Pins that don't drop is the most common. Broken knuckles are very few & far between. Egos are a HUGE problem. :D
Yes, cheap digital Walmart watch is a must. Mine is pink & was $10.95.
[sticky]
General Conductor Discussion
(304 posts) (75 voices)-
2ndmerlin
MemberLol regarding the Ego's (somehow I expected that) but then I eat ego's for breakfast... (oh wait a minute, that is Eggo's.. oh well) Somehow a pin that doesn't drop doesn't seem like major problem to me, more of an inconvenience... (I suppose I will feel differently after walking back a mile to fix)
Based on the HR's comment about watch and your own, do I take it that the watch takes some abuse and is better to not have a lot invested in it (emotionally speaking) That would be the same reason why I don't even wear one at the moment as my current job leads to lots of broken watches... Was easier to just not wear one.
Posted 1 month ago # -
rail
MemberYes, you will feel differently at that point also when you've attempted to make a hook for 20 minutes, or tried to unhook cars in a hump yard. lol
Yes, sir, lots of abuse. You will be coupling up air hoses and anything from your gloves down to your shoulders can and will be torn and covered in grease. This is not a 'clean' job although I have worked with guys who have managed to not get a speck of dirt on them and keep their boots shined for an entire job, and how they manage that is absolutely beyond me, and not within my powers. I don't like wearing one either, and usually rely on my phone, but cell phones are not supposed to be turned on.
Posted 1 month ago # -
2ndmerlin
MemberActually that comment about Cell phones brings up a question I have been meaning to ask... While I know for most Carriers, Cell phones are not permitted (CN that I am waiting on being no different) but what do most Conductors do? have phone in gear bag?, not have at all? have but turned off?... I do understand that there is both an official and un-official answer to this one.
Posted 1 month ago # -
rail
MemberThe official answer is turned off and in your grip or pocket. I have left mine in my locker before, but then got spooked about some stories of vagrants in the Barstow yard and also experienced one first hand on the Redlands loop in San Bernardino. He approached my conductor and I saw him out of the side cab window. I had taken out my phone and was ready to dial 911. And he might have seen the light from the phone, IDK, but he turned around and left.
Posted 1 month ago # -
ALB, I would agree that FRA has the equipment to check but they (FRA) can't use the equipment legally as of yet. As a conductor you have permission to use your phone for work purpose as long as it falls within the company guidlines, for example if you can't reach the chief dispatcher for final instructions for a deadhead, cab or van ride to hotel... etc. Best advice to give... leave it off and in your grip until you need to use it for buisness. Use it after having a job briefing with your engineer and your engineer is in the cab when the train is stopped and you get off the train and are atleast 25 feet away from the Engine without you being in a yard and no switching operations or train movement are being performed.
Posted 1 month ago # -
LOL... Yep pretty much rail. I don't write the rules... Just try to know them.
Posted 1 month ago # -
@rail... yes I did do that without it, but waiting on my next system bulletin # 0045673893383853 to tote around after they change it due to somebody falling in a mud puddle and getting shocked with there cell phone in there pocket... hehehe.
Posted 1 month ago # -
rail
MemberLMAO!!! I don't think they'll change it. There have been some really bad train wrecks here on the UP side due to texting, and unless they come out with some kind of company cell phone that blocks texting and has pre-programmed numbers in it, they really have to allow employees to carry them due to emergency situations.
Posted 1 month ago # -
It hasn't happened yet.... Just waiting on it to happen so there can be a new rule added. LOL!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Even though it's a joke it is the truth! LOL
Posted 1 month ago # -
rohnke07
Memberi need some input..i got an email saying i passed all medical requirments and i talked to one of the other people that went through the processes at the same time and they have their final offer for employment since i havent got that email does this mean i didnt get the job?
Posted 1 month ago # -
I wouldn't sweat it rohnke07, they have to process a ton of people and I am sure they will get back with you soon.
Posted 1 month ago # -
bobby 786
MemberI was wondering if anyone works for CP OR CN in Edmonton and could give me some feedback?
1, @ CP EDMONTON at starting does conductor do a lot of yard work or road work?, and if yard work how long does it take to get on road? and how long does it take to become a Locomotive Engineer?
2, @ CN EDMONTON at starting does conductor do a lot of yard work or road work?, and if yard work how long does it take to get on road? and how long does it take to become a Locomotive Engineer?
Posted 1 month ago # -
TRy posting this in the Canadian RR threads!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Palerider957
MemberCan someone give me a ballpark idea of what a NS Conductor/Engineer will earn for the first 3 or 4 years? I know the website says first year is approximately $43K. What are people making after that?
Thanks!
Posted 1 month ago # -
jellybeans
MemberHello friends! I have a question here.. I just graduated from NARS..if an interviewer at a Railroad asked me whether I have railroad experience, do we consider going to NARS as a railroad experience?
Thanks and have a nice day!
Posted 1 month ago # -
@Palerider957 It's a 5% bump each year for 4 years.
@jellybeans You would tell them that you went to NARS and that you have that experience
and your ready to rock and roll!Posted 4 weeks ago # -
jellybeans
MemberThanks Sean! NARS grads ready to rock n' roll!
Posted 4 weeks ago # -
Good luck!
Posted 3 weeks ago # -
johnnbea
Moderator@jellybeans
Absolutely use NARS to your advantage! I am a NARS graduate, and I played it for everything I could during the interview process! You are absolutely ready to rock and roll, at least in training! And the up side, if you are going to work for BNSF, the training is almost identical to NARS, only with more OJT time. Good luck to you!Posted 3 weeks ago # -
Bobby, I would expand on your question if I were you as far as pay, working on the road versus yard, benefits? I would spend some time on each website and take comparison notes on each one and then make an educated decision on your needs and wants.
Posted 3 weeks ago # -
Take the first one that hires you! Very few people get two offers at the same time from two different rr's. If you turn down one job offer you may never get another one!
Posted 3 weeks ago #
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