I get it that the conductor is in charge of everything relating to passengers, but does he or she also have to be qualified on the line?
Who communicates with the dispatcher? If it's the conductor who gets the train in and out of the station fast, do dispatchers care more about working with a good engineer or a good conductor to give them a good move? What exactly is under the engineer's control? These questions are all about Amtrak, but to the extent it's different on other railroads, that's also interesting.
Shortline Conductor. DingDong said:. Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. Freight conductors must maintain any required records. The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. Last edited by a moderator: Aug 5, Can you send me a link to that web site? Joined Jul 16, Messages 4, The simplest analogy: I am the driver. I think I am in charge of the car.
But I know better. She is the one really in charge. Strife between conductors and engineers is legend. Historically they've been represented by different unions. In days before political correctness, conductors would sometimes accuse engineers of being stupid. Engineers would sometimes accuse conductors of being arrogant know-it-all's who made money by riding trains and telling everybody else what to do.
Amtrak might be one happy family but it ain't necessarily the case on the freight railroads. Joined May 29, Messages Thank you Shortline for your comprehensive reply. It leaves three follow-up questions for me, if you still have the energy to answer them. When dispatchers talk about knowing someone will give them a good move, what does that mean? That the engineer gets the train up to track speed quickly or that the conductor gets them in and out of stations quickly or both?
Do engineers get promoted to conductor or are these just different career paths? Or does that depend on the railroad and the union? The other question is -- where do conductors of freight train sit and what do they do most of the time?
Train engineers are also required to have sharp vision, excellent hearing and good hand-eye coordination. They should also have a good understanding of mechanics and possess a high level of physical stamina. Before becoming a train engineer, candidates are typically required to hold an entry-level position to build experience and receive on-the-job training.
Entry-level positions available at railroad agencies or private railroad businesses include switch operators or brake operators, which involves coupling and uncoupling train cars, operating switches and communicating with other train professionals. Before advancing to a train engineer position, candidates are generally required to hold the role of train conductor. Related: Guide to Updating Your Resume.
Train engineers must receive extensive on-the-job instruction and are required to complete formal engineer training programs. Most railroad companies offer federally-approved training programs that combine classroom instruction and hands-on training to teach candidates how to use the equipment, operate trains in various weather conditions, follow safety practices and transport a variety of materials.
Candidates may also enroll in training programs offered at community colleges and universities. Train engineers must be licensed and certified by the Federal Railroad Association.
Once a candidate has completed a formal training program and earned hands-on experience, they can obtain their license by passing an exam that tests their knowledge and technical skills of operating trains safely, pass a hearing and vision test and agree to a background check.
Train engineers are also required to demonstrate their knowledge of train routes. To remain licensed, train engineers are required to pass periodic tests and physical exams, as well as random drug and alcohol screenings. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the train engineer career path:.
A train engineer is responsible for operating a train and driving it from one destination to the next. Tran conductors, on the other hand, work on the ground and are responsible for assisting the train engineer with whatever they need. They oversee switching cars, lining switches, ensuring the train is in correct working order, radio communication, watching the track ahead and calling out signals to the train engineer and processing paperwork.
Train engineers typically drive passenger trains between destinations or freight trains carrying goods and cargo. They also operate commuter trains that connect commuters from suburban areas to metropolitan cities and long-distance trains that transport travelers from one part of the country to another.
Most train engineers operate diesel-electric trains, while others drive trains powered by electricity or battery. In addition to obtaining a license from the Federal Railroad Association, train engineers must also obtain a commercial driver's license.
To maintain certification, train engineers must pass regular, unannounced exams that test their knowledge and skill, as well as exams that assess their hearing and vision. Train engineers must have expert knowledge of train engines and related equipment to identify issues and make repairs as needed. They should be able to communicate effectively, think logically, make decisions quickly and have good time management skills. If you're interested in becoming a train engineer or working on a train, it's useful to know the jobs that are available to you.
Here are 10 jobs you can get on a train:. For example, a train carrying coal through the American Midwest is operated differently from a passenger train traveling between Eastern Seaboard metropolises. The train model that derailed in Philadelphia is the fastest passenger train in the U. The conductor will relay information to the crew members to ensure the efficient operation of the locomotive. In some cases, the conductor personally operates track switches and inspects equipment.
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