How do they match: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

  • Work Car Operator

  • Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  • Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  • Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  • Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  • Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.

  • Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
  • Record service or repair activities.
  • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.