train drivers(engineers)

[Anonymous]

Are there any engineers out there,as an ex british rail driver i am curious to find how we differ in the operation of our trains,frieght&passenger
pete..

[Anonymous]

Pete,
I'm an ex-engineer myself. Years ago on the CNW on freight and commuter, and more recently on the South Shore Line, an electric MU commuter and interurban operation.
What would you like to know?

Mitch

[csxengineer98]

im a FRA certifed engineer....... whats on your mind
csx engineer

[Anonymous]

I also am a certified locomotive engineer...

LC

[Anonymous]

thanks to all who have replied.one big thing i need clearing up,in the uk you break a air brake pipe ,wham the lot goes on ,i am led to believe that on US railways you can disconnect a air brake pipe without slamming on the brakes how? .One other question,in the uk as drivers we are permitted to work a max 9 hour shift , max hours per week 39,and a minimum 12 hour rest between shifts.management are only allowed to move you 2hrs either side of your monday start time,ie;06-00 start ,can only be moved to either 04-00 or 08-00.is there a large difference betwween US & UK shift rostering.

[BigJim]

Pete,
I will be glad to talk to you off-forum. Just hit the email icon below.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by warrior

thanks to all who have replied.one big thing i need clearing up,in the uk you break a air brake pipe ,wham the lot goes on ,i am led to believe that on US railways you can disconnect a air brake pipe without slamming on the brakes how? .One other question,in the uk as drivers we are permitted to work a max 9 hour shift , max hours per week 39,and a minimum 12 hour rest between shifts.management are only allowed to move you 2hrs either side of your monday start time,ie;06-00 start ,can only be moved to either 04-00 or 08-00.is there a large difference betwween US & UK shift rostering.

Warrior,
When a brake pipe fails in the US, Canada, and Mexico, at least, the entire train goes into emergency, and the brakes set, the movement stops. No way around it. Brake pipe pressure at the propper setting keeps the brakes released. Evacuation of brake pipe pressure causes the brakes to set.
When I first hired out in 1969, employees in train and engine service could work up to 16 hours straight. Then you would have 8 hours undisturbed rest. 15hrs 59 minutes on duty and you would just get straight 8 hours off. There was no weekly maximum as we worked 7 days a week unless we marked off on our own provided there was enough men on the extra list to replace you. In 1970 the hours of service were reduced to 14. Then to 12 where it stands today with no weekly maximum. That's what all the fatigue issues are about lately.

Mitch

[Anonymous]

39 hours a week maximum? HEY, where can I get a UK residency and work VISA.
I'm an Engineer for AMtrak, with 26 years as an Engineer, 31 years railroading altogether, currently run the ACELA between Boston & New York, typical workday is 10 hrs PLUS, I work about 52 hours a week plus more if they call me on my day off and I agree. Because wages have not caught up with the cost of living in the Northeastern part of the country (BOSTON-NY-WASHINGTON) most engineers find it impossible to live on a straight 40 hour week, which is "standard" in the workplace.
If I were to live in a ONE ROOM flat in New York City, a month's rent would cost me all of one week's "take-home" pay (before taxes) and half of the next.
Feel free to contact me by e-mail if you wish.
b.t.w. Did you ever drive the Class 50 "Hoover" diesels? I'm a financial supporter of their preservation.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Penn Central Black

39 hours a week maximum? HEY, where can I get a UK residency and work VISA.
I'm an Engineer for AMtrak, with 26 years as an Engineer, 31 years railroading altogether, currently run the ACELA between Boston & New York, typical workday is 10 hrs PLUS, I work about 52 hours a week plus more if they call me on my day off and I agree. Because wages have not caught up with the cost of living in the Northeastern part of the country (BOSTON-NY-WASHINGTON) most engineers find it impossible to live on a straight 40 hour week, which is "standard" in the workplace.
If I were to live in a ONE ROOM flat in New York City, a month's rent would cost me all of one week's "take-home" pay (before taxes) and half of the next.
Feel free to contact me by e-mail if you wish.
b.t.w. Did you ever drive the Class 50 "Hoover" diesels? I'm a financial supporter of their preservation.

didnt drive the 50s,but have driven the majority of english electric locos,20s 37s 40s.have to say EE locos were the best.

[csxengineer98]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Penn Central Black

39 hours a week maximum? HEY, where can I get a UK residency and work VISA.
I'm an Engineer for AMtrak, with 26 years as an Engineer, 31 years railroading altogether, currently run the ACELA between Boston & New York, typical workday is 10 hrs PLUS, I work about 52 hours a week plus more if they call me on my day off and I agree. Because wages have not caught up with the cost of living in the Northeastern part of the country (BOSTON-NY-WASHINGTON) most engineers find it impossible to live on a straight 40 hour week, which is "standard" in the workplace.
If I were to live in a ONE ROOM flat in New York City, a month's rent would cost me all of one week's "take-home" pay (before taxes) and half of the next.
Feel free to contact me by e-mail if you wish.
b.t.w. Did you ever drive the Class 50 "Hoover" diesels? I'm a financial supporter of their preservation.

holy crap!!! that much for rent in the city!!!! that is crazy....but then agin...if people are willing to pay it...why not
csx engineer

[BR60103]

warrior, I'm not a driver, but when you asked about "braking" the air pipe, did you mean when uncoupling or with a problem while running?
N.A. trains have a valve where the brake hose connects to the car and if this is turned, there is no air loss in the car's brake system. This has also been the cause of some runaways when the valve has been turned either maliciously or accidentally and the brake system has been isolated from the loco.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxengineer98

im a FRA certifed engineer....... whats on your mind
csx engineer

i think its been answered,i didnt explain it very well.but it was in regards of splitting a train,uncouple rear part stays stationary,front part draws forward without having to recharge the train as in adding mid train helpers.in the uk once brakepipe disconnected brakes go into emergency.