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

  • Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  • Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.

  • Record service or repair activities.
  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.