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.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Murphy Siding wrote: 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
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
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Murphy Siding wrote: 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:
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.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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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.
Murphy Siding wrote: 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....
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.
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.
Collin ,operator of the " Eastern Kentucky & Ohio R.R."
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