How do they match: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

  • Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

  • Rider
  • Brake Rider
  • Car Rider
  • Dukey Rider
  • Gang Rider
  • Railroad Yard Worker
  • Rope Rider
  • Set Rider
  • Trip Rider
  • Tub Rider

  • 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.

  • Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
  • Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  • Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
  • Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
  • Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
  • Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
  • Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
  • Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.

  • Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
  • Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.