How did you get started in the R.R. and how old were you when you started? You all can probly figure out that I am a prospecter looking for a new career at the ripe old age of 43. Sure would like to hear your story.... Jack
I do not work for the Rr but I understand that it is very hard to get hired. you have to take stress test's and phisycal test's and you have to be able to hear and see very good and comprihend what you are seeing/hearing. also you have to fift 80 puonds thats what the coupler's weigh. Union Pacific is hireing like crazy right now you might have luck there also if you want to try the shortline life the NorthShore railroad is hireing that is in central pa. I would love to work on a railroad. but I am disabled and cannot use my left arm so that kinda puts me out of the running probabaly. Oh Well thats why they make Model railroading right? mike l
Jack, I got my start doing volunteer work on the NKP 765. I would work on the rebuilding of the locomotive in the off months, then I became a part of the operating crew. While running, we would have pilot engineers from the host railroad we ran on and I would always ask about jobs. I kept meeting different people, and then, I got a job with RJ Corman railroad, doing trackwork. When a conductors position became availible, I transfered to train service, and after 6 months became an engineer. I then went to the Indiana & Ohio, where I ran trains between Ohio/MI and KY. I also was made an engineer instructor while on the I&O, and then I got married and screwed it all up! LOL She didn't like the long hours, the 24hr on call, the weekends, the holidays, etc, etc, etc. In 2000 I joined the Ohio Central railroad, with more regular hours, and have been here ever since. Railroads are going to need about 80,000 new workers in the next 5yrs., so the jobs will be there. Go to the hiring sessions if you are interested. The testing is hard, and many do not pass, but keep at it. The dropout rate on railroads is very high. It is alot different then many think. Very stressful, very demanding, very physical, very long days. Right now I am working 156-168 hours every 2 weeks. Railroading is, as most railroaders and ex-railroaders will tell you, not just a job. It's a way of life. Rewarding.....Yes. Demanding....Yes. But remember this too. Your off the job performance effects your job too. DUI's, speeding tickets, arrests, these can all effect your job. You must keep them informed of ANY violations. Repeated speeding tickets, etc., could show recklessness, and disaplinary action can be taken. DUI or drug offences, both past, and future will definatly effect your job, as these are rarely tolerated now. Good Luck if you decide to go for it. It's the hardest job you'll ever love.
Pa railfan, OC Engineer JD, Thanks for the feedback I do appreciate... OC Engineer JD the info from a guy working on the R.R. is priceless, since you started by volunteer work Ill assume you were young then. I am 43 do you think the r.r. has an interest in guys my age? 6 months conductor to Engineer, I was thinking years for that step you have motavated me.. So far I have done a industrial reading test and the personality test for amdg (trainers of conductors for CSX) tomarrow I will see if I am selected for there up coming classes, CSX is hiring 90 Conductors in the Selkirk yard according to amdg.. Since you informed me on the real deal with that 4250 dollar class I don't think I will take it unless amdg gives me some real good reassurrance that there is a position for me after I have met the qualifacations. amdg at the job seminar said the same as you that "the railroad is away of life and not just a job" , that fits me to a T another interesting statement was" the pay scale is 20% for the job you do and 80% for the life you live".. So far I believe I am qualified for the work with just one exception and that is CSX according to amdg will not hire anyone that lives more than an hours drive from the yard and I am 1 hour and 15 minutes with good weather and traffic ,so that could be a problem however on the flip side if they hire me we will be relocateing..... Thanks again Jack
I was 24 when I started my work on 765. As for your age, I wouldn't worry too much. A co-worker of mine went to the the Union Pacific, and in his class of newly hired conductors, one was 56, and 5 were in their 40's. I wouldn't worry about your location too much either. You could be sent to a number of different starting locations depending on the need of the railroad. It all depends on the seniority district, and what locations you will be required to cover. When I interviewed with the Union Pacific, they needed people in Oakland. However, they said I could be required to cover Dunsmuir, Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, or San Jose. I told him there would be no way to drive in CA and make it to the train in 2hrs. He said they didn't expect me to get there in two hours, but they did expect me to get there. It suddenly became clearer why trains on the UP were sitting everywhere. I have friends on CSX that regularly drive 3hrs in one direction to report to work. But........the good thing is that in about 15yrs, you would have enough seniority to hold a regular job closer to home.
I was 43 when I hired out with the UP, I was a manager for a shortline for 10 years prior. working for a shortline is good experience for stepping up to a class 1 railroad, as the people hiring like to see prior experience. My first attempt to hire out was at age 20. My advice is to keep applying and don't give up. Take a railroad operations course at a Junior college. When being interveiwed if you get that far, approach it as a job and career, not that you like trains and want to work for the railroad. Always be willing to relocate on applications, and you can always make the call time even if you can't. When the railroads are slow getting on is more difficult. when they are desparate as they are on the UP it is much easier to get hired. Prior military experience is a plus when attemting to get hired on. Good Luck.
Jackman - Since you asked for a story... All I did was answer an ad in the newspaper about 8 years ago and one thing led to another...It sort of caught me by suprise to actually get hired. It turned out to be about the hardest thing I'd ever waded into but also the most rewarding. The interview and testing wasn't too bad. Just a long, drawn out scare tactic process that's designed to weed the dedicated (or foolish) from the curious. Lots of people walked when they found out it's on call 24/7, weekends and holidays, all weather, clean record and rules, rules, rules. The physical and background check wiped out a bunch more. It's a pain but then, a lot of stuff the RR throws at you is. I hired out on Conrail (soon to be NS) when I was 39 and know several guys in their 40's and 50's who were retired from other private careers or the military when they started out. Don't worry too much about your age unless you have health or background problems that could disqualify you right off the bat. It's no walk in the park but it ain't digging ditches either. The problem with hiring later in life is that you need to be 60 years old with 30 years of service to draw a full pension. Yet another consideration on top of all the others that've been thrown at you. Check up on RR retirement if that'll be an issue with you. I guess I also would be cautious about paying up front for training, even though CSX is your first choice. There's an awful lot that can happen to part you and your cash with no career to show for it. Getting started in this is tough enough without that kind of added stress. Since you're in NY, is it possible to look around and maybe take a shot at NS or one of the regionals/shortlines? If you decide to go for it, do it sooner than later because seniority is EVERYTHING. The top third of railroad employees are closing in on retirement and if you don't want to be on the bottom of the pile for long, take the leap. From my POV, the railroad was a good long-run move for my family. My wife and I knew it was going to be very tough for a quite a while and I miss more of my kids and family than I care to think about BUT...with the increased income from the RR, my wife was able to stay home with our kids instead of both of us working full time. I'm gone a lot but this way one of us is always home. Also keep in mind that about the railroad is a contact sport among those who work there (and those who don't). Lots of guys claim to hate it but wouldn't trade it for anything else. It's a crazy place to work, unlike anything else I ever saw and it takes a whole lot of patience and persistance. There's no doubt that it's not for everybody but if you go in with your eyes wide open, it won't bite you. Learn all you can and talk to lots of real people working the job, not just the headhunters at the hiring sessions. Partly, it is all the awful, horrible, crazy stuff people post here but it's also a good career and a good income if you can tolerate the madness. Good luck and keep us posted.
I hired on the NYC in Oct, 1966 as an operator account they were not hiring T&E people at that time. In Feb, 1968 I became a train dispr & in May, 1988 a yardmaster - both stressful jobs-however neither demanded the LONG hours of the T&E people. Last week in the mail I received a letter from the home office acknowleding my 38 years of injury free service
My cousin hired on with the Atlantic Coast Line as a brakeman. He finished on the CSX as the no. 2 conductor on the CSX system. He retired about 7 years ago. I think that was a lot of long nights and long rides. He doesn't talk about it much, but the last years were pretty good as he was always bidding number one in the section (district?) where he was working. He is a really nice guy and always laughs at me because I want to hear a train story. Now, retired from CSX, he plays in a country music band and does pretty much like he wants to.
Thank you all, I really like these real world experiences, they sure help. I even have the wife reading this thread as this is a choice that effects the whole family, she is very supportive of the idea so far. Today I was told that I am qualified for the next class and that CSX will be sending a letter of "offer" , I am not sure what they mean by offer tomarrow I should have more details. The representitive from amdg said that she did some advocating for me because the R.R. disqualified me on account of my distance from the yard but some how she got them to reconsider me, this is good the distance means little to us since we will relocate if there is a good career position. This is a 4250 dollar gamble on a career but I think I am going to go for it, I sure as heck dont know any other way of getting in, the timing is almost perfect as I am a self employed Landscaper and the season is ending, to attend the 5 week class all I will have to do is give up my snowplow accounts and if I dont get hired spring will come and the grass will be there for me... This could be the start of a great career and you guys are helping me big time with your posts and pictures , I am greatful thank you so much.... Jack
Staying with a company for so many years seems a rarity these days. Congratulations! Hope the road ahead is just as safe! Boxcab E50
Selkirk is really hurting for conductors. My son-in-law was looking at a six month temporary posting there. $4,000 bonus for taking the assignment and another $1,000 for completing it. He applied, but some ninny in admin thought he'd already gotten something else, so they didn't process his request. Anyway, he snagged another six-month temporary reassignment closer to home in Charlotte, NC, but I don't know if there were any bonuses involved.
Thats also what I heard Selkirk needs Conductors. Word has it that Selkirk will be hirering 90 Conductors this year, could be an opportune time for anyone wanting a r.r. career. I unfortunitly have to pass on this chance as it won't work for me.... I tip my hat to all you Engineers and Conductors, your living my wanna be life.....
Jackman did you get the job? I am in a similar position that you posted here and am contemplating pursuing the education to become a conductor.
