Re: O/T Post: Questions on Becoming an Engineer

Jeff,
I can't speak for the Colorado lines, but at SVRy we are always looking for more crew members . You start out as a rear brakeman and progress thru head brake, conductor, Fireman and finally Engineer. you can advance quite rapidly as you gain experience in operations.
The skills you learn are applicable at most any railroad (yes we have had crew move on to the "Real" railroads).
As for not being a "Railfan" Why not? I certainly am as are most of our operating crews, we do this because we have a desire to certainly not for compensation.
I'd say give it a try and see if it's for you, that's always better than regretting not trying.
Just my opinion, Jerry Huck, Manager of Operations, Sumpter Valley Ry.