Can anybody tell me who to contact to inquire about my son learning to drive trains for a living?
2007-03-01 11:24:36 · 5 answers · asked by TRACEY T 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
As far as I know all Class 1 r.r. require you to take the proper steps before becoming an engineer (person that drives the train). First is working as a conductor/brakeman then they can be promoted if they qualify.
There also are schools that you can attend, like NARS, that school you about being a conductor that may help hire on to railroads.
Check out websites like bnsf.com, up.com, cpr.ca, and websites of other class 1's. They post their job openings on their websites.
2007-03-01 11:43:33 · answer #1 · answered by big web 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first step is getting a railroad job of any kind. Railroads no longer hire enginemen "off the street," but rather promote out of the ranks.
Best chance is to land a job as a brakeman/conductor, as they are usually the first considered when promoting.
Most all class ones are hiring now, and the trend should continue for a couple more years as the last batch of employees are now retiring.
Competition for these jobs is stiff and there is never a shortage of applicants. College degree not absolutely necessary, but helps. If your son can read and comprehend at college level he'll have a much better chance of passing required entry exams.
Getting hired is one thing, but every engineer in the US is required to have a license, "certification," issued by the Federal Railroad Administration. There are stumbling blocks here:
Poor eyesight.
Poor hearing.
Poor driving record (if there is a "DUI" or "DWI" offense he is out of luck).
Substance abuse or alcoholism.
In addition there is periodic "re-certification" after having been promoted and certified and if any of the above appears certification will be pulled. Testing for eyesight, hearing and presentation of driving record is mandatory during re-certification, as well as testing for rules knowledge. In addition, there are random tests for drug use, including stipulation for post-mortem testing in the event the worst happens.
Bonusess that will be of personal help include good eye-hand co-ordination and mechanical aptitude with a good understanding of mathematics.
I wish your son the best of luck. It is a rewarding and well paying career, and I don't regret having followed the calling.
2007-03-05 08:25:41 · answer #2 · answered by Samurai Hoghead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have reached a real trainboy. I have a game that teaches how to operate a real trian in a game. It's called Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 (TRS2004). I've learened how to operate a steam and a desiel locomotive, and also some electrices too. They have a Trainz Railraod Simulatuor 2006. I ain't sure which one is better but they both teach the same. You gotta get it for PC so that your son can learn how to run engines. I too want to be a railroad enginner.
2007-03-02 11:35:23 · answer #3 · answered by Robby M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As was stated, you can contact the class 1 RR companies, or Amtrak, if he wishes to operate passenger locos. This may require being willing to relocate, some times more than once, depending where the openings are. I know BNSF has openings all over the country.
2007-03-01 13:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by railfan2006 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on which railroad company to work for, u would have to start off as a conductor first and then be promoted to an engineer.
2007-03-01 13:09:22 · answer #5 · answered by Phat 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋