In another thread I started, I have noticed that several of the stories being told are by engineers. That led me to wonder, what percentage of the members here actually have (or used to have) something to do with the real thing (1:1) on a somewhat daily basis? If you would care to elaborate below, I would appreciate it. What do you do? Which road name? Where? For how long? You know... stuff like that. Thanks.
Do you work for a railroad?
- Thread starter TrainNut
- Start date
I get to listen to my son-in-law complain about freezing his butt off in the winter and broiling in the summer(he works the track and section gangs for MRL). Thats close enough to the real thing for me.
Don't work for a railroad but would like to, that would be AWSOME. I would want to work for BNSF or UP
I own and operate a railroad training company, does that still count? 
We train folks in our Stockton railroad vocational training facility to be carmen, and I do all of the off-site training for a variety of subjects, everything from track inspection, to locomotive engineer training, to Green Goat Hybrid training. It allows me to show folks how to do what I love, allows me to travel all over North America meeting interesting people and interesting railroads and railroad operations, and pays me well when the work is there.
I started at 19 years old as an engineer for a contract switching company at the UP Lathrop California Intermodal ramp, then went to Amtrak, then to Stockton Terminal & Eastern, a local ALCO powered short line. ST&E was probably my favorite.
Now, I teach folks how to railroad. We call it "Choo-Choo U". sign1
We train folks in our Stockton railroad vocational training facility to be carmen, and I do all of the off-site training for a variety of subjects, everything from track inspection, to locomotive engineer training, to Green Goat Hybrid training. It allows me to show folks how to do what I love, allows me to travel all over North America meeting interesting people and interesting railroads and railroad operations, and pays me well when the work is there.
I started at 19 years old as an engineer for a contract switching company at the UP Lathrop California Intermodal ramp, then went to Amtrak, then to Stockton Terminal & Eastern, a local ALCO powered short line. ST&E was probably my favorite.
Now, I teach folks how to railroad. We call it "Choo-Choo U". sign1
Nope. Of course, where I grew up, we had tracks behind the houses across the street. I would watch the trains go by wondering where they are going.
One of my buddies lives across the street in one of those houses. He was rather fascinated. I was surprised that he didn't become a train engineer. However, he is a bus driver for a charter company.
One of my buddies lives across the street in one of those houses. He was rather fascinated. I was surprised that he didn't become a train engineer. However, he is a bus driver for a charter company.
I work for the Canadian National RR, use to be the ole IC. My job title is Equipment Technician but really I am the radio shop guy. We also services all the communication equipment ie hot box detectors and AEI sites for the gulf area. I have been working for the RR 8 years and I love it!!!
Yup, I would absolutely love to work for the railroad. Althoubh I'm still young and like to model trains.
kf4jqd
Active Member
I had a chance to work for the Northfolk Southern here in Tennessee. At the last moment I turned the job down. The reason why? It's a hard life. It was said during the interview that alot of people quit because it is hard life, not hard work. You are on call 24/7. When you are called, you have a limited amount of time to get to the station. You are gone from your family alot. Alot of railroaders saw little of their children growning up. Alot gets devorce.
So after some hard thinking. I am a single 35 year old. I would love to have a wife and children. Be able to watch them growing up.
So railroading is alot harder than you think. It also takes along time to get any senoirity with the company. These railroads have very strong unions.
Andy
So after some hard thinking. I am a single 35 year old. I would love to have a wife and children. Be able to watch them growing up.
So railroading is alot harder than you think. It also takes along time to get any senoirity with the company. These railroads have very strong unions.
Andy
My brother in law works for CSX He isnt an engineer but some sort of executive WAY up there he just bought a new chrysler crossfire i wish I made that much money:cry: but he does know i like trains so he gets me some COOL enginessign1 .
but he does know i like trains so he gets me some COOL enginessign1 .As soon as spring and the tourist season starts I will be working for our local tourist line. Doing everything really, matenence, cook, sitting in the back on the dinner train to watch/blow the horn when it is going backward, tell all the people the history of the line with manny alterations(leave out all the bloody parts)
I worked for IC later CN for 37 years as a machinist in Memphis, TN.
I have been retired for about 2 years now and still working on the railroad.
I have been retired for about 2 years now and still working on the railroad.
I volunteer at the South African National Railway and Steam Museum- ticket examiner, guard, train manager and trainee fireman, does that count.
I have a total of 9 1/2 years as a brakeman.3 on the PRR/PC and 6 1/2 years on the C&O under the Chessie and CSX banner.