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.

  • Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.

  • Record service or repair activities.