Yes, my face WAS sore from smiling!!!! Thanks everyone!!! I'll keep ya'll updated! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Well, this Friday is the start of our tourist season. I have a train on Friday at 11am full of school kids for a field trip. Then, our regular runs on Sat and Sun at 2pm. We took the train out last week for a tune-up run, and they let me "play" with the GP9, getting used to the independent brake. There is a section of track that doesn't go over a crossing for about a half mile, so, this is where I practiced. The order is like this: 1)Headlight in "bright" notch 2)Dynamic brake all the way forward 3)Start the bell ringing 4)Blow the horn twice 5)Notch up to 2 6)Release independent brake 7)Turn off bell 8)Sit back and enjoy the ride through the woods 9) Use throttle or independent brake to maintain 10mph on straight track or 7 mph on curves. I was surprised how the locomotive will stay at exactly 7 mph without much noodling. 10)Wave at moms that take their kids to the park along the track!!! They picked out points along the track for me to stop at, even with my shoulder, kind of imitating how I'll have to stop at the station. The instructor told me that I was good enough to do it right now, but, we have steps to go through! Thats ok, just him saying that gave me a huge boost of confidence!! I still have to be a conductor for 10 official trips, then I start my engineer training, ending with my observation run/oral exam, and written test. Then, I get my engineer card and I can go work with Jerry!LOL! I know this sounds boring to those of ya'll that do this for a living, BUT, I think its cool as hell!!! I'll keep ya updated. Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Sounds like your learning more and more with the hands on training......excellent! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Jerry, these classes have, as I've stated, been a HUGE help! I'm always looking forward to learning more!! BTW, and I don't know if I can do this, but our webste is www.beltonrailroad.org Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Unfortunately, both our steamers are "display" models! We have a decapod(?), and another small one. All I want is an SD45 for next year!LOL! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Got my e-mail and phone call from NS today!!!!!! Have an interview next Tuesday, here in KC!!! DAMN! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! I have a "good feelin'" about this, BUT, I'm also a realist! SOOO, if I don't make it, I won't be TOO upset. At least I got THIS far, ya know! AND, I still have the tourist locomotive to play with....gotta love those GP9's! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Took my tests today! I was one of 4 people that made the cut, out of about 30! Then we 4 had our interviews and they said they will let us know, buy noon tomorrow, which of us 4 get to fill the 2 available slots!!! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Passed my "operators" test... this weekend for the shortline I volunteer for! Now, I have a license to ill! I've been operating the train on my own for about a month, but, now I'm official. I keep getting good comments from passengers on how "smooth" a ride I give them!!!! Now, if I can just get a Class 1,2 or 3 to hire me, so I can make some of that mean green ; ) Bob Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Congratulations, Bob, on passing your "operators" (certification?) test!!! Don't discount being a volunteer and having the ability to run trains (excursion or otherwise)...There are a lot of folks that'll envy your position and sometimes that's worth more than the money... :teeth: Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Thanks Jerry and Taz! I AM having a ton of fun. You know, there are lots of people that ask how I got started running the locomotive, and I just tell 'em that it was very difficult...I just called the railroad!!!LOL! And, Jerry, I love doing it for free....BUT...... Bob Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
