Hi . My real name is Dave and I hired out for the railroad in 1994 when I was 20 years old . I worked as a switchman / conductor for the Grand Trunk between 1994 and 1996 and started engineers training in 1996 and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1997 . Basically I am on the spareboard most of the year but can hold regular assignments from time to time .
It’s not just a job but a lifestyle . My hobbies when I am not working include hanging out with my wife and two kids , golfing , swimming , traveling , listening to heavy metal music , and eating pizza [:D]
If any of the other members here are not RR employees but have any questions feel free to ask .
Dave - Welcome aboard. Like your avatar, by the way. I grew up along the former C&O line I mentioned in the dynamic brakes thread.
The FRA considers me a railroad employee, although I am a volunteer. Since we connect to other railroads (including CSX via MA&N), all T&E people have to be rules qualified. I spent last year as a trainman/brakeman/assistant conductor (pick whichever is most familiar to you), and will be working on qualifying for conductor this year. I certainly don’t have the “whiskers” some of our other forum members do, but I try to contribute when I can.
Thanks guys . I was starting to think you have got to be kidding me . Almost 50,000 members and no rail employees [:D]
This topic is still rather new . If you guys ever have a question I will try my best but from my experience people that follow trains for a hobby no more than the railroad employees themselves !! [8D]
Cool Chad . Chula Vista down by San Diego , that is where Tiger pitcher Joel Zumaya is from . I have been to San Diego once . Every year I take a trip to Los Angeles to play some golf .