by William O'Neal Stringer

Created on: November 13, 2011   Last Updated: November 18, 2011

A railroad brakeman has many duties. His first duty upon arrival at the train terminal is to check the bulletins to see if there are any posted changes to normal operation. In these bulletins there could be posted potential hazards along the right of way. For instance, a bulletin could read, “Bad footing and open trenches located at MP 23.2.” Information like this is also included in the work orders that are with the train. Also at the terminal he may attend a periodic 15 minute safety meeting given by management. 

Next the brakeman will walk to the pit area where the engines are located to assist the engineer. After he stows his working gear on a locomotive, he will assist the engineer in performing air brake tests on the locomotives. He will visually check to see that the brake shoes are working in coordination with each other on all locomotives. 

When the engineer indicates that he is ready, the brakeman will give the engineer the “ahead” signal and throw the appropriate switches that will take the engines to the train. He will then tie the engines on the train, making sure that the knuckles are secure, and connect the air hoses between the engine and the train. He will open the angle cock valves that will allow the engine to pump air into the train line. 

Once the train leaves the yard the brakeman is required to occupy the “fireman’s” seat if no other crewman is available. This is located on the left side of the cab. It is his duty to watch for obstructions and hazards on his side and notify the engineer if he sees any. He is required to call out verbally the color of signals they are approaching or repeat the signal color, if called out by the engineer first. This is so there is no misunderstanding about the signal aspect. 

The brakeman will also have to call the dispatcher and receive track authority “on the fly,” because the engineer is busy operating the train. The brakeman could be working by himself and be conductor. If there is a conductor then he will work according to the conductor’s instructions.

 When the train reaches an industry to set out some cars, the brakeman will drop off the engine and call to the engineer on his radio, the car lengths to the stop. When the brakeman wants the engineer to stop the train he will say, “That will do.” He will then reach in and turn the angle cock that separates the train from the cars he wants to set

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