Railfax
Posted by Lou on Jan 29, 2009
Data through January 24, 2009 — 3 W 2009
Finally a ‘big’ jump up. 144,000 car loads and we are in the winning area (above that and UP makes money). Hope we all will feel it soon. Last week there was a slight improvement on the boards, but only for a short time. Press your thumbs – that what we do in Germany to wish luck. I think here in the States we cross our toes …..
Union Pacific 1942
Posted by Lou on Jan 27, 2009
Southern Pacific RR brakeman Harry Martin smelling a tiger lily found beside tracks w. engineer Jimmy Belote waiting his turn, during regulation cooling-off stop between Sacramento and Reno.
Back to work ?
Posted by Lou on Jan 27, 2009
The last few days I had to attend to a mandatory Rules Class. It was not too bad and it’s always a very good thing to get a refresh on the Rules. Some things changed, some new stuff come along. There was a lot that I forgot or was not sure about. I must say I feel much better now and be more prepared for the things out there. Only I wish I could use those. It seemed to be a little bit better and there were more jobs out there, but I was wrong. Only a little breeze that will not flow my boat.
But I am glad to sniff a little bit of the Railroad Air. Got more insider information and made new friends with the guys on the road. One thing did not change and that was the Equal Opportunity Video they show every time. As important as it is, as boring as it can be. People who saw this Video know what I am talking about.
Many of the other guys are in the same boots I am now (being furlough or low seniority). So there is something to ‘bond’ with. At last I know I am not alone. Some guys got even a harder ‘hit’ than me – many of them are furlough since June or even March. Don’t know where this will end. Lucky we got one of the ‘old farts’ as our teacher and damn, it was interesting to hear some stories they had to tell. Railroading was a lot of fun in the old days – riding in Caboose must be fun. So, back to the normal railroading day for me; I will have more time to get back to my Blog. There are many stories I have to tell. More later …..
Rules Class
Posted by Lou on Jan 22, 2009
I can report that I am back on the Board ready to work, sort of. Since I was furlough over 6 Weeks I have to attend a mandatory 2 day Rules Class. First I was shocked, because I was going to work in a few hours. Make some money. But after a little thinking I am now glad that I have to go to Class for 2 days. I am sure, a lot of changed since my last job – a few month ago. I am following every rule update closely and my paperwork is up to date. But ther will be some kind of stuff, that I am not aware of – things changed – specially after the jump to 2009. And I will get paid for 2 days. Yes, folks, after walking throu the desert for many month I will get my first paycheck since September 2008. Wow, that’s a long time. 2 days pay that will, after Union dues, Medical, Taxes, whatever I don’t know, make me able to buy a Burger. Perhpas one that’s not off the Dollar Menu. Watering my mouth. Folks, I am back and I attend to stay – until the next bump that is probl. looking around the corner right now. Maybe the guy S. (see my last blog entry) is watching me closely and looking forward to do his due.
Sharp Shooters
Posted by Lou on Jan 18, 2009
Bumped. Bumped again. As of my last posting you could see I got assigned to a new Board. Full of motivation I updated my Rules – I was not that behind as I thought – packed my Grip (Backpack) and charged my Radio. The nervous Level was very high this time but I was really looking forward to go back to work after a long furlough time. You must know, as much as I love railroading, I am in there for the money. The Fridge Level is almost below 10% and that means something has to happen.
Just got a call from Dispatch telling me I got bumped. I was 3rd out, that means, the 3rd Train that is leaving my Station SHOULD be mine. But no. I got ‘Sharpshoot’. You might ask what that means ? There are people out there just waiting for bumping people who are close to work. The reason is easy : Money. You jump from board to board looking to bump others in order to get faster to work. Instead of doing like 5-7 trips every 2 weeks, they manage to do many more, and since you get paid by trip … It’s not the first time that happend to me. Most of the followed co-workers have a code of honor and give you a chance to have at last one trip before they bump you. Most of them are good people who know the situation. Bumping others is Railroad Buisiness and that’s how it works. Nobody likes it. If there will be no Sharp Shooters more and more people would have a chance to work. So what can you do ? Nothing. And that’s the most frustrating thing. God help me that I will never become such person. Hope I will never got tempted or overwelmed to do such thing.
If you ever get into working for the Railroad make sure you have a strong Wife/Husband behind you. There WILL BE hard times and they will try to break you. I am blessed with my wife. I’ll put her into hard times when I signed up for the Railroad. Sure, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. But I had a chance to take something different – but I choosed the Track Path. Didn’t know that the switch was lined into a siding where you have to wait forever to get out.
Hope other’s have more luck than we have – or have more seniority than I have. I am surtenly running out of both…..
Update: The Sharp Shooter who bumped me Layoff 25 minutes later. Makes it even more painful. I don’t know why he did that, but I know I NEVER will forget his name. Good thing : you meet people always twice….
Back on the Board
Posted by Lou on Jan 17, 2009
Yipppieee! Back on the Board. At 6:30pm today a call from Dispatch. 6 times out – hopefully no bump before 1st out. I need to get back to work and make some bucks – and stay with the Railroad. After 365 days without an assignment I will be terminated and my Railroad Dream Train will be gone. So, press your thumb’s for me – or cross your fingers – or snip your toe’s. Whatever it takes. After my last assignment I got bumped 3.5 hours later. I am going to top that today 
One of my Railroad Buddy’s set a new record yesterday : 24 minutes after assignment he got bumped. That’s just enough time to get nervous. After all: I am not furlough for some days, that’s a good feeling. More later, after the Bump
German Railroad TV
Posted by Lou on Jan 16, 2009
Deutsche Bahn
‘My’ old German Railroad (Deutsche Bahn) has a very nice and unique Service : DeutscheBahnTV. Follow the Link and you are able to see the Live TV Station that shows everything about the DB. There are very interesting Stories all the time. Often there are Camera’s on the Engines so you can see the Live Ride through some of the most beautiful Areas of Germany. How’s about a nice Ride along the Rhine River from Cologne (Koeln) to Koblenz ? Also interesting Facts about the Cars and Locomotives. Of course it’s all in German, but the pictures/videos talk for themselves. I am usin Linux and watch the live Stream with VLC. There is also a Windows / OSX Version available. I am not sure if the Windows Media Player is able to show the content, but it should. If the link is not working for your Software / OS try to copy the link and paste it into the desired Application. Ok folks, now I am homesick and have to watch the latest show. For more information visit Deutsche Bahn TV. The Homepage of the Bahn is also available in english. Once you in the mood don’t forget to visit the Railion Homepage for the largest European freight railroad.
Things you can’t explain
Posted by Lou on Jan 15, 2009
There are still mysterios things out there that even Railroaders with a seniority 1965 don’t understand.
My Carrier is doing a lot of wired stuff here lately. The Hump Job was 2 crews per shift. They cut off some shifts down to 1 crew – now the guys have to work OT all the time – Manager orders. The guys getting sick of it and thinking not to work OT all the time. But you don’t have a choice if you don’t want to be charged with a Level 5. Some heavy stuff …. And HERE I am waiting with several other guys playing with my feet and trying to make new Face Impressions. Take US – we do it. We can. Yes, WE CAN.
It’s amazing that you have to do everything here with the help of Read the rest of this entry »
The Most Negative Week in Railshare History!!!
Posted by Lou on Jan 15, 2009
Railfax reports what we already know : it’s going down and it seems not go get better soon. Highest number of negative year-over-year. That’s something to look forward to in my railroad future. Checking the furlough boards shows me even deeper the trouble I am into. The nunbers in front of me are rasing constantly, and the total number is at record high. Now it takes a 2004 guy to work at my Hub. With my early 2007 seniority date you can figure out when I will be called back to work. Hm, perhaps I should ask to get my German Railroad seniority date transfered. With the starting year 1986 I can hold any position out there, heck, I could be President of this company. Yeah, let’s go for it. I am starting to make little stickers that you can put next to the funny ‘Stop Smoking’ Signs you find on every Engine. The Sticker could show ‘Lou for President’ – hm, already taken. Perhaps ‘You run the Railroad – I destroy it’ – hm, already taken by a big company up in the North. That’s not an easy task. Perhaps you have an idea.
Union Pacific lays off 230 in Nebraska
Posted by Lou on Jan 9, 2009
The nation’s economic slowdown has put the brakes on Union Pacific’s railroad freight business, forcing layoffs across the nation and, now, in North Platte.
Chad Wilbourn is UP’s general superintendent for the North Platte service area, and he delivered the news on Thursday. About 230 people will be furloughed until business improves and they can be called back to work.
In November, UP announced that it had laid off or cut hours for about 1,500 engineers and conductors since January 2007.
A Union Pacific (nyse: UNP – news – people ) spokesman in Omaha declined on Friday to comment specifically on any of the layoffs.
“While Union Pacific does not disclose furlough numbers, the economy is affecting all the railroads,” said Tom Lange, director of corporate communications.
“Putting people on furlough is a difficult yet necessary decision in response to market conditions and for the long-term viability of the company. Many of those on furlough will have a chance to be called back when market conditions improve.”
Union Pacific has 21,000 engineers and conductors. It operates 32,400 miles of track in 23 states from the Midwest to the West and Gulf coasts.
Source: Forbes.com
