Operating trains?

Question

Can anybody tell me who to contact to inquire about my son learning to drive trains for a living?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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.