06-16-2009, 10:13 PM
My sons and I often go rail-fanning and wave to the train crews, etc. I just thought I should find out a little more about present-day train crews as well as those in the past -- as I realize that I'm a little confused about some modern-day train crew roles.
Today, there are usually two people staffing freight train engines. One is the driver on the right-hand side of the engine ... and, since we no longer need a fireman, is the other person a conductor who is in charge of the train and its overall operation?
In the 1960s-80s, during diesel power operation, would the conductor have ridden in the caboose with other train crew? And would the other guy riding with the engineer still be called a fireman or an assistant?
Going back to steam days, the engine would obviously be staffed by an engineer and fireman, and I expect the conductor and other crew would have occupied the caboose.
Thanks for any feedback or clarifying! I'm especially interested in modern-day train crew roles.
Rob
Today, there are usually two people staffing freight train engines. One is the driver on the right-hand side of the engine ... and, since we no longer need a fireman, is the other person a conductor who is in charge of the train and its overall operation?
In the 1960s-80s, during diesel power operation, would the conductor have ridden in the caboose with other train crew? And would the other guy riding with the engineer still be called a fireman or an assistant?
Going back to steam days, the engine would obviously be staffed by an engineer and fireman, and I expect the conductor and other crew would have occupied the caboose.
Thanks for any feedback or clarifying! I'm especially interested in modern-day train crew roles.
Rob
Rob
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