Very interesting videos and the best of luck in your career !!! I retired in 2014 after 41 years as a freight and passenger conductor. I originally hired with the Penn Central in 1973 in Philadelphia, Pa. Our training was basically the reverse of your training. We spent a week in class and on the ground, more or less as a safety course and learning to manually throw switches. Then, placed on an extra board, as a head brakeman. At the time, the crew consisted of a conductor, engineer, head brakeman, and flagman. Also, most passenger trains had a fireman (apprentice engineer). We also still had cabooses on a lot of jobs.....lol. We were required to wear a white arm band, designated you as a new hire. The old timers would laugh and tell us to take them off, as they could tell you were new from your actions and total nervousness. As time went on, the majority of old timers became like father figures and taught you the ropes. They could also tell the people who were good at the job and had the so called railroad in their blood. After ninety days, you could take the testing to become qualified as a flagman. Then, after a year or so, you could test to become a yard conductor. None of these were required and if you wanted, could just stay as a brakeman for your whole career. As for me, I loved the job and guess it was certainly in my blood. After about four years, I had become qualified on the physical characteristics on the Northeast Corridor from NYC to Alexandria, Va. and west to Harrisburg, Pa., plus many branch lines. I always chose to ride the head end of road freight trains. Often, when dropping off waybills after set offs, I would take them into the yard office. Sometimes, they would say that I needed to pass along instructions to the conductor. Then, they would laugh in dis-belief, when I told them I was the conductor, since I was only 23 years old at the time. So, I finished my career as a yardmaster with the commuter rail service in the Philadelphia suburban area. If we ever met or conversed, I could pass along hours of stories about the rails, mostly from the past. One again, the best of luck and going to subscribe and watch your progress.
I know its hard to not to tell anyone, but keep it MIA with any training that you are doing. Share and tell afterwards. It keeps you more focused and its also rewarding.
What a great way to end this video. Very classy about being proud of you whether you made it or not. This is why you make such great content. It’s the heart.
Wow, really enjoyed you video. There are so many out there ard you put a companion in it. Going to up conductor training in jan 2023. Im excited and terrified at the same time.
@@cobi7078wow.. i applied for cincinnati terminal on june 1st and july 7th.. status still says ‘to be reviewed’… makes me wonder if i’ve been passed over?
Thank you for this video. I just completed the background check. Next is my physical exam, if everything goes well with my medical exam then I will definitely hit you for more tips etc. Again thank you for this video it definitely gives encouragement.
Glad it helped. Let me know if you need anything during training. Waiting for a start date is the slowest part of the process in onboarding. Best of Luck!
Where were you saying that we need to go, to get the study stuff? I will be so grateful if you could get that for me. Your message here is really heartfelt and it gives confidence. Thank you so much
I have some problem your friend have far as test anxiety is concern, But only thing I did I study and practice e-learning over and over and pass every single from Hazmat, signal, and general knowledge testing just finishing up week one of my OJT in Macon, GA
Man you are awsome and you make me want to follow my dream being an Engineer...at 59, I'm not that crazy if I was 10ys younger I would, your very inspiring
There were folks in there late 50's and mid sixties starting third careers in my onboarding class. They pay you to go through the training and teach you everything you need to know. Shit if you don't like it, quit lol. No harm no fowl and you get to check another life box off the list!
Thank you man, I’m starting with CSX as a conductor, just waiting on my start date. And I have been just stressing out of my mind about “what if I fail”. This made me feel better. Thank you 💙
I don't think you could fail at this point. They are shoving people through and hoping they'll stay. I'd say you'll be just fine. Heck the signal test is multiple choice now. Big changes since I took it, and I'm dumb. You'll be fine.
@@dubvr6nos I’ve had 4 people over the last two weeks not make it. Nothing to do with their capabilities and personality. They are just bad at testing under pressure. A lot of folks get a call back shortly after to either retest or go through school again. You’re right though, they need people BAD. CSX increased to 100% pay, kept their 5K bonus structure and dropped the need for a HS Diploma/GED. It’s getting serious out there👍🏻🚂
First thing I would like to point out. If you are an instructor GREAT job with keeping people motivated and picking them back up.. Wished I was going to their school. However. I am doing my checks right now for Union Pacific. Anyone have any insights on things I can be focusing on before going that will help while I am in Cheyanne? Thanks for any input.
I’m headed out to North Platte Nebraska and I would love your study guide on things to know if you can help out anyway possible would be great and great video I appreciated very much
Hello there. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I’m Interested in applying for signal maintenance do you know anything about how the process is, how hard are the test etc? Please and thank you in advance
Enjoy it! It's an incredible program. Work life balance is better than transportation the money is a little less but the benefits are great. Training is much more involved. You'll actually go to GA 3 times for training during your first year. Instructors are knowledgable and want you to succeed. Best of Luck Samuel!
Vids say be prepared to work outside in all weather conditions. How much of the job is spent outside? 12 hour shift. 6 hours outside? Do supervisors allow for cold and heat breaks to warm up/ cool off? Is there any AC where conductors are during train movement?
If you are on a yard job could be all 8-12 twelve hours minus your lunch breaks, bathroom breaks etc. If you are on a road job you are in the locomotive cab the entire trip unless something goes wrong. If you are on a short turn or a local you'll get out when dropping or picking up cars but will be in the loco cab most of the time. You'll be surprised how much time your actually spend in the taxi on the extra board(deadheads, location drops, short turns etc)
This Sunday on April 21 2024 I’m taking the MTA train conductor exam so I understand the anxiety,however,what can I study to prepare myself a little? Thank you.
Hey there, your videos are very informative, I’ll be heading to redi for Csx training in a few days for 5 weeks conductor training, any more heads up is much appreciated
Per csx website I was looking at a position in southern Indiana. Csx said training was 5 weeks in Atlanta no breaks . I’m still fiddling with the idea I’m already in a good field so the cons outweigh the pros at this point .
Best of luck! There are a lot of pro's and con's, especially if you are already stable where you are. The first 5 years are tough...schedule, seniority etc. Let us know how things panned out. Here if you need us!
I’m a qualified conductor now but my training class only had 15/20 even make it out of the class. Some people failed some things but they would give 2nd chances if they were doing good in other sections or had a good attitude and showing your trying.
Thats pretty common. If they see promise they will bend over backward to help. If you are fuckin around....See you later kid. We had guys falling asleep in class. People with cell phones on the training yard. NO PPE when they specifically asked you to wear it. Crazy...
I have a virtual interview to be a conductor this Friday, I've wanted to be a conductor my whole life but my nerves are all over the place, I was never good in school so I'm very nervous about the academic test
I just got back from CT training on Friday 07/14/2023 Failed my signals test al 4 times i took it missing the same 3 questions. Have already reapplied and have a phone interview set for Thursday at 11 am central time Im going to do it this time
It's Friday 02/24/23 and I here in McDonough, Georgia right now going through the training and I am doing what I'm supposed to do and I feel like I'm struggling with the literature...seeking advice on what I should do differently.
@@KurtisCharltonstart training in mcdonough on july 31st… but i’ve also applied with csx. my csx application status is ‘to be reviewed’… should they come calling, i’ll jump ship due to the significant pay jump.
Thanks for the video! I have a question that I can’t find an answer for. I am currently waiting on my medical clearance and then a start date. What if I’m assigned a start date and I have some personal/work obligations to tidy up before entering training. Are they open to delaying the start date for McDonough, or do I have to accept the date they will give me or I’m dismissed? It would only be a month maybe or 6 weeks tops. Just wondering what my options would be. Thanks for your help.
Its based on each situation but I know for sure they will work with you. I pushed my start date back but you don't get to pick when that is. You can request to be called for the next training class date. the only problem is the next date can be two weeks later or 2 months later. If you don't show the second time the revoke your offer.
Thanks for your reply! Just out of curiosity how long was it between the time you told them you wanted to push your start back until the next class? I understand this might not be the same for everyone in my situation though.
Tbh, I didn’t even make it to training. I had an interview with CN, as the mainline runs about a mile from where I live in Illinois. My work history isn’t so good and I’m afraid that my resume could be why they rejected me. How can I come back from this? I’m possibly going to the oilfield to work in the mean time.
I went in 2019 to NARS, it’s been 2 years and 10 months, I drove 5 and a half hours to Poteau OK for a hiring event, they got me an interview around my hometown in Shreveport and got picked for KCS, already did my examination, drug, background and physical, reason why I never smoked or drinked, basically waited since I was 2, be 23 this August, the past almost 3 years I wanted to drop it all, put in 18 different states and the 1-3 towns in each, if they didn’t pick me I would of gave up honestly, more than a job to me, me goin to National Academy of Railroad Sciences really boosted me up the list.
Congrats man! Being passionate about what you do everyday is important and not everyone feels the same way you do. Some people work this job as a means to an end and they never feel the excitement and satisfaction you have felt. Don't take it personally if people give you a hard time about your dedication to your craft or love for the RR. For a lot of people it's just a job, for you it's a calling. Best of luck out there and stay safe!
@@drphil0110 if Shreveport didn’t pick me my name was still for Heavener, but they said since I drove that far for a position then he was gonna hire me, I start August 1st for Shreveport
lol...no. Unstoppable was just a movie ;) Outside of the hang test you will also do a field test where you will set handbrakes, throw switches set derails and lace up air hoses between cars. You will spend a good portion of your time in training "riding shoves" which is just a fancy way of saying riding on moving train cars. You have to be able to get on and off of moving equipment but its under 4 MPH.
Regarding the NS training material -- how much of it do you think is applicable to other railroads? I've been thinking about applying for Canadian Pacific once I get my foot problems resolved, but I'm a slow learner and want to get a head start.
Each railroad will be different. With CP if you never cross the border most of this material will be useless. General railroading guidelines will be the same but a lot of this material and regulations are states specific and company specific lingo.
My first choice was working with a local Police dept. was given the chance by two depts. failed the physical agility test with both, huge let down. my girlfriend of four years left I guess she didnt want a failure. But got hired on with NS as a conductor.
You can reapply for the same position 30 days after the application has been closed in the system. You can apply for the same position a town or state over at anytime.
My only concern is I took the ishihara test and failed by two points. The nurse said I was the first person she ever send get more than half right and not being color blind. I was second guessing myself I tend to do that a lot. NS is letting me take it over and I know I can pass. But can I wear enchorma sunglasses during training is my question?
Yes. NS will provide OTG protection for your enchroma. The only time it will be an issue is at night on the yard. Dwarf and high mast yard signals are red, yellow green and white. Position signals will not be an issue because the are directional. It’s definitely possible and the fact that you have the corrective lenses is a big plus. It’s like having a hearing aide and all they will require is that you have them on while in motion or in the yard. To be honest getting through the onboarding is the only place that is a roadblock. Once you are on the job they will absolutely work with you to make sure you’re safe and have the gear you need👍🏻🚂
When I took the test my nerves were shot I failed the signal test because I knew it but my nerves got the best of me I had to take 4 practice test knocked them out in 2 minutes when I went back to take it the train master told me don’t click finish until I see it😂
100% means that you are receiving the maximum guaranteed base pay for the conductor position AFTER training no matter how many days a week you work. Conductors used to start at 75% and get a 5% raise each year of service until they reached 100%. During training at the training center, OJT at your home terminal, all the way up until you mark up, you are paid $25 an hour or $200 a day. Which ever is higher.
hello my friend worked for ns he got hired to work Allentown terminal and some work on the Harrisburg road list he worked for 3 years he requested a transfer over and over again he got transferred to the conrail north jersey shared assets how does that work?
There is a network here in the north that runs from Chicago to the port. You can change terminals and not lose your seniority. It’s simply based on the business needs of each terminal. Some people volunteer for go teams or travel assignments that receive a stipend on top of their salary for moving to a high demand area. Those folks move so often that seniority isn’t a concern.
I really want to work for NS it is a dream of mine ive had since i was a toddler i will be graduating high school in a couple years, the only thing i'm woried about is the classroom work and the tests.
If you study, you'll pass. Best of luck! if you apply let me know and ill kick the training materials your way so you can study before heading off to conductor training.
My alarm clock in the hotel room was broke and I got sent home for being late. It's was so humiliating. I've never been in trouble at a job before and I also BEEDED the job. I dropped everything for it. I am now unemployed and starving. I'm watching the site like a hawk waiting for another chance.
Sorry to hear that! If you go to the link tree at the top of the channel page or over on FB there are links to ever open Class 1 RR position for each company. Let us know if you need anything. Shit happens...gotta move on.
No. Some general car counts based on safe distances but other than that very little match. Lots of content, laws and regulations though. They provide really good study materials via practice tests.
Sorry to hear that! Hop on to a class one and give it another shot. They train from the ground up and you don't need the railroad schooling to apply. Just a HS Diploma or GED.
30 Days to the same company or as soon as they list your application as closed on the conductor position. If you are applying for a different company or a different department in the same company there is no waiting period 👍🏻🚂
I went through the process once and would've went to training but I chickened out last minute. I'd say for the virtual interview, you can just dress a step above the normal attire of the position and be just fine.
New conductors are on call 24/7 and are placed on “the extra board”. This essentially means you are a fill in for whatever they need. Yard jobs, road trains, industry servicing etc. They call, you go👍🏻🚂
@@KurtisCharlton yes but you obviously would need to be qualified on whatever lines you would be running on and be familiar with industries etc. that alone is a task. It was my experience that if they initially hired you for a road job that’s where you would stay unless you were really vocal about wanting to change it up and work local. It’s usually one or the other .
How u doing sir my name is orsola Watson is the text hard for the conductor are they still doing the pee testing or the hair testing I start the class August 7th
There is an excessive amount of freight sitting in port due to supply chain issues and rising gas prices have made trucking less competitive so a lot of companies are chasing to ship by rail because it's cheaper. This is a difficult schedule for people to get used to especially if you have a family so the turnover rate is high. No matter how onboard your family is its a different story when you start missing holidays, birthdays and baseball games. That being said; you may miss a ballgame but you'll never miss a mortgage payment. it is impossible to know if its for you until you actually try it. Some people LOVE the schedule and the money and others just can't get into the swing of things and move on.
Hi and thank you for your advice. I get real nervous when I take tests too. I'm 60 yrs. old, do you think I'm too old for a conductor? I will talk to you on FB when I have time. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays from my family to yours.🤓
Hey can you send me the e learning stuff so I can prepare as much as possible. I have taken my medical questionnaire and waiting for my drug test now. I am excited about joining the railroad team , its definitely going to be a lifestyle change for me for sure and I am aaaaaalll for it, lol
Hey Jeremy! Yes. I got your message. I have the day off today and will be sending the e-learnings out to the nearly 100 folks that had reached out this week. Best of luck in Training!
Can't get you the tests early but I can send you the e-learning lectures and signals modules. Shoot me a message of FB with you email and i'll kick them over to you. Once you start training you will have access to all the practice tests. The practice tests are word for word the same as the final exam questions.
Hey a quick question. I am going to redi center for csx 7/8. My brother helped get me a job there. He is a train master. He will be my boss. Im the younger brother. Well 45 yrs old. Lol do you think i will catch a bunch of shit for him getting me this job. I really could care less what people think. Just your opinion. My brother is very well respected at csx.
You won’t get a bunch of shit but people will be cautious about what they say or do around you because of the relationship. Hopefully that means they follow the rules and take less short cuts when on a shift with you. If anything I would say this probably helps you because the most important thing is that you make it home at the end of your call. 👍🏻🚂
No website but you can find manuals on FB or EBay and if you would like to have a copy of the elearning from training I can send it to you. Reach out to me on FB with your email address and I’ll send it over👍🏻🚂
Ok thanks. I'll get with my son when he gets home to check it out. I do not have a Facebook account. I have been a equipment operator my whole life and I start conductor school in October. Taking a leap of faith, so anything you could help me with is much appreciated.
The guaranteed pay amount whether you work two days that week or six. It's listed in the job description. Most railroads start you at 80% of that total and you get a 5 % raise every year. CSX decided to give their new hires the full 100% out of the gate to attract more talent. NS is still playing catch up.
The signals are the easiest part of the training, and in an industry this monumentally dangerous, I don't want to work with anyone who wants an easy test.
@@kensingtonchapp4819 it's not a question of having an easier test, but having more understandable signals. It's fundamentally a safety issue; misread signals are apparently a major cause of accidents.
@@heronimousbrapson863 That's the same statement. Signals that are easier to understand is the same thing as being easier to test on. I'm curious though, what's difficult about them in your opinion? Green = clear block, proceed Flashing yellow = proceed prepared to pass the next signal at or below 40mph Yellow = proceed prepared to stop at next signal. Reduce speed to 30. (40 in PTC territory) Red = stop. Flashing Red = restricted speed Yellow over yellow = proceed and enter diverging route at next signal not exceeding 40 Yellow over green = proceed and enter diverging route at next signal not exceeding 50. Aside from a couple variations, such as those signals appearing as the bottom aspect indicating that you'll be on a diverging route, that's pretty much it, and all railroads in the US use those signals with only very minor changes in the phrasing of their meaning.
I’ve met women that are that are way more capable than some of the fellas that apply. The only area you’ll have to get used to is just working in a male dominated field. Some of the old heads are still pushing the good ole boys club mentality but shit them selves when the TM shows up and it’s a woman who was an conductor and an engineer and has been promoted to management all in the same amount of time they spent bitching and complaining! Tests are the same, rules are the same, work is the same, and the opportunity is the same. I’ll tell you the same thing I tell any lady or anyone who asks about becoming a conductor. Stay safe, Make Your Money and Go Home👍🏻🚂
@@KurtisCharlton Thank you, sweet man! I just passed my assessment today and am waiting to hear back to see if I get selected to interview. As far as the male dominance goes, I’m used to that! Boys will be boys. I look at it like this…all I can do is try my best to make it all the way thru and the worst that can happen is I’m told no or fail something along the way, but if that happens, at least I can walk away and say I gave it my all and tried without having regrets! Thank you again for your reply…I subbed!
