Forums

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
Got a question. UP has posted job openings in Train Service. Wondering if any Forum readers who are in Train Service for a RR or know anyone who is and can give me some specific info about the work, the travel, etc. I don't mind the weird hours and being away from home. If you travel away from home I assume its on the freight train. So then, where do you actually ride? Most RR don't use a caboose anymore.

Thanks,
Kevin

[trainboyH16-44]

I have not heard about traveling like that on a train, but if it is, I would assume it's in the cab. I know there are tons of engineers to answer your question on the TRAINS mag forum, www.trains.com/community/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=111

[Anonymous]

Working in Trainservice you hire on as a conductor or brakeman. Depends on which railroad and where you work out of. I am a few weeks from getting out of conductor training with the BNSF. I can only tell you what I know but also urge you to get other thoughts. I myself went to the N.A.R.S Program in Kansas where you go through a 6 week program and learn the railroad and the job of a conductor. At the end, the program helps you get a job and BNSF hired me. I might have been through that and have been on the job for almost 3 months but I always look to the old heads for help and advice. Remember that. As a conductor you have paperwork in regards to your train and what your hauling, speed restrictions, etc. You will ride in the lead locomotive with the engineer. You will work outside making up your train and switching cars. You will work in all kinds of weather and be in a dangerous enviorment and always be alert. That is just a few things. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

A while back UPRR was hiring police so i put my app in they said i didnt qualify
i mean come on i rode trains for 12 years and dont qualify hell i know all the words doesnt that count i own a gun[8D]

[joegreen]

I know on the IC&E you just apply and they hire you to any job open. You could be an engineer, or a conductor without having to go through training.

[ValorStorm]

But the simple answer to your question is, "train service" is just what the name implies: serving on the train. You'd be part of the crew, riding on the train. That means engineer or conductor.