Great explanation. Thanks and best of luck.
So, does the roadmaster and the trainmaster report to the Superintendent? I have always been interested in the lines of authority in organizations. This is interesting. Surprized that a Yardmaster is a union rank and file. Nothing against the union workers, but it is a position in which the person seems to have to straddle the line between his/her brotherhood and the company. That can be rough to do at times.
ed
Bragging,or complaining ?
I was asked to try yardmastering almost 16 years ago by my trainmaster then.He knew my family who worked for the N&W that was yardmasters,conductors and one Superintendent.I told him no because he put in more hours than I did.He looked at me and said,"Your a very smart young man.You'll have more time at home,being days to take off and not answer a phone,and when your on vacation,your on vacation ".He never asked me again.
So think wisely.I know alot of people who took supervisor jobs only to come back to their tools because of all the crap their higher ups put them thru.
Collin ,operator of the " Eastern Kentucky & Ohio R.R."
nbrodar wrote: Most of you probably know, I'm a Yardmaster in medium size Class I terminal. Currently, we are short a few Trainmasters. In recognition of my Operations savvy, I was asked to step-in, like I did before. Apparently, not having learned my lesson the first time, agreed. So be safe out there guys.Nick
Most of you probably know, I'm a Yardmaster in medium size Class I terminal. Currently, we are short a few Trainmasters. In recognition of my Operations savvy, I was asked to step-in, like I did before.
Apparently, not having learned my lesson the first time, agreed. So be safe out there guys.
Nick
Nick -
Good luck.
I hope they are giving you a company car. As I recall our TM put quite a few miles on his car before he could convince Sr. Management to spring for one.
I'll look forward to hearing more about your experiences...
LC
On most properties Yardmasters are contract (union) employees. They supervise movement within a yard. In large terminals, they may only control a portion of a yard - large hump facilities will often have separate YMs for the Arrival/Departure yards and Hump. In smaller terminals, they can be responsible for the main yard and any minor outlaying yards.
Yardmasters are typically the first point of contact for the crews, customers, and other railroad departments. They plan for the arrival and departure of road trains and transfer runs, create switchlists for yard and local crews, handle customer car requests, and verify Right Car Right Train, and Car Standing and ensure that trains are properly built. Some places, YMs also track 30/60/90 Hour cars, and handle power assignments.
Trainmasters are non-contract employees, - Company Officers. They are tasked to conduct Operational Tests, respond to and investigate incidents, and assess disciplinary action. They may also represent the Company to the public.
Line of Road Trainmasters are responsible for a given section of track, usually between major terminals. They respond to incidents, UDEs (undesired emergency brake application), derailments, broken knuckles, grade crossing and trespasser strikes, etc. They also handle line of road customer issues.
Terminal Trainmasters are responsible for a terminal, and supervise the Yardmasters. They have the same general duties as a YM, plus the added Officer duties. Many places the Trainmasters, handle the power assignments, and also crew balancing.
The Roadmaster, is the MoW supervisor for a given section of track.
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Nick, I'll refrain from congratulating you and just wish you luck--at least for now. Try to stay gracious and cool as you're caught in the middle repeatedly.
At least you have a clue! I was just looking over a derailment report for a colleague--it was penned by an officer I'd never heard of (he had the nerve to be named Carl!), and was clever enough to match the job with the employee, but didn't know that said job and employee (colleague) were not responsible for the track on which the derailment occurred! He never even bothered to come up and talk to the operator.
I've had little trouble with trainmasters in my career--even those who are complained about often by others. It's been my experience that the good ones try to be troubleshooters; the bad ones are just troublemakers.
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)
Nick:Would you mind describing the difference between the two jobs. My take on it is a yardmaster is in charge of a specific terminal or yard and the roadmaster is the supervisor for a specific section of track. If that is basically correct, could you please go into a bit of detail about the specifics of each job?Thanks and good luck,
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