2.1.1c Conductor/Engineer

Prototype Information

 For most of the 20th century, railroad train crews, both passenger and freight, consisted of five men: a conductor, two trainmen or brakemen, an engineer, and a fireman. 

• Conductor The conductor is in charge. He or she is responsible for the safety of the crew, compliance to all rules and regulations, and assurance of the railroad’s customer fulfillment.

• Trainmen or brakeman is responsible for checking the train's braking systems before it gets underway, which includes checking brake pads, air hoses, and gaskets. Trainman will throw hand operated switches as necessary, and keep a lookout for rail obstructions, problems on the train itself, or other issues that may complicate or endanger the train's operations. 

• Engineer. the engineer runs the locomotive. The engineer reports problems with the engine's condition, keep the train on schedule and observe safety procedures.

• Fireman In steam days, the fireman stoked the fire and maintained steam pressure in the boiler so the engine could operate. With the advent of dieselization, the fireman's responsibilities were relegated as the engineer’s helper, especially in watching the track and signals ahead and in relaying signals from trainmen. Firemen were also apprentice engineers, allowed to run the train under the engineer’s supervision and expected to learn enough to be ready for eventual promotion.

The following is an excerpt from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company  Consolidated Code of Operating Rules and General Instructions.-Revised 1946. as it applied to the Conductor and Engineer.

850. The general direction and government of a train is in charge of the conductor and all persons employed on the train are subject to his instructions. Should there be any doubt as to authority or safety of proceeding, from any cause, he will consult the engineer and shall be equally responsible with him for the safety and proper handling of the train, and for such use of signals and other precautions as the case may require. He must be vigilant and cautious; he must comply with. the instructions of  yardmasters within yard limits and be governed by the direction of agents in doing work at stations.

861. Conductors must expedite the handling of trains, performance of station work, and if necessary at night to avoid serious delay.

900. Conductors are responsible for the security of all freight carried by their trains while in their charge, and for its delivery, with the necessary waybills or manifests at its destination or at terminals.

920. Enginemen must report for duty at the appointed time. They must know that their engine is in good working order and is furnished with fuel, water, tools, sand and other supplies, including flagging
equipment and signal appliances. They should make every effort to see that the train for which they are called departs on time.

The WWSL

The WWSL has consolidated the train crew into one individual. That individual is responsible for

• Adherence to all rules and regulations defined in the Uniform Code of Rules, Employee Timetable, bulletins, circulars, etc, including compliance with signal indications, speed requirements/limits, and any special instructions.

• Communications with the Dispatcher to obtain/release track authority, convey issues, etc.

• Ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or terminals. 

• Manage manifests and applicable paperwork.

 Two person train crews are acceptable when there an excess of operating personnel.

Reference.