Conductor Trainee here I come

[shrek623]

Keep up the good advice everyone, it can only help!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by shrek623

Keep up the good advice everyone, it can only help!!

Here's a few more for your classes:

1. Study enough to pass. (this is different for each person)

2. DO NOT go out drinking every night. (you won't pass class, and/or you may be snagged for a random drug/alc test)

3. Be careful when praticing how to get off moving equipment.

4. Be careful on the equipment. (One class I know of had a guy fall off a ladder on a hopper, he failed)

5. Don't be a railfan know it all. (Instructors have been around, they won't be impressed)

6. Ask any questions you can think of, it won't be easier on the property...

LC

[Randy Stahl]

If I had been around more instead of on the road I could have told my 1st wife she was getting fat, I was too late!!! My 2nd wife thought I had a good sense of humor, but any good feelings she had for me went away. My 3rd wife has a pretty face. You bet I get to sleep in my own bed , I went back to the shops for that reason, besides my exes would be getting rich with the child support if I were still on the road. Falling asleep on a locomotive is something that I can't seem to beat, the vibrations and dull trobbing from the prime mover knocks me right out..... LOL
Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Randy Stahl

If I had been around more instead of on the road I could have told my 1st wife she was getting fat, I was too late!!! My 2nd wife thought I had a good sense of humor, but any good feelings she had for me went away. My 3rd wife has a pretty face. You bet I get to sleep in my own bed , I went back to the shops for that reason, besides my exes would be getting rich with the child support if I were still on the road. Falling asleep on a locomotive is something that I can't seem to beat, the vibrations and dull trobbing from the prime mover knocks me right out..... LOL
Randy

Randy-

Another great story and it didn't even involve any painful electrical shocks. (Perhaps some other shocks...ouch 2 X-wives...I can't imagine it...)

LC

[Anonymous]

As to the sleeping thing, there are actually some old head conductors who bring teddy bears I hear...lol...

Seriously, it is a constant battle and anyone who says they haven't felt heavy eyelids on a train is a liar. Why do you suppose we have alerters and conductors? To keep the engineer awake! Look at the problems Amtrak has had on their single engineer routes. The recent near collision near Dewitt, New York (Syracuse) with a CSX freight is but one example.

LC

[Anonymous]

I ran into an old classmate of mine from trainman training (what it used to be before all these fancy college programs started) at the terminal the other day. He was a school teacher before hiring out. ike me he is an Engineer these days and is also a local chairman. He reminded me that every new hire has a choice between the two major T&E unions and to hear from both before making a choice. Good advice.

LC

[shrek623]

Is this true with BNSF also because I was told that I had to join the TCU.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by shrek623

Is this true with BNSF also because I was told that I had to join the TCU.

You mean UTU?

[shrek623]

They put TCU(Transportation Communications Union I think) on my job offer email. I know the yard I am going to(Aurora former BN)has a different CBA than the Chicago yard(former Santa Fe). Needless to say I was kind of confused when I had read that because I thought it was primarily UTU and BLE for most of the class 1's.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by shrek623

They put TCU(Transportation Communications Union I think) on my job offer email. I know the yard I am going to(Aurora former BN)has a different CBA than the Chicago yard(former Santa Fe). Needless to say I was kind of confused when I had read that because I thought it was primarily UTU and BLE for most of the class 1's.

Hmm..never heard of that one. Of course I am as new as you so what do I know [:D]

[Rodney Beck]

Hi Shrek623 welcome to the world of the BNSF. My name is Rodney I went through training just a little over 2 years ago I work the Chicago pool out of Galesburg. Here is some advice that I can give pay attention to your instructors when you are on the ojt portion of your training a lot of them will look out for your safety. STUDY STUDY and STUDY remember at week 15 you have to take the permotion exam that is 280 questions and you must have at least a 90% to pass. Ask your instructors questions they will answer them. Grwo eyes in the back of your head Eola is a busy place expect movement on any track at any time cars on wekded rail car sneak up on you. Rodney Beck conductor BNSF

KEEP SAFE

[shrek623]

Thanks for the advice Rodney. I did have a question for you though, do you know how the seniority issue is at Eola? They hired 15 of us for Eola so I was hoping that was because there could be some guys retiring soon. Just curious what I'm in for on that front. Be safe and thanks again.

Shrek

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by shrek623

Is this true with BNSF also because I was told that I had to join the TCU.

Sounds odd. I would've expected either the BLE or UTU.

Check with Labor Relations to determine what the proper union is for your terminal.

LC

[shrek623]

I did find out a couple of days ago that my trainer was UTU, so I'm assuming that's what it will be.

Shrek

[Rodney Beck]

Shrek623 at about week 7 or 8 there is a seniority draw this is a blind draw where there are names in one hat and numbers in another hat the draw is done with everyone starting training on the same date as your starting date. Get used to working alot of 3rd trick off the extra board. STUDY, STUDY & STUDY we want you to pass the conductor permotion exam ask questions from you instructors remember it is learning between you and your instructor. Rodney Beck conductor BNSF

I hope that I run into you at eola sometime.

[shrek623]

Thanks again for your help. I figured thats when I would be working, so no suprises there. I hope to see you at the yard. Thanks again.

Shrek

[Anonymous]

Shrek-

When do you start training?

LC

[shrek623]

LC,

I started on Monday(6/12), we had some in class work(rule book and SAFETY) and some in yard work being shown around the yard, using hand signs, making joints,riding cars, tying handbrakes, and kicking cars(that was today). There's twelve in our class and we all seem to have great interaction with our instructor(who is doing a great job by the way). It has been really interesting to realize everything so up close. In fact I just finished some homework for tomorrow. Next week is supposed to be all in classroom and then for weeks 3-6 is OJT in the yard. Seeing things like this really gives you an idea of why safety is SO important. Only 18 more weeks to GO!!!

Til next time
Stay safe

Shrek

[Anonymous]

Sounds cool..I'm gettin anxious to start myself. I can't wait for Monday [8D]

[Anonymous]

Up to the top for reference.

LC

[Anonymous]

How does the BNSF determine Seniority? Date of hire? First date on the property?

LC

[shrek623]

All new hires from same hire date are subject to a systemwide draw which will determine seniority order

Shrek

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by shrek623

All new hires from same hire date are subject to a systemwide draw which will determine seniority order

Shrek

Yep..during the 7th week of training they draw for seniority.