I'm working on my 3rd interview with CSX and your videos have been invaluable for me to prep myself for school and the lifestyle change. I know I'm not hired yet, but I like being ahead of the game. That said I have an addition to your notepad tip. Get a waterproof pad. I'm in the guard and if you're having to take down info during a rainstorm, you're gonna have a bad day. They are cheap and can be found in military surplus stores and on Amazon.
Another couple tips, don't ever as a student say "Yeah, I know" because when you say that a couple times your trainer will stop telling you things, because why would I waste my time telling something to a know it all, sorry someone who already knows the material. Now as a yard rat these are mostly for yard jobs, if your trainer isn't in the cab you shouldn't be either. There is a lot of winter left make sure you have appropriate cold weather gear (I would recommend Carhartt as it is pretty much bomb proof), obviously this will vary by region, ask your class trainer for suggestions as they should know what is needed for the area. Also for the love of God don't say to your yard crew "I hired out to be a road conductor", because there comes a time in most peoples career where that is all you can hold and it behoves you to know the job. One more for when you get out of class. If you don't know ask questions because if you don't your crew will assume you know your job, until you prove to them that you don't through your actions. I can't help someone who I don't know needs help.
John, You are providing an invaluable service for new folks who will no doubt be overwhelmed as they start out. Some may just complete their training successfully because of your mentoring style guidance. As you know, the "not in the book" lessons can be as important as the classroom. How to act and not act is important as well startting with being on time no matter what.
Amen on that aluminum clip board...invaluable tool. For whatever reason, we always called them an "easy out" clipboard, not to be confused with the easy out tool.
I may only be a highschool student, but all of this is very interesting. I’ve always wanted to be a conductor, and I’ve always love trains. Even if I still have a few years till I can even apply, all of this is very interesting and helpful to watch.
Getting multi colored pens for switch lists (or even the single pen with multiple colored inks) is a great way to visually see cuts or set outs. Color code your industries and you dont have to fumble your counts all night long.
now this is an interesting comment... i did the same thing with my switchlists back in the early 90s when i hired on... i used the hi liter brand markers... i had green, blue, yellow and hot pink colors... when i colored my lists the yardmaster and everyone would giggle and laugh at me, they ribbed my ass but good but i didn't care... and now some 30 years later someone else is doing the same thing... i feel VINDICATED... THANK YOU
@25mfd I learned from one of the best switchmen in the yard, made my life so much easier when I was learning how to read switch lists that i will forever have the rainbow list haha. The method shall live on!
I used to do the same thing when I worked for the railroad. Everything was color coded and every cut of cars had a count I marked down with a pen. Once I got some experience that easily allowed me to be thinking 4-5 moves ahead of myself witch makes things easier when you aren't checking your paperwork every 5 seconds and contently second guessing yourself.
I luv the ear buds recommendation. Here in construction, people even bring in stereos and play what ever loud. Not everyone shares your interest bud. Be polite. Use ear buds. Thanks for saying that john
A. N.S. LOCOMOTIVE WAS KILLD IN THE ALABAMA YARD, A 30 YEAR VETERAN DIED AT HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL ,WAS CRUSHED BY A RAIL CAR.SOMEBODY AS A CONDUCTOR FAILED TO SET THE HAND BRAKE
I am recent graduated student of railway Conductor course from Canada. I am interested in applying for train conductor position in the USA so what kind of documentation do I need to work in US railroads as a Canadian citizen. I really love trains and I am willing to relocate anywhere at my own expense. I would really appreciate it if you can let me know this process.
Hey before applying do u know anything about what to do for a tornado on a train like pls tell me just in case of tornado incidents because I’m applying when I’m 18 and working til I’m 63 and I need to know
There are no dumb questions. I know it was mentioned above, but nobody came out of the womb knowing how to do this. The more questions you ask, the more interest you show, the more help you will receive.
Currently in training now all graded test are 90% pass and Signal tests are 100%, you have two chances to pass are you are fired and they cram everything on you one after the other just passed Signals, Hazmat, GOI all in 3 days it's a gauntlet but for the pay it's worth it. Good Luck
The number one tip to me is DO NOT take the ridiculously overpriced expensive conductor courses at college or whatever before hand. At least here in canada it gives you zero preference for being hired, and you still have to go through the exact same full length training program as someone off the street. Just a massive amount of debt and waste of time. Of course the college won't tell you that.
Wait, you guys are allowed to watch videos and listen to music in America!? That sounds wild to me. We're not even allowed to have our phones ON in Canada. Off and put away. Only our RSED we can have as far as electronics go.
ZERO tolerance where I work and most locomotives have cameras watching you. Must be in your bag and turned off. No apple watch no ipod no ipad except company supplied which can't access anything.
Earbuds for a new hire are sketchy in my opinion. Here is why. After a year of watching new hires get on trains and pulling up to a siding to wait. Most have pulled out the ear buds and fallen asleep. Now I take GREAT enjoyment as an engineer at throwing a water bottle at these guys to wake them up. But after a year of this, I don't even do that anymore. I will sit in that engineers seat and wait for train management to notice you asleep on a moving train because a new hire hasn't the awareness to wake up. i have seen a number of new hires not make it past the de-rail period because of this.
I'm working on my 3rd interview with CSX and your videos have been invaluable for me to prep myself for school and the lifestyle change. I know I'm not hired yet, but I like being ahead of the game.
That said I have an addition to your notepad tip. Get a waterproof pad. I'm in the guard and if you're having to take down info during a rainstorm, you're gonna have a bad day. They are cheap and can be found in military surplus stores and on Amazon.
Another couple tips, don't ever as a student say "Yeah, I know" because when you say that a couple times your trainer will stop telling you things, because why would I waste my time telling something to a know it all, sorry someone who already knows the material. Now as a yard rat these are mostly for yard jobs, if your trainer isn't in the cab you shouldn't be either. There is a lot of winter left make sure you have appropriate cold weather gear (I would recommend Carhartt as it is pretty much bomb proof), obviously this will vary by region, ask your class trainer for suggestions as they should know what is needed for the area. Also for the love of God don't say to your yard crew "I hired out to be a road conductor", because there comes a time in most peoples career where that is all you can hold and it behoves you to know the job.
One more for when you get out of class. If you don't know ask questions because if you don't your crew will assume you know your job, until you prove to them that you don't through your actions. I can't help someone who I don't know needs help.
John,
You are providing an invaluable service for new folks who will no doubt be overwhelmed as they start out. Some may just complete their training successfully because of your mentoring style guidance.
As you know, the "not in the book" lessons can be as important as the classroom. How to act and not act is important as well startting with being on time no matter what.
Amen on that aluminum clip board...invaluable tool. For whatever reason, we always called them an "easy out" clipboard, not to be confused with the easy out tool.
I may only be a highschool student, but all of this is very interesting. I’ve always wanted to be a conductor, and I’ve always love trains. Even if I still have a few years till I can even apply, all of this is very interesting and helpful to watch.
thinking about leaving avition and going to the railroad. Im gone atleast 20 days a month flying around the world. Im tired.
Good luck at engineer school. I have no doubts that you will be successful and be a great and safe operating engineer.
good luck at Engine school!
Good luck, been an engineer for 20 years. Be interesting to hear how BNSF trains new engineers.
Getting multi colored pens for switch lists (or even the single pen with multiple colored inks) is a great way to visually see cuts or set outs. Color code your industries and you dont have to fumble your counts all night long.
now this is an interesting comment... i did the same thing with my switchlists back in the early 90s when i hired on... i used the hi liter brand markers... i had green, blue, yellow and hot pink colors... when i colored my lists the yardmaster and everyone would giggle and laugh at me, they ribbed my ass but good but i didn't care... and now some 30 years later someone else is doing the same thing... i feel VINDICATED... THANK YOU
@25mfd I learned from one of the best switchmen in the yard, made my life so much easier when I was learning how to read switch lists that i will forever have the rainbow list haha. The method shall live on!
@@foxsox5046
"rainbow list"🤣🤣
I used to do the same thing when I worked for the railroad. Everything was color coded and every cut of cars had a count I marked down with a pen. Once I got some experience that easily allowed me to be thinking 4-5 moves ahead of myself witch makes things easier when you aren't checking your paperwork every 5 seconds and contently second guessing yourself.
@@sqrlzxbigxnut2018
AH... another member of the rainbow switchlist club... welcome in!!!
I luv the ear buds recommendation. Here in construction, people even bring in stereos and play what ever loud. Not everyone shares your interest bud. Be polite. Use ear buds. Thanks for saying that john
Thanks for sharing!
I have passed all required test, interview, physical in November and still waiting on a call. Hopefully I'll get another gig soon,.
Oh boys going to enginner school! Goodluck, i couldnt do it. I hated sitting on the floor of the locomotive for locals😂😂
Moving from 10 years EMS to Conductor Trainee in April
You remind me of a young Lou Pinella
A. N.S. LOCOMOTIVE WAS KILLD IN THE ALABAMA YARD, A 30 YEAR VETERAN DIED AT HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL ,WAS CRUSHED BY A RAIL CAR.SOMEBODY AS A CONDUCTOR FAILED TO SET THE HAND BRAKE
I am recent graduated student of railway Conductor course from Canada. I am interested in applying for train conductor position in the USA so what kind of documentation do I need to work in US railroads as a Canadian citizen. I really love trains and I am willing to relocate anywhere at my own expense. I would really appreciate it if you can let me know this process.
If you don’t mind me asking where are you going into engine service at?
Hey before applying do u know anything about what to do for a tornado on a train like pls tell me just in case of tornado incidents because I’m applying when I’m 18 and working til I’m 63 and I need to know
Whats your opinion on Union Pacific, i will be leaving CSX to work for union pacific at cheyenne wyoming
There are no dumb questions. I know it was mentioned above, but nobody came out of the womb knowing how to do this. The more questions you ask, the more interest you show, the more help you will receive.
Hey Brother, How are you doing with the start of this year?
Does anyone have experience with the conductor trainee test i heard it 90% to pass thank you
Yes it is 90% last i heard.
Currently in training now all graded test are 90% pass and Signal tests are 100%, you have two chances to pass are you are fired and they cram everything on you one after the other just passed Signals, Hazmat, GOI all in 3 days it's a gauntlet but for the pay it's worth it. Good Luck
Are you going into the program John?
Yes sir. Already at Overland Park for my 3 weeks
The number one tip to me is DO NOT take the ridiculously overpriced expensive conductor courses at college or whatever before hand. At least here in canada it gives you zero preference for being hired, and you still have to go through the exact same full length training program as someone off the street. Just a massive amount of debt and waste of time. Of course the college won't tell you that.
Wait, you guys are allowed to watch videos and listen to music in America!? That sounds wild to me. We're not even allowed to have our phones ON in Canada. Off and put away. Only our RSED we can have as far as electronics go.
I think you're getting the wrong idea when that can happen.
Are phones allowed to be used on the locomotive?
As long as the train is stoped and the crew are in the cab not doing anything safety sensitive.
Pretty not allowed where I work
ZERO tolerance where I work and most locomotives have cameras watching you. Must be in your bag and turned off. No apple watch no ipod no ipad except company supplied which can't access anything.
JOHN, I CAN EMAIL YOU THE INCIDENT FROM ALABAMA, THATS A SCARY SITUATION BROTHER
Keep applying, they still wont hire me. I keep on trying though.
i train for BN and UP both couldnt hire i tired NS and now im a conductor
Earbuds for a new hire are sketchy in my opinion. Here is why. After a year of watching new hires get on trains and pulling up to a siding to wait. Most have pulled out the ear buds and fallen asleep. Now I take GREAT enjoyment as an engineer at throwing a water bottle at these guys to wake them up. But after a year of this, I don't even do that anymore. I will sit in that engineers seat and wait for train management to notice you asleep on a moving train because a new hire hasn't the awareness to wake up. i have seen a number of new hires not make it past the de-rail period because of this.
I agree with you on that point. If they cannot be accountable and responsible they should be fired imo
Student again? Also they are behind on manpower with rest cycles on the way and the LSP’s
Engine class buddy
Class 1 license. Go get em Sir
@RailsTailsandTrails Good luck Jon.