Train operator/engineer career.?

Question

Like many young boys growing up I was always fascinated with trains. I have dreamt of being an engineer, scaling the United States in areas where there are no roads while learning an art that most will never be a part of.

What is the track to becoming an engineer? Where can I start and what is the best way to climb that ladder and make trains a career for me? I am 26 and am sick of working in an Office.

I have no doubt I am capable of physical labor and have been around heavy machinery my whole life, up until I was 20 that is. Please answer this question without judgment and imagine you were talking to the most capable person in the world. Not saying I am, but answer the question like I was so that I don't feel like you are assuming I am worthy or not worthy of your expertise.

Answer 1

I can vouch for what Andy and Skidderback have said here. But to add just a bit more detail to it, start with the on line applications with particular railroads. Or, often major cities will too have apps at their city operated job service center. Don't worry about the physical labor part in train service. They don't pay you for physical work. You get paid for what you know. And tell 'em right away you would like to become an Engineer. Railroads like to hear that. Anyway, once you secured an application, you need to make it stand out from the rest to get someones attention. If you wish, once you have the app, e-mail me and I'll tell you what I did to get noticed. Good luck.

Answer 2

My family has been working for railroads for generations. My grandfather's dad was an engineer, my dad is an engineer, and soon hopefully I will be. If being an engineer is what you want to do then do it! There is nothing like it in this world! The hours you work are never the same, at least until you gain enough seniority to claim a regular job like on a local or yard shifter. Be prepared to be away from home a lot, and forget about holidays, birthdays, and what not. They're non-exsistant on the railroad, at least for class 1's. If you're married or are in a relationship, you may want to discuss what you want to do with your significant other first. It can put strain on any relationship, but in the long run it will be worth it. You will be able to provide a great lifestyle for your family. The benefits and retirement are some of the best plans around. Good luck to you with whatever you decide to do!

Answer 3

These days they hire very few (if any)engineers off the street.They promote conductors to engineer now.As a matter of fact when you hire out in train service they tell you that you have to take promotion to engineer unless they are guys with less seniority working that apply for the class.So the first step is getting hired by a railroad.Any job would be a start and then transfer to the operating department if need be.Better still would be to get hired into the operating dept.All the class 1 railroads have web sites where you can apply for a job.Be forewarned the reality can be different than the fantasy.The railroad life is not for everyone.You work all hours of the day and night.It's very hard on social life.If you fill out an app make sure you say that you will work any hours and any shift.Any other answer and you will never hear from them.A heavy equipment background is a plus.You can't have a felony on your record and you have to pass a physical.If that's your dream for a job go for it!They have been hiring people everywhere on the railroad i work for.Go look at http://www.uprr.com for more info and to fill out an app.BNSF and CSX and NS,etc. all have similar sites too.Good luck to you.I've been an engineer many years and i enjoy it.If you make it i hope you do too!

By the way the initial class for trainman is 3 weeks then student trips.When you take promotion to engineer you train for two years as a student engineer before you get promoted to engineer on the UPRR.

Answer 4

I dont know, but I do know where I am from they pay 60k to be a train engineer. I know this from my neighbor who is one. We reside in an small town in Colorado, so I am guessing you get paid more in the city.

Answer 5

There is a railroad worker's union whose name I can't remember. Contact them and I'm sure they have a training and apprentice program you can apply for.

Answer 6

i am not going to lie, i dont know much about it...

but b4 my great grandpa died he wanted to being a engineer

cuz he loved trains...loved em!....but he said it was to much school...so he was a train weck 'csi'...

so be ready for a lot of school first.

sorry i could not be more of a help. good luck.

Answer 7

You can take Andy's info to the bank.  I'm only chiming in to say ANY question asked here is worthy of any expertise that may be found here 'bouts.

If someone beats up on ya for asking a question, it's because they don't know squat about the subject...   and judgement is for Someone else.

Follow any dream.  There's a lesson from dogs to be learned here.  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

Good luck.