from a 1974 locomotive engineer's time book for William E. Smith of Buckhannon, WV. July 11, 1974: Job #1. Engines # 6504 & 6498 (both GP9's) On Duty at 7:00AM at 6715 (haven't determined what or where that is...not a MP) Off Duty at 5:30PM at 6715 Class of Service / Car Rate: RS Straight Time: 8 147 Miles (round trip) 2 and a half hours overtime. Amout earned for the day: $66.87 Conductor: O'Neill.......no fireman Just found this interesting. I did the math and detrmined that Engineer Smith's pay was approximately $6.40 an hour. Probably not too bad for 1974. Not sure how much Overtime was....possibly in the neighborhood of 9.60. Just thought I'd post this here. When I get my new lexmark printer/fax/Scanner/etc.. up and runign I'll scan this stuff.
A lot of people don't realize time books even existed. They're interesting, and historical. Contain valuable info. Boxcab E50
It seems railroads used timebooks until recently, as I have a Chessie System 1985 book, although with few markings as the gentleman who gave it to me retired in February of '85.
In the airlines, some pilots keep personal log books. (Good idea when you need another job! ) But, that information is also kept electronically by the airline for financial purposes. Specifically, it is tied to the parking brake. Do the railroads do that, too? How does management/dispatcher know when the duty time is over? Also, what about overhauls on engines and other periodic maintenance?
That number (6715) could be a station number. On the WM, station numbers were given in the emtt and used on switch lists, messages, chalked on the sides of cars to show the destination, especially on a train with a lot of set offs, and so on.
As an employee....if you don't keep track of your time and what the company owe's you....how do you know when you have been 'underpaid'? All intellegent employees, that are not salaried, keep personal time books....just as a matter of self defence.
