Re: DRG&W Switch Crews

As noted above the conductor or switch engine foreman ran the show, planned the moves, and often threw the switches. One brakeman was the "pin puller" and followed the engine, often riding on the footboards, coupling and uncoupling cars. The second brakeman was the "field man" and he would typically be on the far end of the cuts they were switching both watching where they were shoving, pulling pins, and making joints. The engineer and fireman got to lounge around in the cab of the loco keeping warm and dry....I was always glad I hired out in engine service.

Here is a picture of a switching move in Durango, although the crew is not exactly where I said they would be. I am guessing that is the foreman standing by the engine, the pin puller is probably the guy standing on the ground farther down, and the field man is probably walking back on the top of the boxcars.



I was recently watching one of todays humongous trains setting out some cars and I have no idea how they do things today, it can be over a mile from the engine to the rear of the train. And the cuts in the yards must be similarly long sometimes. Railroading is a whole new world.

JBWX



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2020 05:58PM by John West.