7 Railroad Questions You Never Could Find Out
But always wondered. Ask Dr. Smarty.
As I lay in bed last night, I spent some time listening to a far away freight train whistle as the train approached the town. For whatever reason, I have been awake at the same 2:15am several times, listening to that same whistle.
It made me think, even though I had always loved trains since my childhood, there were still some things I didn’t know.
Who was driving that train and blowing that whistle, and what were they trying to tell me? Seven questions hit me at that time…
How long each day does a railroad engineer work?
The length of a railroad engineer’s work-day can vary depending on the company they work for and the specific job they are performing. However, in general, railroad engineers, like truckers, are subject to quite strict federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can work in a day.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), railroad engineers cannot work more than 12 hours in a single shift. They must then have a minimum of 10 hours “off duty” before beginning their next shift. Additionally, engineers cannot work more than 276 hours over a period of 28 consecutive days.
However, some railroad companies may also have their own policies that can be more restrictive than the FRA regulations. In some cases, engineers may only work shorter shifts, such as 8 or 10 hours per day.
It’s worth noting that the job of a railroad engineer can be physically and mentally demanding, as they are responsible for operating large and complex machinery over long distances. As such, even if their work-day is limited to 12 hours, they may still experience fatigue and other challenges associated with their job.
Do railroad engineers have to wear a big old diaper?
No, railroad engineers do not have to wear a big old diaper. This is a common myth or misconception about the job of a railroad engineer. The job of a railroad engineer involves operating trains and ensuring they run safely and efficiently. If the engineer needs to work long hours, sometimes over 12 hours, they may not always have easy access to bathroom facilities while operating the train. However, they typically take breaks at designated intervals and can use onboard restroom facilities or stop at designated locations for restroom breaks. The idea of wearing a diaper is not a requirement or practice for railroad engineers.
What do they do at the end of the day if they are 500 miles from home?
At the end of a work-day, if a railroad engineer is 500 miles away from home, they will typically either stay in a hotel or lodging provided by their employer, or they may return to a local railroad yard, where they can rest until their next shift.
Railroad companies often have policies and procedures in place to ensure that their employees have access to suitable accommodations when they are away from home for work. This may include arranging for lodging at a nearby hotel or providing a designated sleeping area at a railroad switching yard or a station.
If an engineer is staying in a hotel, their employer often would cover the cost of the room and provide a per diem for meals and incidental expenses. Alternatively, if they are staying in company-provided lodging, they may have access to a kitchen and other amenities.
In some cases, if an engineer is close enough to their own home, they may be able to return home after their shift and come back the next day. However, this would depend on the specific job and their company’s policies regarding commuting distances.
Do they ever sleep on the train?
Railroad engineers are not typically allowed to sleep while operating a train, as it is important that they remain alert and attentive to ensure the safety of the train and its passengers or cargo, something which is difficult to do while asleep.
However, in some cases, if the train is stopped or parked for an extended period of time, such as overnight, the engineer may be able to rest or sleep in a designated sleeping area on the train. This would depend on the specific train and the company’s policies regarding rest breaks and sleeping accommodations.
In addition, some long-distance passenger trains have sleeping accommodations for passengers, including private cabins with beds or bunk beds. While these accommodations are intended for passengers, if a railroad engineer is traveling on the same train as a passenger, they may be able to use one of these cabins if it is available and approved by the company.
It’s worth noting, however, that the safety and well-being of the train and its occupants are always the top priority, and any rest or sleep breaks for engineers would be carefully regulated and monitored to ensure that they do not compromise safety.
Do engineers ever work in tandem to trade off shifts?
Yes, railroad engineers often work in tandem with other engineers to trade off shifts and ensure that the train can be operated around the clock. This practice is commonly known as “running in tandem.”
Running in tandem involves two or more engineers sharing responsibility for operating a train over a long distance. Typically, one engineer will take the first shift, while the other rests or performs other duties. After a set period of time, they will switch roles, with the second engineer taking over the controls and the first engineer resting or performing other tasks.
This allows the train to continue moving without interruption, even over very long distances or for extended periods of time. It also helps to ensure that the engineers remain alert and focused, as they are able to rest and recharge during their off-duty periods.
Running in tandem is a common practice in the railroad industry and is subject to strict regulations and safety protocols to ensure the safety of the train and its occupants. The specific procedures and policies may vary depending on the company and the type of train or cargo being transported.
The TRAIN WHISTLE
Do train whistles actually mean something?
Yes, train whistles do have meaning and are used as a form of communication by train engineers. Train whistles have been used for over a century to signal various messages to railroad workers and passengers.
Here are some of the common meanings associated with train whistles.
Warnings. Train whistles are used as a warning signal to alert people and animals of an approaching train. The sound of the whistle can be heard from a distance, giving people and animals time to clear the tracks.
Departure. Train whistles are also used as a signal to indicate when a train is departing from a station or crossing. A long blast of the whistle indicates that the train is about to start moving.
Communication. Train engineers use different whistle patterns to communicate with other train crew members. For example, a series of short blasts may indicate that the train needs to stop or slow down.
Distress. Train whistles can also be used as a distress signal if there is an emergency or problem with the train. A continuous blast of the whistle may indicate an urgent situation.
It’s worth noting that the specific meaning of a train whistle can vary depending on the location and context. Additionally, regulations and laws may dictate the specific patterns and duration of train whistles for safety purposes.
What do train whistle codes mean in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, train whistles generally have the same meanings as they do elsewhere. However, the specific patterns and durations of the whistle may vary depending on the location and situation.
In Tennessee, as in other states, train whistles are primarily used as warning signals to alert people and animals of an approaching train. The sound of the whistle can be heard from a distance, giving people and animals time to clear the tracks.
Additionally, train whistles may be used to signal departure, communicate with other train crew members, and indicate distress or emergency situations. The specific patterns and durations of the whistle may be regulated by state and federal laws to ensure safety.
It’s also worth noting that some communities in Tennessee and other states have established “quiet zones” where train whistles are not used, except in emergencies. These quiet zones are typically established in urban areas to reduce noise pollution and may have additional safety measures in place to compensate for the lack of train whistles.
What does two long, a short, and another long mean?
The train whistle signal of “two long, a short, and another long” is a common pattern used by train engineers in the United States. This signal is also known as the “two longs, a short, and a long” or the “long-short-long” pattern.
This whistle signal has a specific meaning, and it is typically used as a warning signal at highway crossings. The pattern of two long blasts followed by a short blast and another long blast means:
Two long blasts. The first long blast is a warning to alert drivers and pedestrians that a train is approaching a highway crossing. The second long blast is to reinforce the warning and let people know that the train is getting closer.
A short blast. The short blast is an additional warning to let drivers and pedestrians know that the train is approaching the crossing and they should stop or clear the tracks.
Another long blast. The final long blast is a signal to indicate that the train has cleared the crossing and it is safe to proceed.
It’s important to note that train whistle signals may vary slightly depending on the location and the specific situation, but the “two long, a short, and another long” pattern is a commonly used signal at highway crossings in the United States.
Can you hear it farther away if the wind is right?
Yes, the direction and speed of the wind can affect how far away you can hear a train whistle. Wind can carry sound waves over greater distances, and it can also amplify or diminish the volume of the sound.
If the wind is blowing in the direction of the sound, it can carry the sound waves further, making the train whistle audible from a greater distance. Conversely, if the wind is blowing away from the sound, it can diminish the volume of the whistle, making it harder to hear.
Additionally, atmospheric conditions, such as humidity and temperature, can also affect how far away a train whistle can be heard. Sound waves travel at different speeds through different mediums, and changes in temperature or humidity can affect the speed of sound.
It’s important to note that while wind can affect how far away you can hear a train whistle, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when near railroad tracks. It’s never safe to assume that you can hear a train whistle from a particular distance, so always look both ways and obey any posted signs or warnings.
Thanks for reading!
Don’s a keen observer and prolific reporter of truth, common sense, humor, & life. He’s a WRITER|HUMORIST, sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. He lives in Nashville, Tn, and would be even more prolific, were it not for his MS, which sometimes keeps its own schedule. Follow him on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, MEDIUM, or his WEBSITE.
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