Are there any engineers on the boards? If so how hard was it to actual make to the driver's seat. My dream job is to run the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from san Diego to LA when I get older. Just wondering.
Welcome to TrainBoard. There are lots and lots of engineers on this site. This topic has been discussed from the viewpoint of a person being hired. Your viewpoint is slightly different, but I am sure you will get lots of advice. Let me begin by stating the opinion that the Southern California dream job you seek probably has a lot of seniority at Amtrak and takes many years at Amtrak to hold that position. Other engineers here will set the record straight on that, so just keep watching. Again, welcome to TrainBoard. :thumbs_up:
Welcome Calicoaster! Nice to see another young person who has a desire to be a railroader. My hope is that by the time you are old enough to enter the adult work force that there are still passenger trains for you to aspire to operate. I am a retired locomotive engineer. It was a job that I had always fantasized about since I was a small child. My paternal grandfather was a locomotive engineer in the late 19th and early 20th century.He was also a railroad inventor(he invented a mechanical lubricating device to lubricate the pistons on the air pump). My father was a locomotive fireman in his youth early in the 20th century until he lost his hearing. I didn't become a railroader until I was in my 50's. and railroading became my 3rd and final career. I was hired and trained as a switchman/brakeman/conductor. I had to take and pass the conductors qualifying exam before I was officially hired. I was able to get into engineers training after about 5 years on the job. I wasn't "set up" as an engineer until shortly before I retired. Due to a combination of events, I opted to take an early retirement. I have not regretted it,nor do I regret my railroad career. It was the fulfillment of a dream. Not very many people will ever get to be what they fantasized about as a child, that is just how life is. I hope your path of life is satisfying and rewarding to you,no matter what it may be. Study hard in school, live a clean,orderly and law-abiding life,set reasonable and achievable goals for your life and you will achieve your ambitions. Feel free to ask questions at any time, but permit me one word of caution. Please dont ask me or any member of this board any questions that you cannot ask your parents or that you wouldn't want your parents to know. Dont be ashamed to share what I have written to you with your parents. Just for background info, I am married,and only once, I have 2 married children and one grandchild. I am a Boy Scout leader and an active church member. CT
Lots to know,Lots to learn.Not one of the easiest jobs in the world,but to me it's one of the most fun.
There's a few running around here. The one that jumps right to mind goes by the name "OC Engineer JD" and you should be able to look him up and contact him that way.
Actually I think it's pretty cool to see younger members posting. If something like this forum was around when I was 13 I probably would have avoided many of my early modeling mistakes! Feel free to ask all the questions you want and take advantage of the leasons we've learned. Remember: There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers!
I'll second that. Unlike some (mercifully unnamed) other boards, I've never seen anyone around here tear up somebody for coming up with questions. I'm an engineer on the other coast with a 14 year old son so I can almost speak both languages, railroad & teenager... :confused2:...ask away.
