Caboose usage

[nachoman]

Interesting discussion. It sounds like there is no need to run cabooses on my short narrow gauge ore trains, but the other freights should have a caboose or a combine at the end, no matter how short.

[nkp_174]

...And the "doghouse" that some (PRR) tenders had...cramped, dirty, sometimes wet...but you don't have to help shovel ! Bob C.

Actually from what I been told most P Company brakemen would ride in the cab..

As far as brakemen shoveling coal..

Nope against the Union work rules and not to mention he's not a qualified Fireman..

I'd prefer to run the stoker...personally...not as much work!

[Bob C]

...but, if directed by the proper authority, the brakeman could help, and would earn a "penalty" payment of as much as a full day's pay. Few rules said you couldn't do things - most resulted,with proper authority, in extra $$$ for the employee. When I started in the mid 70s, penalties more than paid my union (and Christmas Club) dues ! Safety requirements now dictate no more people than seats (some have 4) in a loco cab - of course multiple units multiplies the capacity. Bob C.

[Brakie]

...but, if directed by the proper authority, the brakeman could help, and would earn a "penalty" payment of as much as a full day's pay. Few rules said you couldn't do things - most resulted,with proper authority, in extra $$$ for the employee. When I started in the mid 70s, penalties more than paid my union (and Christmas Club) dues ! Safety requirements now dictate no more people than seats (some have 4) in a loco cab - of course multiple units multiplies the capacity. Bob C.

Bob,A fireman had to be qualified to fire a steam locomotive..A brakeman was not obligated in helping in firing even if ask...

My Dad was a head brakeman and knew how to fire but,both company and union rules didn't allow a unqualified person to fire or help fire and as bullheaded as my dad was he would never help fire any way because a shovel was not a brakeman's tool and help fire the locomotive was not in the Union job description.
He finally became a qualified fireman and later engineer.

Neither of my Grandfathers(both hardcore BLE members) would permit a "low life brakeman" to help fire a locomotive in their words"Wasn't their -------- job".If the ---------fireman couldn't keep up then call a extra board fireman to help.

Another thing to remember back then the Operating Unions was strong.

[nkp_174]

My Dad was a head brakeman ...
He finally became a qualified fireman and later engineer.

Neither of my Grandfathers(both hardcore BLE members)...

Brakie, it just isn't cool to tell us they were BLE members, yet not tell us what railroads and locomotives they worked on!

[Brakie]

My Dad was a head brakeman ...
He finally became a qualified fireman and later engineer.

Neither of my Grandfathers(both hardcore BLE members)...

Brakie, it just isn't cool to tell us they were BLE members, yet not tell us what railroads and locomotives they worked on!

Sorry..

Since I want to be "cool" both was PRR engineers.As far as locomotives what ever was assign to their train..Dad was a P company man.All of my Dad's brothers worked on the railroads(PRR,N&W,B&O and C&O).All my Mother brothers worked on the railroads(1 worked on the NKP as a welder).1 Aunt was a Secretary. My Mom worked as a clerk/typist before getting cancer.

Like my father I went railroadin' at the age of 18 as a brakeman..

[nkp_174]

Thanks Brakie! That is (and therefore you are) "cool".