How do they match: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.

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Site updated November 19, 2024

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