BNSF Employee's (And other Lines as well) I have a question.....

[Anonymous]

How much does a knuckle weigh and a switch weigh??? I hear the strength test I took measures to see if you can lift a switch and a knuckle?

[joesap1]

I just completed the BNSF strength test myself and i don't think it is geared toward lifting a switch or a knuckle(which are quite heavy).

I believe the strength test was to determine if you had the stamina to walk the length of those mile long freights, and to be able to hang on to the grab iron of a freight car for extended periods of time.
Have you got your firm job offer yet?

[drgw12]

From what I've heard, 75 pounds is what they shoot for. This could be wrong though...

Steven

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joesap1

I just completed the BNSF strength test myself and i don't think it is geared toward lifting a switch or a knuckle(which are quite heavy).

I believe the strength test was to determine if you had the stamina to walk the length of those mile long freights, and to be able to hang on to the grab iron of a freight car for extended periods of time.
Have you got your firm job offer yet?

Well first off congrad on making it thus far......However I have not recvd my final offer.....Have you????...I took My strength test on last Thur Mar-3-05........Still waiting......When is your expected hire date? Mine is May 16th..............I noticed that they have added more postings for BNSF conductor positions...........

[zardoz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drgw12

From what I've heard, 75 pounds is what they shoot for. This could be wrong though...

Steven

The knuckle weighs about 100#. BTW, the trick trainmen use when they have to carry a knuckle, is to put a broom handle (or similarly strong skinny object) through the knuckle, then you have the option to carry it over the shoulder, rather than with your hands. Always best to drop the replacement knuckle on the ground by the locomotives, have the engineer pull down so you can place the knuckle on the walkway of the last car, then shove back to the break.

What I found much more difficult (and heavy), was carrying the chains (for drawbar failures).

[joesap1]

Dear Nupe2L,
I had my strength test on Saturday, March 6th. I am scheduled to start the Conductor training class on April 4th, if I get the final nod.
I hate all this waiting, but I shouldn't complain the BNSF have been speedy so far.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joesap1

Dear Nupe2L,
I had my strength test on Saturday, March 6th. I am scheduled to start the Conductor training class on April 4th, if I get the final nod.
I hate all this waiting, but I shouldn't complain the BNSF have been speedy so far.

Ok the crazy part is that I took mine on March the 3rd and i'm not to start class until May 16th....And I have not heard anything either....How were your numbers on the test and do you know what the requirements are....I see someone said atleast a 75 on each arm.....I avg at about 82-85 per arm and 140-148 on my legs

[Anonymous]

I just got hired out on the Norfolk Southern Railroad this afternoon..I gotta take the medical stuff tomorrow. Looking foward to beginning training. Congrats on the BNSF dude!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Switcher475

I just got hired out on the Norfolk Southern Railroad this afternoon..I gotta take the medical stuff tomorrow. Looking foward to beginning training. Congrats on the BNSF dude!!

Congrats to you as well.....

[csxengineer98]

the best way to carrie a knuckle is not to carry it at all..... when you can... have the engineer toss of what ever knucklel you need..a hammor and chissel.... then pull the train head while you ride the last car to the stuff.....then...if that car you are riding is the one with the broken knuckle...you change it right thier..and ride the cars back to make the tie to get your train back together... or..if the the broken one is on the car you left...you put everything on the drawhead and ride eveything back to the brake..fix it..put your trian back together..and begin walking to the head end....
but good engineers dont get them....its the bad ones that get them...and when your lined up with them..you mark off....lol
csx engineer.

[Anonymous]

thats exactly right 98 and if you do get a nuckle have the condutor pee on it to make it look rusty like a old break lol