American Railroad Train Engineer Postcard

From www.railphotoexpress.biz The Railroad Train Engineer, He is Still #1 with Kids of all ages. Wave to the Train Engineer to show him you appreciate what he is doing for all of us. A Railroad Engineer is responsible for preparing Railroad Locomotives and Train equipment for service, checking paperwork and the condition of the locomotives. Their duties require that they control acceleration, braking and handling of the train underway. They must know the physical characteristics of the railroad, including passenger stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits. Along with the conductor, the engineer monitors time to not fall behind schedule, nor leave stations early. The train's speed must be reduced when following other trains, approaching route diversions, or regulating time over road to avoid arriving too early. The engineer assumes the duties of the conductor if the conductor is incapacitated. The locomotive engineer is required to have an intimate knowledge of track geometry including signal placement so as to be able to safely control their train. Maintaining concentration is of critical importance in this role. Train dynamics can be extreme and therefore an engineer must be familiar with train handling techniques so as to avoid train partings, derailments and not exceeding line speed. Freight trains typically have different train forces from passenger trains. In the United States the engineer is required to be certified and re-certified every 2–3 years.