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I agree with csx_engineer in that the RR schools give you a good background in the rule books and signals, but you get barely any hands on. On the other the amount of hands on given by CSX when I hired on more than compensated for the lack thereof in school. I just kinda wished the school was condensed a little more and throw some of those rules study sessions and test into the OJT part. <br /> In my experience I went to AMDG about a year ago. I spent five weeks in Cincinnati, and of that five weeks I spent two days outside climbing cars, changing knuckles, and all that fun stuff. The rest of it was rules, rules, and basics of railroading. So, then we go to Jacksonville, Cleveland, or Atlanta (now exclusively Atlanta) for 1 week of OJT. We start getting paid in OJT. I went to Jacksonville in February, which was nice, but stayed in the worst, and I mean WORST lodging I have ever seen. I feel bad for CSX guys who stay in Jacksonville. Hookers, Pimps, Gambling, Drugs, Street Roughs, dead bodies from various occurences. So, to say the least, I was very happy to go to OJT second shift. We spent time getting paperwork processed and establishing seniority, which on the B&O Western District I got the shaft because I was the youngest guy there!!! Down in Florida they have a different Union Roster, so they drew straws for seniority, but anywho. Then we did all the same stuff we did at RR school; hanging from a car ladder, switches, knuckles, etc. The second day was learning how to start the SW1500 switch engine and how to properly ride and emergency dismount (which I was scared to death to do). The following day we hooked up air hoses and turned angle cocks and moved cars around and practiced giving hand signals. In the meantime we got a lot of great advice and personal accounts from two old-head conductors and one engineer. And of course safety was preached like none other, but I didn't mind because I came out remembering that no matter how slow I am or that I don't have a clue about switching cars I'd at least do the little I knew how to do safely. After OJT I drove back home and started 12-15 weeks of training at Danville. The first day was classroom where introductions and a tour of the yard and area were given. Then the five of us were assigned to different yard jobs where we did a varying level depending on who was training us. As many of you know, it really depends on who you're with when it comes to learning. Some guys treat you like you're in their way while others actually realize it's important to teach you as much as the can because you'll be working with them in the future. Along with school, this time you must utilize wisely and learn as much as possible because the RR can cut you loose if it looks like you're wasting their time. Just put your best effort in and remember you're learning for yourself. More on this later, gotta give the PC back to the wife....[swg]
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