Can someone explain to me why railroads prefer you to be a conductor before an operator? Shouldn't it be the other way around since the conductor is in charge and requires experience and the ability to lead and know what you are doing? Driving a train should be easy in my opinion unless you are hauling coal or iron ore in heavy haul application as a drag freight train in the Sierra Nevada's, Rocky or Appalachian Mountains or trying to gauge the distance in which to stop since judging stopping distances for a train are difficult due to their size and inability to stop on a dime. Conductor duties require a lot of paperwork and it's very confusing and the language they use as far as communication goes from me hearing track warrants on YouTube is foreign and I don't understand it one bit but that's just me. Before you can lead you have to show that you can follow orders. Conductors are the leaders and the engineers are the followers. Their job is to get the train from point A to point B in a timely manner and safely without damaging the goods the train is transporting. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's how I see it from what little I know.
I'm Confused
- Thread starter Kris94
- Start date
Okay, you're wrong. You need to learn a little more before making such an ill-informed observation.
While I only have limited driving experience of Irish working, from what you're saying, I'm going to take a wild guess and suggest you have never driven a train nor been a conductor? Ultimately, the driver is the one with overall responsibility for train saftey, being the one who controls the movement of the whole consist, be that light engine or several thousand tonnes of freight.
The conductor can assist in facilitating this movement (and in the case of passenger services, oversees passenger safety) and timely, safe train dispatch. You should not equate paperwork to an indication of seniority and it is only confusing because you aren't trained to undersand it. I'm sure if you worked for the railway and had received the relevant training, you would find it perfectly easy.
You are also very much mistaken in your assumption that driving a train "should be easy". I can assure you that it isn't. Even driving light engine has it's difficulties and drivers over here not only have to know how to drive but need a certain degree of mechanical knowledge should anything go wrong. I would be surprised if this is different in the US. Just starting a loco can be an involved process if it has been out of use for any period and a range of safety checks need carried out before you even touch notch 1. It is about as far removed from driving a car as writing a cheque is from penning a novel.
I have experienced first-hand what it is like when things go wrong (fortunately with no serious injury to those involved) both light engine and when working with a small consist. It only takes one small lapse in concentration.
I am in no way belittling the role of a conductor. They have their own responsibilities to ensure safe running on the railway.
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(I'm not a railroader, yet. So take everything I say with a grain of sand.)
The conductor and engineer are one in the same nowadays in NA. The potions shift depending on the needs of the railroad. Both are critically important.
And yes, driving trains is hard. All locomotives have complicated start-up procedures, and you don't want to break stuff by improper train handling procedures.
Could you do something for me Kris? Read these:
http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/rrpictale.htm
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/high_iron.html
http://www.railroad.net/articles/columns/hottimes/index.php
These were written by people in the industry. They generally give a good idea of what goes on. Far better than any railfans view.
Also-Please don't go running trains unless you've been hired on and been through the proper training courses. Not only is it illegal, but embarrassing, and puts a bad opinion of the rail fan community in the railroads mind.
The conductor and engineer are one in the same nowadays in NA. The potions shift depending on the needs of the railroad. Both are critically important.
And yes, driving trains is hard. All locomotives have complicated start-up procedures, and you don't want to break stuff by improper train handling procedures.
Could you do something for me Kris? Read these:
http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/rrpictale.htm
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/high_iron.html
http://www.railroad.net/articles/columns/hottimes/index.php
These were written by people in the industry. They generally give a good idea of what goes on. Far better than any railfans view.
Also-Please don't go running trains unless you've been hired on and been through the proper training courses. Not only is it illegal, but embarrassing, and puts a bad opinion of the rail fan community in the railroads mind.
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I think it's in poor taste to make those kind of assertions about two jobs you've never performed, and evidently have limited knowledge of. I understand that it is your opinion, and you are more than reserved to your opinion. However, I believe your opinion will draw hostile responses, especially from those who have worked in railroading.
How is that poor taste? I wasn't making an assertion. I'm not going to try and run a train without meeting the requirements, I'm not an idiot like some people are. I do have plans to work for the railroad one day. I also operate heavy material handling equipment like a Kalmar RTCH RT-240 and an ATLAS 10K.
norfolksouthern37
what's a normal map?
Indeed you are...
1.47 Duties of Trainmen and Enginemen
The conductor and the engineer are responsible for the safety and protection of their train and observance of the rules. If any conditions are not covered by the rules, they must take every precaution for protection.
A. Conductor Responsibilities
The conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train (if trains are combined with more than one conductor on board, the conductor with the most seniority takes charge). All persons employed on the train must obey the conductor's instructions, unless the instructions endanger the train's safety or violate the rules. If any doubts arise concerning the authority for proceeding or safety, the conductor must consult with the engineer who will be equally responsible for the safety and proper handling of the train.
The conductor must advise the engineer and train dispatcher of any restriction placed on equipment being handled.
When the conductor is not present, other crew members must obey the instructions of the engineer concerning rules, safety, and protection of the train.
Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. They are also responsible for ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or terminals. Freight conductors must maintain any required records.
B. Engineer Responsibilities
The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members must obey the engineer's instructions that concern operating the engine. A student engineer or other qualified employee may operate the engine under close supervision of the engineer. Any employee that operates an engine must have a current certificate in his possession.
The engineer must check with the conductor to determine if any cars or units in the train require special handling.
C. Conductor and Engineer Responsibilities
Conductors and engineers must ensure that their subordinates are familiar with their duties, determine the extent of their experience and knowledge of the rules, and instruct them, when necessary, how to perform their work properly and safely.
D. Other Crew Members Responsibilities
To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, other crew members must assume as much responsibility as possible to prevent accidents or rule violations.
When the conductor or engineer fails to stop the train, or emergency requires, other crew members must stop the train immediately.
The conductor and the engineer are responsible for the safety and protection of their train and observance of the rules. If any conditions are not covered by the rules, they must take every precaution for protection.
A. Conductor Responsibilities
The conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train (if trains are combined with more than one conductor on board, the conductor with the most seniority takes charge). All persons employed on the train must obey the conductor's instructions, unless the instructions endanger the train's safety or violate the rules. If any doubts arise concerning the authority for proceeding or safety, the conductor must consult with the engineer who will be equally responsible for the safety and proper handling of the train.
The conductor must advise the engineer and train dispatcher of any restriction placed on equipment being handled.
When the conductor is not present, other crew members must obey the instructions of the engineer concerning rules, safety, and protection of the train.
Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. They are also responsible for ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or terminals. Freight conductors must maintain any required records.
B. Engineer Responsibilities
The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members must obey the engineer's instructions that concern operating the engine. A student engineer or other qualified employee may operate the engine under close supervision of the engineer. Any employee that operates an engine must have a current certificate in his possession.
The engineer must check with the conductor to determine if any cars or units in the train require special handling.
C. Conductor and Engineer Responsibilities
Conductors and engineers must ensure that their subordinates are familiar with their duties, determine the extent of their experience and knowledge of the rules, and instruct them, when necessary, how to perform their work properly and safely.
D. Other Crew Members Responsibilities
To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, other crew members must assume as much responsibility as possible to prevent accidents or rule violations.
When the conductor or engineer fails to stop the train, or emergency requires, other crew members must stop the train immediately.
So says you. I actually think this was good for me as I'm learning some more about railroading. I could've maybe said it differently but who are to criticize? You just love trolling on my threads don't you. Must not have anything better to do huh?
amrail2000
GONE AND FORGOTTEN
The only logical and reasonable answer in this entire mess is the reply made by RGCX. No insults thrown, just good hard facts. So sad that some can't do the same.