I want to become a locomotive engineer - Trains Magazine

I agree with Mac.

Call first, but also consider driving there and doing just as he says…When you get to the terminal office, ask the first person you see to direct you to the trainmaster on duty, trust me, they will point you to the right person.

I also think college is a good idea, education is important.

Keep in mind there are a lot of on line universities out there that offer an associate’s degree in a lot of fields, so keep that in mind…if railroading turns out to not be all you though it would be, and you have an associate’s degree, your one step ahead of the game.

Yes, the military option is out there, but keep in mind they are flooded with applicants and don’t have the need for 90 percent of those that apply.

Military service is a plus, it shows you are dependable, willing and able to follow orders and used to being outdoors and working hard.

Air Force and Navy are looking at the top 5% of high school grads who have heavy math and engineering skills.

Both services already have enough warm bodies to fulfill the rest of the jobs they offer.

Words of warning…the first years at the railroad you will work outside in the worst weather you can imagine, be filthy, hot, sweaty and stinky, your back arms and neck will hurt a lot of time, and you will work every weekend, at all hours of the day.

The old heads will pick on you about how you dress, look, talk, the music you like, the boots you have on, how you work, (or don’t work) the list goes on and on…it is a test of sorts to see if you will stick it out, so be prepared for a lot of crap.

You will have no home life for a long time.

Pay is good, you will grow to like the job, if not, you will know that also in a few months’ time.

Be persistent, if the TM blows you off, keep calling back every few weeks, it will get through to him you are serious.