Anyone here a real railroader?

[CArailroader]

Hello All,

First off, sorry if this is already a topic (I couldn't find it in with Search).

But I would like to know how many of us work on the "Real McCoy" whether its a Class 1, a short line, or a museum railroad, paid or volunteer. What do you do, how long have you been doing it, and where do you do it?

I volunteer on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, the interpretive excursion railroad for the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA. One of the great things about being a volunteer is I get to choose when I work and with what craft. I'm a jack of all trades, master of none.

I am in Car Department as an On-Board Mechanic and a Car Inspector. I work in Maintenance of Way as a Track Laborer and On-Rail Equipment Operator. I've been doing those crafts since February 2012 when I joined the CSRM. In 2014 I became a Brakeman and as of a few weeks ago, I started being a Diesel Locomotive Fireman (yes we still have these, our rules require two people in the cab if a train leaves the yard). Next year I will join the Steam Engine Service and start working my way up the ladder with them!

Cheers!
Matt

[bpetit]

Cheers to shoveling coal first.

[JohnS]

I'm an Engineer and Conductor for G&W on the Marquette Rail.
I started 13 years ago on a shortline in Southern New Jersey where I was involved in all things railroad. Track, MoW and Mechanical along with being a conductor. Then I work as an Engineer for NJ Transit before I went back into freight. I like working freight better than passenger although the speed was fun.

[evafan002]

It depends if you class a miniature railroad run as a fund raising project for charity and the local community as a "real Railroad" or not... if yes then yeah I am.. I am the primary driver maintenance guy and basically all rounder... if not then i will shutup

[Chacal]

There are more real railroaders on the forums.
A similar thread was run some time ago, you might find it using the search function.

[FoodMonsterGuy]

I graduate this year and hoping to work with Norfolk Southern right shortly after. I plan to be a conductor and advance to engineer.