Hi, everyone! I'm new to the forum (and rail-roading, as it were). I'm working on a career change / move from law enforcement in southern California to railroading in the Midwest. I had an interview with BNSF in South Dakota today for a position as a conductor trainee; it went as well as I could have hoped and I expect a conditional offer from them soon. In the meantime, TrainBoard has been an invaluable resource for me and has helped me to learn a lot about railroading.. Knowledge that I think will serve me well in the near future. Thanks for having me. I'll see y'all around the yard. Spooky
Hi Spooky, Welcome to the Train Board, glad to have you on board. Hope you receive the offer and all goes well for your new career.
Welcome to TrainBoard! Wow. That will be quite a change! Best wishes for a quick and positive outcome!
Welcome to Trainboard, Spooky. I retired from LE 22 years ago. Let me warn you to not 'burn any bridges' when you leave your department! I have two friends who also went to training on BNSF and when they completed the training, they ... and everyone else they knew in the class were laid-off. Both had to find new jobs to survive. Not trying to burst your bubble; just a heads-up. Best wishes for you and yours.
I would say welcome, but I've already kinda said as much in your other thread, so welcome again! Definately good luck with BNSF, and Bill is quite correct - to my mind it's always the best idea to leave the best possible impression behind you no matter what - you never know when that past boss may be called, after all!
Thanks to all for the warm welcome! @Ironhorseman and Eagle2 - You guys are absolutely right and in fact, I still have a couple irons in the Law Enforcement fire, so that's my "Plan B" if the railroad falls through. But then, I also applied for thirty-three conductor positions, so we'll see. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Welcome to the forums Spooky! There's definitely a lot of knowledge to be had on these forums, not to mention a great group of people to chat with. Best of luck on the career change! South Dakota is up there on my list. If you haven't had the chance or aren't already there, I would definitely recommend a visit to the Black Hills! -HL
Thanks, High Line! If it does pan out, there are lots of places I'd like to visit in South Dakota; Mount Rushmore, Sturgis, Deadwood.. Black Hills is now on that list. What little I saw of it in Aberdeen I really liked, but then I also love inclement weather and small towns.
I suspect that was for High Line, but if that was for me, I'm not sure, man. Interesting Wiki-fact though, Edgemont has a population of 750. Here's shot from the "City" website..
Spooky- That was for anyone looking in. About thirty years ago, I was corresponding with a BN engineer who worked in that area. It is or was a junction. I believe also a crew change point.
Welcome aboard, Spooky, and I wish you luck in your new career. As a former long time resident of So Cal, I just wondered which LE organization you were with. I have friends in CHP and LA County Sheriff's office.
welcome spooky. I have found this a great place to share modeling and regular railroad info hope you enjoy your self here I have
Welcome to the forum Spooky. I'm sure you will enjoy the forum as much as I do. Good Luck on the job. Sounds exciting. Rob
..and I'm hired!. Good thing, given I just moved to Aberdeen before getting the final offer :teeth:. Woohoo! The job starts on 4/21/14.