The conductor

[ValleyX]

<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>TheAntiGates wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">[quote user="BaltACD<br>
Personally, the regular hours and being home everynight, even as a conductor, would be preferable.<br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>


Gates, you could tell them you don't want to be an engineer and then they would tell you that you have one of two choices. You either find a terminal where your seniority doesn't permit you to be an engineer or you could use the one-way door out. That would be NS'es answer.

As for building up meaningful seniority, you are exactly right, you just get to where you can hold good jobs as a conductor and then you're off to engine school. The difference right now is that there have been so many sent that after finishing training, they're going right back to conductor positions but that probably won't last for them for more than a year or two.

[Limitedclear]

What are the hours like? Pretty random? Does it feel like you are constantly working or have some free time outside of work?

On call 24/7/365 if on the extra board. Otherwise can hold a regular pool or assigned pool or local job. Pools are generall chain gang type while local or assigned pool have assigned start time. Constantly working if you want to make a good half...

LC

[Limitedclear]

Only an engineer would make a remark like this.

Like which one?

LC

[Limitedclear]

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 found a skunk under a derail once. Does that count?

LC

[BigJim]

How about while the train is going down the road?

He is how I know if I am going uphill or downhill. If his head is leaned back, I'm going uphill. If his head is slumped forward, I'm going downhill.

[Pistol Pete]

Only an engineer would make a remark like this.

[route_rock]

 BNSF doesnt force you to become an engineer ( unless of course your in an area dying for engineers) My area you bid onit if you want it. If not so be it you stay on the left side and make all the decisions.

   I dont know now if I want to be an engineer. They cant force me as a conductor to go to another terminal ( high enough up now) If I dont want the road I can go to the yard or another seniority district.But who knows maybe Ill make the jump to the slave side of the cab lol.

[Anonymous]

What are the hours like? Pretty random? Does it feel like you are constantly working or have some free time outside of work?

[MStLfan]

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

Thanks!

greetings,

Marc Immeker

[nbrodar]

Any one working for a signitory of the 1985 UTU National Agreement (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS) must accept promotion to engineer.   Should you decline promotion or fail engineers school, you're employement will be terminated.

Each road has a slightly different system for handleing that promotion.   CSX has one senroity date, your conductor date is your engineer date, provided you take the promotion when offered.  On Conrail, you had a conductor's date and a different engineer's date based on your promotion date.   So you wanted to go to engineers' school as soon as possible, to get the best senority.

Nick

[Anonymous]

 then the youngest, or the conductor with the least senority, is forced to the promotion.

Interesting...  The NS just mentioned that the conductors were required  to test for and pass the required engineer's qualification after so many months.

They never did say you had to take the job...

But I wonder how dim a view NS would have of a guy who, after costing them the expense of the engineers training, declined the postion?

[edblysard]

Our local agreement is set so if no senior conductor accepts the promotion, then the youngest, or the conductor with the least senority, is forced to the promotion.

Some guys like my self find the seat box boring...thats not a slam against any engineer, but on a terminal and switching road, after about a month or so, your running over the same territory day after day, and...

As a conductor, I get to make a lot of decisions, use my skills better, and "run the show" so to speak.

My personality would go nuts behind the throttle.

On the other hand, there are a lot of guys who hate having to deal with all the paperwork, dont like having to make some types of decisions, and really enjoy running a smooth engine.

They can make the conductors job a lot easier too.

So it takes both kinds...if your lucky, you can build a good crew into a good team.

 

Ed

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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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.

[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).

[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!

[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

[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.

[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.

[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