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View Full Version : Anyone work for the railroad?



newty
12-06-2011, 03:59 PM
Currently applying for a conductor position and hoping to get some opinions on the job.Thx

sandm
12-06-2011, 05:31 PM
knew several years ago that did out of slc and pocatello idaho. they worked for 6 months then laid off/unemployment for 6 months. great bennies due to the unions, but the work was not full time.

again, years ago..

gl....

newty
12-06-2011, 06:21 PM
I just got done. I aced the test and did really well on the board interview. We'll see.

skiyaker
12-06-2011, 07:58 PM
I just got done. I aced the test and did really well on the board interview. We'll see.

awesome- hope you get the job. the guys here will park the train blocking the busiest road in our town so they hop out and get McDonald's

jpetty3023
12-06-2011, 09:59 PM
I have a cousin that works for BNSF and loves it. Been there about 14 years now. Paid well to!!

wolfeman131
12-06-2011, 10:39 PM
Newty,

I've been workin' on the railroad,
All the live long day.
I've been workin' on the railroad,
Just to pass the time away.
Don't you hear the whistle blowing?
Rise up so early in the morn.
Don't you hear the captain shouting
"Dinah, blow your horn?"

Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o.
Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o-o-o-o.
Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o.
Strumming on the old banjo.

bergermaister
12-06-2011, 10:43 PM
Beat me to it Drew!

I had a friend who worked for the railroad. Loved it and the pay was good but the crew he was with was very on and off with work and after only a couple years he left. Hopefully it's a bit more steady!

zabooda
12-06-2011, 10:43 PM
A friend at work has a husband who works for the railroad and when he retires the spouse gets 1/2 of a retirement also. Sounds like one of the better paying jobs and benefits.

kaneboats
12-06-2011, 11:33 PM
My Dad did it for a while. My grandfather did it for a long time and retired. His wife (grandma) lived to be 89 and collected RR retirement for a long time.

newty
12-07-2011, 09:56 AM
Newty,

I've been workin' on the railroad,
All the live long day.
I've been workin' on the railroad,
Just to pass the time away.
Don't you hear the whistle blowing?
Rise up so early in the morn.
Don't you hear the captain shouting
"Dinah, blow your horn?"

Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o.
Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o-o-o-o.
Fee, fie, fiddle-e-i-o.
Strumming on the old banjo.

Yeeeeaa... thanks for that Drew.

wolfeman131
12-07-2011, 10:47 AM
Just wait to thank me when that song is rolling around your head for hours while you're running down the tracks.

dusty2221
12-07-2011, 11:25 AM
Just wait to thank me when that song is rolling around your head for hours while you're running down the tracks.

I don't even need to say it.....

you da man
12-07-2011, 11:49 AM
Newty, are you looking at a conductor job or locomotive engineer?

KG's Supra24
12-07-2011, 11:51 AM
RR has some great retirement benefits. Thats about all I know ...

well other than Dusty's Mom having a lot of experience running trains. Might PM her. :p

newty
12-07-2011, 12:50 PM
Newty, are you looking at a conductor job or locomotive engineer?

Conductor/Switchman

you da man
12-07-2011, 01:27 PM
Conductor/Switchman

I see. I'm going to be retiring from my first career in about 8-9 months and a couple childhood friends of mine that work for BNSF say they can assist me in getting an entry level position on the locomotives. I hope I can get on the railroad as well.

E4NASH
12-07-2011, 01:45 PM
RR has some great retirement benefits. Thats about all I know ...

well other than Dusty's Mom having a lot of experience running trains. Might PM her. :p

LMAO! BOOM!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

newty
12-07-2011, 01:51 PM
I see. I'm going to be retiring from my first career in about 8-9 months and a couple childhood friends of mine that work for BNSF say they can assist me in getting an entry level position on the locomotives. I hope I can get on the railroad as well.

You get the typical doom and gloom speech about how bad the job is, working all the time, hours, etc... but you never hear guys that work there complaining.

Excellent pay, benifits, and retirement. I hear a good union too but I've never work in any unions so I wouldn't know.

bzubke1
12-07-2011, 07:27 PM
My father works for union pacific as a conductor/switchmen. He will have been there a year in January, he likes it and the pay is good. He is trained to be a conductor and did it for some time in his training but now works in one of the yards remotely controlling locomotives and putting trains together. He went this route because it enables him to be home everyday instead of pulling a load somewhere staying in a hotel and coming back the next day or sometimes getting stock somewhere for a day or two. When he first started a yard job he was on call all the time and it got to the point where he hated anytime the phone rang because you could work 1st shift one day and 3rd shift the next. He has a regular job now working 2nd shift wed-sun. At union pacific you can pick your job/assignment based on seniority so if somebody senior to you likes your job he can bump you off your job and you have to find an open job or bump someone below you, in the first few month he was getting bumped quite a bit. Safety is a huge deal from what he tells me and is the easiest way to get fired.

newty
12-07-2011, 07:35 PM
My father works for union pacific as a conductor/switchmen. He will have been there a year in January, he likes it and the pay is good. He is trained to be a conductor and did it for some time in his training but now works in one of the yards remotely controlling locomotives and putting trains together. He went this route because it enables him to be home everyday instead of pulling a load somewhere staying in a hotel and coming back the next day or sometimes getting stock somewhere for a day or two. When he first started a yard job he was on call all the time and it got to the point where he hated anytime the phone rang because you could work 1st shift one day and 3rd shift the next. He has a regular job now working 2nd shift wed-sun. At union pacific you can pick your job/assignment based on seniority so if somebody senior to you likes your job he can bump you off your job and you have to find an open job or bump someone below you, in the first few month he was getting bumped quite a bit. Safety is a huge deal from what he tells me and is the easiest way to get fired.

Thats what I've heard, thanks for the response.

jmvotto
12-07-2011, 08:26 PM
You dont get SS, you get RR benefits in retirement from your year in service.

wolfeman131
12-07-2011, 11:24 PM
Thats what I've heard, thanks for the response.

Yeah, well what I heard was that someone's in the kitchen with Dinah.
Someone's in the kitchen, I know.
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Strumming on the old banjo.

kaneboats
12-08-2011, 02:21 AM
Safety is a huge deal from what he tells me and is the easiest way to get fired.

Yup, like any other union job, keep your hands in your pockets and your head down till you put in your 20. That's safe.

bzubke1
12-08-2011, 01:14 PM
Watch "Unstoppable" a couple times and you will get all the info you need. :p

jpetty3023
12-17-2011, 12:41 AM
Any word on how the job interview went Newty?

newty
12-17-2011, 11:19 AM
I'm on an "alternate list". Not sure what constitutes the list, whether there are 2 or 22 I'm not sure where I stand.
They were hiring 12 and had 600 applicants. I guess I did ok. I'd rather be one of the 12. I'm eligible for the job for the next 6 months if the need exists.

Thanks for asking Jpetty.

newty
02-21-2012, 01:05 PM
Just got a conditional job offer!!! I'm as giddy as a 6 year old as disneyland!!!

mmandley
02-21-2012, 01:10 PM
Nice bro congratz, so is this at the RR or something else?
Whats the conditions? You will work for free?
LOL

newty
02-21-2012, 01:17 PM
Conductor for the BNSF Railroad. I almost work for free the first year. After that I'm set.

bergermaister
02-21-2012, 01:39 PM
Congrats Newty - I'm sure you'll be running the place before too long.

(Note :grin: I said RUNNING not RUINING)

jpetty3023
02-21-2012, 02:30 PM
Congrats Newty, I'm sure that was a great phone call

kaneboats
02-21-2012, 03:00 PM
My Gramps used to say it's like playing with your own big train set.

newty
02-21-2012, 03:15 PM
Congrats Newty - I'm sure you'll be running the place before too long.

(Note :grin: I said RUNNING not RUINING)

One or the other for sure! Looks like I won't have time to do the carpet in your boat after all. lol

brain_rinse
02-21-2012, 04:14 PM
Congrats!!

jmvotto
02-21-2012, 04:21 PM
Congrats, Very cool to have someone on the board can drive a train... childhood dreams....

Boonejeepin
02-21-2012, 05:03 PM
Congrats Newty!

sandm
02-21-2012, 06:18 PM
congrats on the new occupation..

have you gone out an purchased your striped overalls and conductor hat?

KG's Supra24
02-21-2012, 10:57 PM
Congrats!

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

wolfeman131
02-22-2012, 12:06 AM
Very cool to have someone on the board can drive a train

Congrats, Newty!

JV - there's a Mom joke in that quote, but I'm going to refrain this time.

viking
02-22-2012, 12:25 AM
yee haw - chugga chugga chugga - yee haw (or something like that).

bergermaister
02-22-2012, 02:03 PM
One or the other for sure! Looks like I won't have time to do the carpet in your boat after all. lol

Whoa whoa whoa...
Let's not get crazy now. I've got three words for ya - BUD LIGHT PLATINUM!

kaneboats
02-22-2012, 02:58 PM
Where exactly are we doing this?

newty
02-22-2012, 04:13 PM
Whoa whoa whoa...
Let's not get crazy now. I've got three words for ya - BUD LIGHT PLATINUM!

Shhhhhhhhh.... You had me at bud light! MMMMMMMM beeeeer!

newty
02-22-2012, 04:15 PM
Where exactly are we doing this?

Prolly at my house as my minute mart sells bud light platinum.

mmandley
02-23-2012, 06:59 PM
Hey man would you mind shooting me a text as to when you might do this project? If possible id like to get a peek at it since this might be next winter for us as well. I might even bring you a brew for just being you lol.

newty
04-05-2012, 11:42 PM
Well... its official, I've jumped through the hoops and landed on my feet, (just barely). BNSF has offered me a conductor postion with a start date of April 16th. I'm beside myself with excitement.
The Haz Waste clean-up site where I'm working now is winding down in the next month, so the timing couldn't be more perfect. I was also offered a retainment bonus last year to stick it out with the project and since we are so close to being finished they are going to honor the bonus.
So I get the Bonus and the job!!! Did I mention the Terminal I'm going to work out of is 3.5 miles from my house?
Super excited right now.

jpetty3023
04-05-2012, 11:50 PM
Congrats Newty, that is excellent news. I'm sure your super stoked. Grab you a few cold ones an celebrate


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newty
04-05-2012, 11:52 PM
PWI as we speak!

You may not know what that means... Do ya?

KG's Supra24
04-06-2012, 12:52 AM
Congrats, sounds like the timing couldn't have been better. Gotta love that

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

wolfeman131
04-06-2012, 07:34 AM
Fantastic news, Mr. Newton!

bergermaister
04-06-2012, 08:59 AM
Congrats - very happy for you bro! Nothing like Christmas in April and avoiding unemployment.

Course now you'll be the F.N.G. for a while...

jpetty3023
04-06-2012, 10:18 AM
Posting While Intoxicated possibly

wolfeman131
04-06-2012, 10:29 AM
Posting While Intoxicated possibly

Exactly! Can't get much past you Longhorns.

jpetty3023
04-06-2012, 10:38 AM
Yeah I'm all over this wolfey. Just wish I was closer to the ATL thou so I could be all over your mojo. Maybe take her out and threat her real good during the maiden voyage. Throw one of them Longhorn stickers on the transom and call it a day

sandm
04-06-2012, 11:10 AM
Congrats newty.. nothing like a new job to get the blood pumpin...

Sent from my far superior android phone using 2 left thumbs

jpetty3023
04-06-2012, 11:16 AM
"Sent from my far superior android phone using 2 left thumbs"

Aww you can't really think that can you, Android really!! haha

viking
04-06-2012, 07:56 PM
Congrats Newty! 2012 sounds like a great year already for one Moomba Member :)
I'll have one, or two, or three for you this weekend !!

mmandley
04-07-2012, 11:50 AM
Congratz bro, you got an idea of days or hours your working? Hows the boat schedule gonna work out?

kaneboats
04-09-2012, 10:59 AM
Congrats, bro! Very happy for you and the family.

newty
04-09-2012, 11:20 AM
Congratz bro, you got an idea of days or hours your working? Hows the boat schedule gonna work out?

No idea... thought about selling it and take a year off just because I may not get to use it.


Congrats, bro! Very happy for you and the family.

Thanks, I'm really excited for a change of pace and a solid career.

jpetty3023
04-09-2012, 03:47 PM
Stop talking crazy Newty. Smack yourself upside the head with the so called "iPhone killer" that's in your right hand right now!!


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newty
04-09-2012, 05:09 PM
Stop talking crazy Newty. Smack yourself upside the head with the so called "iPhone killer" that's in your right hand right now!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I said I thought about it... I didn't indicate how long I thought about it. Total thought time 10-15 seconds. I don't think I can live without a boat.:)

jpetty3023
04-09-2012, 05:19 PM
My apologies regarding the so called iPhone killer comment. I see now you carry the premier smart phone. Please accept my apologies in thinking you belonged to the android iPhone wannabe camp!! Glad you took a dump and forgot about the idea of being boatless for a summer to!!

newty
04-21-2012, 10:50 PM
You guys miss me this week? I didn't think so.
Just finished up hell week with the RR. Crazy amounts of info to retain. It's like trying to drink water through a fire hose.
Anyway I go into on the job training Monday and hope not to destroy anything. Planning on a little family time on the boat tomorrow and blow all the cobs out from winter.
Hope to spend a little more time with my moomba family in the coming weeks. I've been withdrawing a little. Lol


Sent from my duhroid

jpetty3023
04-21-2012, 11:47 PM
Funny, I was just thinking what a major league sell-out you been here lately... Glad the job is going well, hopefully you get some much deserved water time tomo with the family


Sent from my android eating iPhone using Tapatalk

wolfeman131
04-22-2012, 01:02 AM
I just figured you were coming around the mountain and didn't have wireless.

Congrats again on the new job! Glad to have ya back.

bergermaister
04-22-2012, 01:17 AM
Dude - so you are alive...

Went over the bridge today and the water looked awesome - probably upper 40's still but awesome nonethless. Lots of boats on the water but actually saw near glass around noon off Govt island on the airport side. Have fun!