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What can engineers do?

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What can engineers do?
Posted by Boyd on Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:24 AM

While running a train down the tracks,, what can an engineer do and what can't they do? Can they eat, text message, surf the internet, talk on cell phone?

Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.

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Posted by Falcon48 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:18 AM

Boyd

While running a train down the tracks,, what can an engineer do and what can't they do? Can they eat, text message, surf the internet, talk on cell phone?

They might be able to eat.  The text messaging, internet surfing and cell phones are a Federal no-no.  See attached.

http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/PubAffairs/EmergencyOrder26.pdf

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:13 AM

they can eat, read, text, surf internet, talk on the phone, wave at people, do puzzels, drink , go to the bath room, listen to  music or a nascar race and a few other things.

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:22 AM

I'm pretty sure all electronic devices were banned by the FRA - which includes laptops and cell phones. Also, they let the engineer leave his seat to go to the bathroom...while the train is MOVING??

wabash1

they can eat, read, text, surf internet, talk on the phone, wave at people, do puzzels, drink , go to the bath room, listen to  music or a nascar race and a few other things.


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Posted by Murphy Siding on Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:57 AM

TrainManTy

I'm pretty sure all electronic devices were banned by the FRA - which includes laptops and cell phones. Also, they let the engineer leave his seat to go to the bathroom...while the train is MOVING??

wabash1

they can eat, read, text, surf internet, talk on the phone, wave at people, do puzzels, drink , go to the bath room, listen to  music or a nascar race and a few other things.


  Tyler- I think you might be underestimating wabash1's sense of humor. Laugh

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:13 AM
My remote never has to go to the bathroom.... :P

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Bob-Fryml on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:23 AM

TrainManTy

I'm pretty sure all electronic devices were banned by the FRA - which includes laptops and cell phones. Also, they let the engineer leave his seat to go to the bathroom...while the train is MOVING??

"...leave his seat to go to the bathroom ... while the train is MOVING??" 

That's doubtful. 

Even if the conductor is a "demoted employee," which is to say he or she is a qualified engineer on the district but temporarily cannot exercise engineer seniority due to a downturn in business, I should think that most carriers would still want two sets of eyes and ears looking ahead while the train is moving. 

As for cell phones and laptops, some carriers will allow possession of these devices, but they better be switched off and stowed away while the train is moving.  Some carriers have allowed the limited use of cell phones, but only as a backup communications device such as with radio failures or out-of-radio-range circumstances.  But I don't know if subsequent edicts from the F.R.A. may have banned even that.

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:30 AM
Bob-Fryml

TrainManTy

I'm pretty sure all electronic devices were banned by the FRA - which includes laptops and cell phones. Also, they let the engineer leave his seat to go to the bathroom...while the train is MOVING??

"...leave his seat to go to the bathroom ... while the train is MOVING??" 

That's doubtful. 

Even if the conductor is a "demoted employee," which is to say he or she is a qualified engineer on the district but temporarily cannot exercise engineer seniority due to a downturn in business, I should think that most carriers would still want two sets of eyes and ears looking ahead while the train is moving. 

As for cell phones and laptops, some carriers will allow possession of these devices, but they better be switched off and stowed away while the train is moving.  Some carriers have allowed the limited use of cell phones, but only as a backup communications device such as with radio failures or out-of-radio-range circumstances.  But I don't know if subsequent edicts from the F.R.A. may have banned even that.

Two sets of eyes? Be hard to do any switching operation then. What operation has banned the possession of cell phones? That's just idiotic. My phone is turned off, but in my pocket. We are allowed limited personal use of a phone when stopped, and it can be used for business purposes. And they are definitely allowed for emergency backup purposes.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by samfp1943 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:41 AM

To Zug:

         One question. Can you multi-task like Wabash1?  Evil

       From his comment he seems to be ambidexterous.Smile,Wink, & Grin

 

 


 

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:18 PM
samfp1943

To Zug:

         One question. Can you multi-task like Wabash1?  Evil

       From his comment he seems to be ambidexterous.Smile,Wink, & Grin

I don't wave.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by selector on Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:22 PM

They can even sleep!

 

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:45 PM

 I bet an engineer can eat, go to the bathroom, read a magazine, call his local union rep, wave, AND get a thread locked on trains.com, all in one day!

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by rji2 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:05 PM

 I am once again utterly perplexed by some of the answers to what seems a reasonable question, particularly that offered by wabash1.  In a sense, yes, an engineer CAN do all those things.  He CAN jump off at 55 m.p.h.  He CAN thrust his finger toward the trainmaster should he be seen along the right-of-way.  He CAN do anthing within his physical and mental capabilities, but I thought the question was asked what could the engineer lawfully or judiciously do when operating a locomotive in train service.  How do nonsensical answers serve any need?

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:40 PM

 And I am utterly perplexed on why you fail to understand (or have a problem with) a little railroader humor.  If you just want cut and dry lame answers, fine here they are:

 Can they eat, YES (unless conditions exist where eating will prevent them from the safe executions of their duties)

 

text message, NO

 

surf the internet, NO

talk on cell phone? NO

 

Happy?

 

 

I don't even know why I  bother to post on here at times. I'm serious.  A lot of people sucking the fun out of this place lately.  Banged Head

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Deggesty on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:00 PM

Perhaps the distinction between the two words, "may" and "can" is not clear to some people. Wabash seems to know the difference between the two. What you can do and what you may do may well be two entirely different things, and and I believe that the questions would have been phrased, "What may engineers do?" 

Go, Wabash!

Johnny

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Posted by BT CPSO 266 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:05 PM
TrainManTy
Also, they let the engineer leave his seat to go to the bathroom...while the train is MOVING??
My friend is a retired engineer from PC, CR, and NS. The rule is that when they need to use the restroom they have to stop the train. Now although this is a rule he said there have been engineers who let the conductor at the controls briefly if they have to go do #1, but this is against the rules. Although he never did it himself but he's know other folks to do it.
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Posted by CNW 6000 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:05 PM

When are you doing another one of your stories Zug?

Dan

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Posted by NP Red on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:22 PM

Sorry I got a little silly.

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Posted by BigJim on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:22 PM

The rule is that when they need to use the restroom they have to stop the train.

What a load of crap!

.

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Posted by selector on Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:50 PM

In case it is still unsettling the way some people, including myself, have injected a little levity, what may seem like sarcasm, or whatever, I think it is just poking fun at the question as originally phrased.  We all know what is being asked, but the construction of the question for those answering facetiously can be answered as they have done because all doctors, cab drivers, engineers, and cinema operators can do what the rest of humanity does. 

Had the question been 'tighter', as in, "When their train is in motion, what are engineers allowed to do, or what are they prohibited from doing?  For example, what if they have an urgent need to use the bathroom?  Can they use a cell phone under any circumstances?"

But, as it was posted, it leaves a little room for some fun which, these days, the forum could use.   I don't think anyone was intending to offend anyone else.

My My 2 cents

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Posted by jeffhergert on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:15 PM

You may have rules, time table and general orders on an electronic device (laptop etc).  If it has wireless capability, that must be disabled when using on a moving train.

I prefer paper.  I just know the moment I really needed to look something up, my batteries would go dead.

Jeff  

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:27 PM
jeffhergert

You may have rules, time table and general orders on an electronic device (laptop etc).  If it has wireless capability, that must be disabled when using on a moving train.

I prefer paper.  I just know the moment I really needed to look something up, my batteries would go dead.

Jeff  

You're right. I forget that some railroads have actually come out of the 19th centruy. I'm more of a paper man myself.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:34 PM

rji2

 I am once again utterly perplexed by some of the answers to what seems a reasonable question, particularly that offered by wabash1.  In a sense, yes, an engineer CAN do all those things.  He CAN jump off at 55 m.p.h.  He CAN thrust his finger toward the trainmaster should he be seen along the right-of-way.  He CAN do anthing within his physical and mental capabilities, but I thought the question was asked what could the engineer lawfully or judiciously do when operating a locomotive in train service.  How do nonsensical answers serve any need?

No NO NO jumping off a train at 55 mph is against the rules you haft to be doing 56+ mph or 54 and less to jump 55 is not allowed, and thrusting a finger towrd a train master seen on the right of way is wrong also, ( at least to me ) I want them in front of me so there is no confusion who it is ment for. And Nonsensical  What you do go thru the dictionary looking for words to use on here?

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:36 PM

Do yo go to the bathroom when you want? why cant I? Yes I go when ready and I dont haft to raise my hand for permission either.

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:43 PM

Its hard to believe but some people have acused me of not using all my fingers when waving, I told the train master its so cold i was just keeping the others warm no use in letting them all freeze at once.

zugmann

 I bet an engineer can eat, go to the bathroom, read a magazine, call his local union rep, wave, AND get a thread locked on trains.com, all in one day!

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:45 PM

BigJim

The rule is that when they need to use the restroom they have to stop the train.

What a load of crap!

AMEN!!!!

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:54 PM

wabash1

Its hard to believe but some people have acused me of not using all my fingers when waving, I told the train master its so cold i was just keeping the others warm no use in letting them all freeze at once.

zugmann

 I bet an engineer can eat, go to the bathroom, read a magazine, call his local union rep, wave, AND get a thread locked on trains.com, all in one day!

 

 

I thought you were telling me that I was the # 1 conductor, wabash!  

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Saturday, January 9, 2010 6:08 PM

zugmann
I don't even know why I  bother to post on here at times. I'm serious.  A lot of people sucking the fun out of this place lately.  Banged Head

No fun. Makes forum even more tedious.Sigh Those are fun vampiresGrumpy----

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Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, January 9, 2010 6:12 PM

Deggesty

Perhaps the distinction between the two words, "may" and "can" is not clear to some people. Wabash seems to know the difference between the two. What you can do and what you may do may well be two entirely different things, and and I believe that the questions would have been phrased, "What may engineers do?" 

Go, Wabash!

Johnny

Or more precisely....'What are Engineers permitted to do, by the rules and regulations that govern their employment.'

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by cnwfan51 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 6:12 PM

    I  cant even tell you the amount of times I have had an engineer ask me to keep an eye on the Alerter or sound the horn while they either step down to lhe restroom or out the back door , You folks just keep forgeting that there are two countum two people in that cab and I have the same concerns as that Hogger. and the same restrictions. as far as use of electronic devices are concerned..  They only have to worry about the power , I have to worry about the train coupled to the power ,    When will you  realize that that hogger isnt God and that the conductor isnt going just for the rideThen you will understand that I get a little hot under the collar about "just the Hogger" Larry 

larry ackerman

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