Railroad Conductor Lanterns

[Anonymous]

I need help from the rails out there. I'm a conductor on the CP. Recently, they issued us rechargeable lantens (Star). What junk! I haven't had any luck getting assistance from management (welcome to railroading) and have decided it would be easiest to just buy and maintain my own stuff. Does anyone know of a source of lanterns other than star? I can't seem to find anything other than reproductions of antiques. I need something modern. Thanks Geoff

[Anonymous]

If you purchase your own lantern, remember it is a business expense and you can use it as a tax write off. Two yrs ago, I purchased a Starlight 222 at a swap meet. This has been the best light I have used in six yrs on BNSF. The type of lights they now provide for us are not as good as in the past and just about everyone has labeled them as junk.

[Anonymous]

Is the 222 a metal body lantern? I checked ebay but couldn't find any listings for a 222. Have you tried the halogen bulbs? They are much brighter than the standard bulbs. I've found that I can do decent roll by's with the halogens. By the way, you didn't have anything to do with the infamous BNSF triple moon shot that hangs prominently on the wall of our Portage trainman's room?

[Anonymous]

The 222 is a plastic type with squared edges. Makes it easy to sit on the rail when your hooking up hoses and don't have to worry about it falling off. I use the regular round bulbs. I know you can still find them out there but it is more or less plain luck like I had. The triple moon shot--more junk.

[Anonymous]

I hope they don't plan on giving us the rechargable lanterns up here in Canada.

We still have the plastic lanterns that run off the big square batteries.

CP did a similar thing with the gloves, the ones they provide are crap, and are rarely good for more than one yard shift, either the guys get new pairs every shift or they go buy their own.

RTE's should NOT have to go and buy their own equipment, but the railway found a nice loophole by providing crappy equipment and forcing the RTE's to go out and buy their own, or suffer with what is provided.

[csxengineer98]

as far as the tax right off...need alot of deductions to make it worth your while.....and you have to also keep in mind that it has to be "railroad apporved"...on csx they use to give you crappy safty glasses...well some guys went out and bough their own cool more stylish looking glasses..only to be writin up for not wearing csx approved glasses even though the ones they went out and bought with thier own money where real safty glasses.......so you might want to see if the railroad is going to approve of you getting a starlight 222 lantern...i personly wouldnt see why the would give you any problems..but it is always good to check with a TM or some other first line managment to make sure....
csx engineer.

[Anonymous]

At least we used to have a machine in the conductor's room to dispense equipment. They pulled them out and now we are supposed to fill out yet another form to get equipment. Yes, I feel like a doofus, but last night I left my choppers in a taxi. No replacements are available. Sorry, but I need hand protection right now!! geoff

[Anonymous]

We have crappy safety glasses also and that is why I purchase my own and again, it is a write off. We have some of the older guys out here that still use the old Starlight small
sized metal lanterns. I dont think they are worth a darn. Also remember that while your are at AFHT any expenses are a deduction--meals, entertainment, anything. Save all your receipts and they come in handy at tax time. This is another one of those old head tips tought to us 1900's new hires.

[csxengineer98]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sammythebull

We have crappy safety glasses also and that is why I purchase my own and again, it is a write off. We have some of the older guys out here that still use the old Starlight small
sized metal lanterns. I dont think they are worth a darn. Also remember that while your are at AFHT any expenses are a deduction--meals, entertainment, anything. Save all your receipts and they come in handy at tax time. This is another one of those old head tips tought to us 1900's new hires.

but the crappy glasses that csx issues...if you dont use thiers..or get glasses that are csx approved..they can and have writen poeple up on safty rules infractions..even thow they had safty glasses...
csx engineer

[CSXrules4eva]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxengineer98

QUOTE: Originally posted by sammythebull

We have crappy safety glasses also and that is why I purchase my own and again, it is a write off. We have some of the older guys out here that still use the old Starlight small
sized metal lanterns. I dont think they are worth a darn. Also remember that while your are at AFHT any expenses are a deduction--meals, entertainment, anything. Save all your receipts and they come in handy at tax time. This is another one of those old head tips tought to us 1900's new hires.

but the crappy glasses that csx issues...if you dont use thiers..or get glasses that are csx approved..they can and have writen poeple up on safty rules infractions..even thow they had safty glasses...
csx engineer

I don't know why CSX is geting up in arms about weather their emplyees are wearing their standard issued safety glasses?//// That's retarted. Look what I have to look forward to. LOL