The conductor

[Murphy Siding]

     It's really obvious what the engineer does on a freight train.  What exactly does the conductor do on a freight train?

[bwisch]

When he's not punching holes in the tickets, he gets to take the blame for the engineers mistakes.

[mackb4]

Ha,ha.That's not funny bwisch .

 A conductor these days,sits on his/her butt...

 No a conductor,if their on a road train,checks the wheel report of a train for hazmats,speed restrictions,movement restrictions,and goes over the train orders with the engineer.

He is also responable for alignment of switches in the yard,and out online of road (if there's a set off or pick up).He also ties/unties handbrakes on the cars.And makes up or disassembles the train by pulling the cutlevers on the cars or locomotives.

He then handles the paper work associated with registering off duty and paperwork needing faxed to the Central Yard Clerks (CYO).

And on the NS they call the signals out over the radio.

And they sometimes take track tome permits and new slow orders given out by the dispatcher.

So the conductor still has alot of responsibilities.

And sometimes a conductor helps the yardmaster out on making the turnover of the yard after switching cars around.

[nbrodar]

The conductor has the overall responsiblity for the train.   He must ensure the train is properly built according the the rules, and the train consist is accurate.   He also preforms any work the train must do enroute and updates the train consist to reflect that work.  If necessary, the conductor will also conduct the required air test. Additionally, if the train goes in emergency, he's the guy that goes back to fix the problem.

Nick

[tree68]

     It's really obvious what the engineer does on a freight train.  What exactly does the conductor do on a freight train?

Everything but run the engine (although rumor has it they do that sometimes, too).

Throw switches, pull cut levers, paperwork, extra eyes for the engineer, brake tests, paperwork, walk (a lot), roast in the summer, freeze in the winter (at least up north), paperwork, direct hitches, tie up brake hoses, call signals, among other things.

Of course, that depends a lot on whether it's a local or a through train.  On a through train, he/she has it a tad easier. Mostly the paperwork and the extra set of eyes.  On a local, the conductor earns his/her pay, for sure.

[edit]And everything everybody else has said....

[Murphy Siding]

     It sounds like most of the conductor's work is done while the train is stopped, either before it leaves the yard, or along the way.  How about while the train is going down the road?

[nbrodar]

While moving the conductor, along with the engineer, is reponsible for keeping track of speed restrictions, work areas, etc.   In addition, both crew members are also required to inspect both thier own and passing trains.  The conductor''s also charged with communicating signals to the engineer, ensuring the engineer complies with signal indications, and is some cases calling the signals over the radio.

Nick

[Murphy Siding]

      When they're inspecting a passing train, from a siding, for example, do both engineer and conductor stay in the locomotive?  Or, does one get out, cross the tracks, and *inspect* the other side of the passing train?  Is the inspection done on every passing train, no matter if it's from a different railroad?

[csxengineer98]

speaking of pay..here on csx..the conductor is responsable for putting in the time card for him/her self as well as the engineer.... so when an engineer has a newbie conductor..we watch them like a hawk then they are filling out the timecards so we make sure WE (engineers) get payed rigth...try going through payroll to get a payroll error fixed becouse of a mistake in payroll reporting on a time card... take it from someone that has been there...its NOT FUN!!!!
csx engineer

[tree68]

      When they're inspecting a passing train, from a siding, for example, do both engineer and conductor stay in the locomotive?  Or, does one get out, cross the tracks, and *inspect* the other side of the passing train?  Is the inspection done on every passing train, no matter if it's from a different railroad?

NORAC:

72. Inspection of Moving Trains

Employees must observe passing trains for defects, and the display of headlights, markers and auxiliary lights. The improper display of headlights, markers and auxiliary lights must be reported to the train and the Dispatcher. Trains must be notified and stopped if any of the following defects are observed:

1. Hot Journal.

2. Sliding wheel.

3. Broken wheel.

4. Sticking brake.

5. Swinging door on freight car or trailer.

6. Open plug door.

7. Defective truck.

8. Dragging equipment.

9. Lading shifted over side or end of car.

 

If attention is called to a dangerous condition, the train must be promptly stopped, consistent with good train handling techniques. An inspection must be made and the Dispatcher notified. If defects cannot be corrected, cars unsafe for movement must be set out and a report made to the Dispatcher. This report must include the location where the billing is to be left. Conductors must report car defects on the prescribed form

Crew members must frequently observe both sides of their train while moving, looking for hand signals and other indications of defects in train and track, especially at curves. When practical, crew members on moving trains must be in a position to inspect passing trains.

 

[nbrodar]

You're suppose to inpect every train you pass, regardless of railroad.  Actually, any railroad employee, regardless of craft, is suppose to inspect a passing train.

CSX's rules require (if his train is stopped) the conductor to dismount and preform the inspection from the ground.   Practically, however, that rarely happens.   They also suggest that you move away from the side of the locomotive that the train is passing on - in case of a shifted load or leaning car.

Nick

[zardoz]

     It sounds like most of the conductor's work is done while the train is stopped, either before it leaves the yard, or along the way.  How about while the train is going down the road?

Sleeps

[CShaveRR]

A former engineer would say that!

If you're in DTC or TWC territory, it falls to the conductor to do the necessary paperwork, box-checking and radio communication.  Rules prohibit the engineer from doing it while the train is in motion.

[Murphy Siding]

 

If you're in DTC or TWC territory, it falls to the conductor to do the necessary paperwork, box-checking and radio communication.

     Can you expand on what that means?  Thanks

[CShaveRR]

Sure.  In Direct Traffic Control territory, the dispatcher will grant permission to occupy certain blocks designated in the timetable.  The conductor is the person required to fill out the warrant form and communicate with the dispatcher.

In Track Warrant Control territory, the dispatcher will give the warrant to the conductor, who has to check the appropriate lines on the Warrant form and fill in blanks as necessary, then correctly repeat the instructions to the dispatcher.

In both cases, the engineer is prohibited from dealing with this while the train is in motion--his mind should be on the track and signals ahead.

[BaltACD]

Ha,ha.That's not funny bwisch .

 A conductor these days,sits on his/her butt...

 No a conductor,if their on a road train,checks the wheel report of a train for hazmats,speed restrictions,movement restrictions,and goes over the train orders with the engineer.

He is also responable for alignment of switches in the yard,and out online of road (if there's a set off or pick up).He also ties/unties handbrakes on the cars.And makes up or disassembles the train by pulling the cutlevers on the cars or locomotives.

He then handles the paper work associated with registering off duty and paperwork needing faxed to the Central Yard Clerks (CYO).

And on the NS they call the signals out over the radio.

And they sometimes take track tome permits and new slow orders given out by the dispatcher.

So the conductor still has alot of responsibilities.

And sometimes a conductor helps the yardmaster out on making the turnover of the yard after switching cars around.

And when the train goes into emergency or activates a Defect Detector, the Conductor gets to pound the ground and inspect and 'hopefully' rectify the malady.

[MP173]

So...which job is the preferable job...engineer or conductor?  Or are they equal status/pay, etc?

Seems to me that the conductor's job has the potential for quite a bit more activity.  If it is a local, they they are outside.  BTW, do most locals only have 2 crewmembers or 3?

I have also listened in when a train goes into emergency and the conductor must walk the train and if necessary change knuckles or hoses. 

What is the absolute worst aspect of being a conductor?

ed

[zapp]

So...which job is the preferable job...engineer or conductor?  Or are they equal status/pay, etc?

Seems to me that the conductor's job has the potential for quite a bit more activity.  If it is a local, they they are outside.  BTW, do most locals only have 2 crewmembers or 3?

I have also listened in when a train goes into emergency and the conductor must walk the train and if necessary change knuckles or hoses. 

What is the absolute worst aspect of being a conductor?

ed

I actually make mor about $40 more per round trip, in our current combined contracts, and that's pretty typical that the engineer makes more through out our industries history.

Some days the conductor really works his butt off, some days his just there for the ride in the country side!

[traisessive1]

Here on the CN in western Canada ...

The engineer operates the train, calls signals on the radio and copies orders if the conductor is unable to.

Everything metioned above happens on CN as well.  Copying orders from the RTC, checking the journal and watching the track. CN conductors are CLO qualified because CN has extended runs. This means that conductors are training to temporaily take over for the engineer if he needs to step out or take a break.

On CN if you are stopped in a siding BOTH crew members are to get out on the ground and inspect each side of the train. The reason both crew members must get out is because there are defects that you can smell such as sticking brakes. If the engineer is inside ... they could miss that smell.

ALSO if the dispathcer puts you in the siding and you know you will be there for a while ... the conductor is to drop off upon entering the siding ... inspect one side of his own train on the roll by ... and then inspect the other side when walking up to the head end (that only happens when you know you are being watched).

[BaltACD]

On most Class I carriers, one initially hires out into Train Service as a Conductor/Brakeman/Switchman or any other term a carrier may use.  One works in Train Service for varying periods of time until there is a need for more engineers, then in seniority order Train Service employees begin training to be a Locomotive Engineer, should they fail to qualify as a locomotive engineer most agreements require their employment in Train Service be terminated.

[nbrodar]

So...which job is the preferable job...engineer or conductor?  Or are they equal status/pay, etc?

Seems to me that the conductor's job has the potential for quite a bit more activity.  If it is a local, they they are outside.  BTW, do most locals only have 2 crewmembers or 3?

I have also listened in when a train goes into emergency and the conductor must walk the train and if necessary change knuckles or hoses. 

What is the absolute worst aspect of being a conductor?

ed

The engineer is usually the preferable job.  He's inside (relatively speaking), and gets paid more.

Most of our locals have a two man crew.  If the local does a lot of switching along the way it may have a third person.

The absolute worst part of being a conductor?  Finding the body parts when you hit someone.

Nick

[CNW534]

And when the train goes into emergency or activates a Defect Detector, the Conductor gets to pound the ground and inspect and 'hopefully' rectify the malady.

My dad and grandfather were career railroaders.  I grew up around trains and even got to operate a GP9 when I was 10 years old.  I'm a bit burned out after being a paramedic and registered nurse for 27 years.  Time for a career change.  I'd apply for a job tomorrow, but the thought of that long walk in knee-high snow for 3000 feet to reconnect an air hose scares me a bit.

Mark

[BaltACD]

And when the train goes into emergency or activates a Defect Detector, the Conductor gets to pound the ground and inspect and 'hopefully' rectify the malady.

My dad and grandfather were career railroaders.  I grew up around trains and even got to operate a GP9 when I was 10 years old.  I'm a bit burned out after being a paramedic and registered nurse for 27 years.  Time for a career change.  I'd apply for a job tomorrow, but the thought of that long walk in knee-high snow for 3000 feet to reconnect an air hose scares me a bit.

Mark

Railroads today are running much longer than 1500 foot trains (trudging 3000 feet - out & back).  Normal 100 car coal trains run between 5000 & 6000 feet in length and are considered short trains.  Auto and Intermodal trains operate in the 9000 foot range and longer depending upon the territories operated.  When a train has to be inspected the Conductor is looking at 2 to 4 miles of walking on Main Track ballast with the uneven footing it provides.

[traisessive1]

10,000 foot trains on the CN are a regular occurance. About a month ago I saw an 11600 foot intermodal train ... thats 2.2 miles long and probably a little over 200 cars long.

[MStLfan]

snipped

 Copying orders from the RTC,

snipped

CN conductors are CLO qualified because CN has extended runs. This means that conductors are training to temporaily take over for the engineer if he needs to step out or take a break.

snipped

RTC? CLO? Please explain these terms to this Dutchman. Thanks!

greetings,

Marc Immeker

[edblysard]

 

1.47 Duties of Trainmen and Enginemen

The conductor and the engineer are responsible for the safety and protection of their train and observance of the rules. If any conditions are not covered by the rules, they must take every precaution for protection.

A. Conductor Responsibilities

1. The conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train (if trains are combined with more than one conductor on board, the conductor with the most seniority takes charge). All persons employed on the train must obey the conductor's instructions, unless the instructions endanger the train's safety or violate the rules. If any doubts arise concerning the authority for proceeding or safety, the conductor must consult with the engineer who will be equally responsible for the safety and proper handling of the train.
2. The conductor must advise the engineer and train dispatcher of any restriction placed on equipment being handled.
3. When the conductor is not present, other crew members must obey the instructions of the engineer concerning rules, safety, and protection of the train.
4. Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. They are also responsible for ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or terminals. Freight conductors must maintain any required records.

B. Engineer Responsibilities

1. The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members must obey the engineer's instructions that concern operating the engine. A student engineer or other qualified employee may operate the engine under close supervision of the engineer. Any employee that operates an engine must have a current certificate in his possession.
2. The engineer must check with the conductor to determine if any cars or units in the train require special handling.

C. Conductor and Engineer Responsibilities

1. Conductors and engineers must ensure that their subordinates are familiar with their duties, determine the extent of their experience and knowledge of the rules, and instruct them, when necessary, how to perform their work properly and safely.

D. Other Crew Members Responsibilities

1. To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, other crew members must assume as much responsibility as possible to prevent accidents or rule violations.
2. When the conductor or engineer fails to stop the train, or emergency requires, other crew members must stop the train immediately.

From the GCOR...these are the official duites and the seperation of such.

Ed

[Anonymous]

should they fail to qualify as a locomotive engineer most agreements require their employment in Train Service be terminated.

Question about that:

The entire scenario you just outlined was exactly the way the recruiter from NS explained it.

But, under such a scenario, doesn't that make it almost impossible to build any meaningful seniority as a conductor?

Seems to me that if every conductor is going to get the call to become an engineer after a year or so, it would be nigh impossible to get the 5 (+/-) years seniority  (as a conductor) they say it takes to "hold" the conductors job on a local.

I guess the thinking goes  that everyone is supposed to lust towards that engineer's position.

Personally, the regular hours and being home everynight, even as a conductor, would be preferable.

[traisessive1]

Here in Canada, we refer to the dispatcher as an RTC (Rail Traffic Co-Ordinator) and on CN the CLO means Conductor Locomotive Operator.

[zapp]

should they fail to qualify as a locomotive engineer most agreements require their employment in Train Service be terminated.

Question about that:

The entire scenario you just outlined was exactly the way the recruiter from NS explained it.

But, under such a scenario, doesn't that make it almost impossible to build any meaningful seniority as a conductor?

Seems to me that if every conductor is going to get the call to become an engineer after a year or so, it would be nigh impossible to get the 5 (+/-) years seniority  (as a conductor) they say it takes to "hold" the conductors job on a local.

I guess the thinking goes  that everyone is supposed to lust towards that engineer's position.

Personally, the regular hours and being home everynight, even as a conductor, would be preferable.

By the T&P agreement we don't have to accept the position of locomotive engineer as long as there is a junior member (and there always is!) that is willing to take the promotion. So it's not as cut and dry as managers say. There are guy's that don't bid on the job. And I guess that's another thing about this post, CMS doesn't call anyone. They post a bulliton looking for people to go into engine service. Then you call the bulliton clerk and bid on the job.

[spbed]

Well if you take a thru train say from Needles to Barstow & unless there is a airline break or knuckle break he just watches the scenery go by for the 2/3 hours he is in the cab

 

     It's really obvious what the engineer does on a freight train.  What exactly does the conductor do on a freight train?