G'day all,
Would any one know of surviving engineers from the main line railroads, who might be able to tell a bit about the apprenticeship of becoming a qualified engineer.
I would like to draw a comparison with Australian training.
Cheers from Australia
bsw2 wrote: G'day all,Would any one know of surviving engineers from the main line railroads, who might be able to tell a bit about the apprenticeship of becoming a qualified engineer.I would like to draw a comparison with Australian training.Cheers from Australia
I am a "surviving" steam locomotive fireman having worked for the ICRR for a time in the 1950's. While I didn't stay with the RR long enough to become an engineer, I can address your question. To be an engineer you had to first be a fireman which meant you had already learned and passed a test on the rule book (the operating rules of your particular railroad) and the Employee Time Table which contained information specific to the Division of the RR on which you worked. As a fireman you learned the "workings" of steam locomotives and the features of the roadway(s) over which your runs took you. You observed and asked questions of the various engineers you worked with. Most engineers were helpful and would explain such things as throttle and cutoff settings, power reverse, sander and air brake operation and train handling. After a time most would let you run the engine for brief periods and while they took the seatbox behind you and told you what to do and when to do it. Learning how to be an engineer was strictly on-the-job training. When an engineer vacany ocurred the senior fireman who "bid" on it would get the opportunity to demonstrate that he was capable of handling the job. The "apprentice" (or trial) engineer would make runs under the watchful eye of at least three senior engineers. If they judged your engine and train handling was up to par and the Trainmaster approved, you'd be promoted to engineer and go on the "extra board". On the extra board you would be "on call" to run extra trains and to substitute in their absence for engineers who held down regular freight runs or switching jobs. While I never progressed that far I recall there were additional requirements that had to be met before you could run a passenger train. It seems to me these involved making passenger runs under the auspices of a senior engineer or engineers - I just don't remember the particulars. I hope this helps to answer your question I don't know if other RR's had different practices and perhaps someone else can provide that and any additional information.
Best wishes to you mate.
Mark
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