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

  • 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.

  • Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  • Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.