Some additional Freight Conductor/Engineer questions

[Anonymous]

I was interviewed in November by NS for the Buckeye Yard in Columbus.  I got an email saying I would be receiving a conditional offer later this month if I was still interested. 

I have generally worked indoors in the past, but I like working with machinery and I am good with my hands.   I HAVE worked outside -- doing constuction work, etc., but I have spent the last few years inside.  I have a healthy respect for the hardware, and I believe I can be a safe worker.

These are pretty basic questions, so please excuse my lack of knowlege.

-When you travel overnight, who pays for transportation/meals/lodging at the destination? I assume that NS would.

-I know that many older employees are retiring, but what is a reasonable time to expect to be on the extra board?  Is it just a matter of luck and location? How long before Engineer School? It seems like one to two years is typical.

-How much harder is it to be an engineer than a conductor? I know there are some who do not make the grade in Engineer School, so there must be a learning curve that some can't negotiate.

-As a conductor, generally how much time is spent in the yard as compared to one the road?

-If you are an Engineer of Freight Conductor, how do you feel about your job?  I know on an earlier post a few answered this, but not many.  

Thanks in advance for you help and insight. 

BBear (Buckeye Barry)

 

 

 

[nbrodar]

Barry,

who pays for transportation/meals/lodging

At your away terminal - NS will pay for your lodging, and transportation from your on/off duty point and the hotel.  YOU are responsible for your meals, and any transportation costs other then from the hotel to the on/off duty point.

what is a reasonable time to expect to be on the extra board

Could be six months, could be 5 years.  All depends on the turnover at your terminal, how many places you are qualified, and how far you are willing to travel for a regular job.

How long before Engineer School? How much harder is it to be an engineer than a conductor?

Again this depends on the turnover at your terminal.   Most places it's 2 to 3 years.  However in a high turnover area it could be a year, in slow moving areas it could be 5 or more years.  One thing to note, that on the NS (IIRC) when your turn for Engine School comes up you MUST take it, or start looking for another job.

Being an engineer is very different from being a conductor.  I won't say it's harder, but there is a lot more technical knowledge you need, and good train handling skills are more art then science.  There are some people that just can't do it.

As a conductor, generally how much time is spent in the yard as compared to one the road?

Depends on the terminal, and your preferences.   Most people are either yard man or road man. I know very few that do both.  At first, your senority will dictate where you work. Usually, the new guys end on the road extra list - because the pay is low and the hours terribly irregular.

If you are an Engineer of Freight Conductor, how do you feel about your job?

Overall I liked being in train service.  Although, I like being a supervisor more now. 

Nick