How Railroad crews were called and are now. in Tales of the Jointed Track

How did we report for work? We were either assigned or called on a first in first out basis. On the Joint-Line, we were what was called a progressive board. As engineers we were not assigned a “Turn” or spot for call. The train crews here, were assigned and what was called a ‘Car”. It was an assigned crew. Conductor, and head and rear brakeman. That too. as collective bargaining, was into play eroded, that craft.

As Engineers we worked, first in first out. As the pool was depleted, promoted Fireman were called. I have been on this end of the program. There are assigned turns for Engineers, but depends on the territory you are working. Now on the terminal where I once worked is a “Super Pool” and they go three directions. Denver,east to Sterling,CO and back. The “Loop” Denver to Trinidad, CO and Denver to Cheyenne. I hated the “loop” and I wouldn’t place myself in to this Super pool madness. I am retired so, it doesn’t matter, but I ask where is the Union in this ? And what do they pay dues for?

As you worked up to first out, and on rest or afterward, the phone rings. This is your call. A Coal load, Grain train, a Red Ball freight, or a ratty Extra South. Some were great, some were not. The extra board at one time was a high seniority job that I could hold. After got married, my roster number was in the top five. I finished my career as Number 1 for six years. I liked the engineers Extra Board, because it was a majority of Helper jobs. I got tagged, as others for the trip to Pueblo,CO. The return home is the same, you work up, and on rest or? you get called to return trip home.

A crazy way to live, but the pay was great. Remember, all hours of the day and night. Holidays and Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc, it doesn’t matter. Like Pavlov’s dog who salivated, we ran trains.

I look back and think, would I do this again? I’d say yes, then I think, really? But I’d do it again. The railroad, gets into you. I can’t explain, but it is there. I still hear the sounds of the “Joint-Line” from my house. Like the lure of the Sirens, it is there. I don’t need wax in my ears. I tell my Lab Moose when we walk, somebody’s grinding up the grade. He doesn’t know what I am saying.

My time has passed, since September 5th, 2012. It is someone else’s place to stand tall and lead. Like the time when I hired out, the Great ones, have left and I learned. My time has passed, and I have left. Who will stand out? I know a few, but they too, are on a year or two. What happens then? Somebody steps in, good, bad or indifferent. The railroad survived, before I hired on, and will do so long before I have retired and passed on.