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

Ken, not flaming your post, but the thought of crew members standing around failing to get a switch or to hook up at the appropriate time made me consider a few things. Rail fan foamer or not, (and most of us here probably are) at our rr (SVRy) our procedures are very clear that the person in charge of a switching move, be it the conductor or the engineer must brief the crew members and make sure they are on the same page. With new people that are training as brakemen in the beginning they have someone senior with them to help them learn. When they are on their own as a brakeman or brakeman trainee, it is essential that the person in charge go through each step of the movement right down to when to hook up if nescessary. I have worked up the ladder to engineer trainee and so have helped train brakeman, but I've really not had the experience you mention with new people. At the same time I have a brain fart now and then that causes me to walk when I could have grabbed a ride, or caused the engine to wait at a switch for me to catch up. Frankly, I much rather see a switching move go slowly and safely than have someone act too quickly without thinking and get an injury. If someone tends to drift a bit in terms of being gaga around the engine, it may be that they just need more mentoring and a chance to really get their hands dirty. If a newbie has a chance to work late into the night with a repair in grease and grime then they may begin to look on steam as part of reality and be a little less in awe of being in it's presence. Just my humble opionion.