accoutrements"....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 6:29 PM

Mookie
Finally, you only have to be a human

Don't know if I'd go that far.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: South Central,Ks
  • 7,170 posts
Posted by samfp1943 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 6:52 PM

Norm48327

 

 
Ulrich

I think "female engineers" might more correct and appropriate than "lady engineers". It's funny how some professions identify themselves so strongly with gender. You might hear "I'm a male nurse" and not think too much of it, but you'd likely raise an eyebrow if you told someone "I'm a male locomotive engineer".. or male plumber.

 

Ulrich,

Your post sounds like the typical liberal cop out. Sure, there are those who stand out because their choice of professions doesn't comply with convention. There are male nurses, and there are women who by their choice have entered professions typically dominated by men. The reverse is also true. Gender neutrality has no place in life. You take what you are born with and live with it.

 

Guys;

       My guess on the 'Gender assignment' to the jobs mentioned "Male Nurse' and 'Female Engineer', or if preferred 'Female Conductor', is more for the convience of the topic being addressed here, and this narrative.

       The staff members at the local VA hospital generally refer only to the individual's job title being preformed. Gender is not a part of that description in discussions about jobs. ( My Nephrologist, is a female, and highly competent.)

    I would suspect that similar practices are in place on the railroads. Gender is not part of the discussion of job practices... Except, maybe when the in-nose 'necessary' is not fit to use; and the convenience of the walkway on the side of the engine comes into a discussion (?)  Whistling 

And Norm, as to your last statement.....You might want to reconsider that , in light of some of today'smedical realities....Bang Head

 

 

 


 

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 7:17 PM

Ulrich

 

 
Firelock76

My brother bought me a helicopter ride for my 50th bithday, and lo and behold the pilot was a young woman!  Very good at what she did and very professional too, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't talk her into flying under the Manchester Bridge, the Lee Bridge, the ACL Bridge, or any other bridge in the Richmond area!

She had more sense than I did, that's for certain!

To keep this railroad-related I've seen some female engineers getting off Amtrak locomotives locally.

 

 

 

 

My dentist is a women. 

 

Is she a lady dentist? Clown

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • 322 posts
Posted by BLS53 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 8:51 PM

I don't know why this is a story at this point in time, nor the patronizing anecdotal responses it has spawned. 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 10:25 PM

1 -because they run out of things to discuss after awhile;  2 - because no one has said anything out of line; 3 - tight jaws are not good for your health.  Might want to just lighten up a bit and enjoy....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 10:29 AM

I'm not sure I understand the patronizing comment.Confused

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Guelph, Ontario
  • 4,819 posts
Posted by Ulrich on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 10:39 AM

Murphy Siding

I'm not sure I understand the patronizing comment.Confused

 

I don't either..I'm guessing he/she disagrees with some comments here.   

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 4:21 PM

BLS53

I don't know why this is a story at this point in time, nor the patronizing anecdotal responses it has spawned. 

 

Sounds like the initiation of a dialog.  Perhaps you could start off by explaining your observation about patronizing.  It might help to situate the conversation, or to change the tone if you feel it worth your while.

I have no skin to lose here, but it seemed a little too drive-by for my liking without some of your own skin left behind.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 9:56 PM

selector
BLS53

I don't know why this is a story at this point in time, nor the patronizing anecdotal responses it has spawned.

Sounds like the initiation of a dialog.  Perhaps you could start off by explaining your observation about patronizing.  It might help to situate the conversation, or to change the tone if you feel it worth your while.

I have no skin to lose here, but it seemed a little too drive-by for my liking without some of your own skin left behind.

Remember, it was only 50 years ago that it was considered women weren't man enough to run in the Boston Marathon - which was proven wrong when the lady faught off the Organizer that attacked and tried to remove her competition number.  She completed the race and did so again this year in honor of her accomplishment 50 years ago.

Women can do anything they have a mind and a resolve to do.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy