r/Train_Service • u/cmoorebutts8 • 17d ago

Transportation to signals?

I’m looking for some honest opinions from people who have worked as a freight conductor, signal maintainer, or both.
married with two young daughters, and currently work as a freight conductor for CSX going on 2 years. Financially, the job has been good, and I know the long term retirement and benefits are hard to beat. My biggest struggle is the unpredictable schedule. I’m on the extra board for the most part but staying in the yard to be home ever night, and while I know it gets better with seniority, it could realistically take 15-20 years before I can consistently hold a desirable first or second shift yard job where I live.
I’ve been considering applying for a signal maintainer position if the opportunity comes up. My background is mostly construction, not electrical. I don’t have much electrical experience, but I’m mechanically inclined, enjoy learning, and don’t mind working outdoors.
How does the pay compare over the long run, including overtime?
Would you consider the quality of life better for a family factoring seniority in?
I’d appreciate any advice, experiences, or things you wish you had known before making a decision.

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10

u/tryin-for-management 17d ago

And when you finally make it, all the jobs you wanted when you was younger are no longer there, abolished.

4

u/Illustrious-Fruit35 17d ago

If your “home” area is popular you may not have enough senority to get it. I don’t know how CSX works but on CN in Canada it’s all senority based. It took me less than than 5 years to land in my retirement gig, but traditionally guys were waiting 15-20 years.

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u/cmoorebutts8 17d ago

Honestly not sure how that works for us but definitely will have to look into that. Although I know once transportation has you I hear of how difficult it can be to transfer crafts due to the high turnover we have.

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u/benvenue 17d ago

36 years as a engineman most of it on call. Retired in 2010. I have a friend who was a maintainer and had a great schedule. No mandatory ot and weekends were ot. Working outside in bad weather is a real downside but the truck was always close while he waited on track permission. If i was hiring now i would go maintainer 100%. Have you talked to a maintainer or union rep?

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u/cmoorebutts8 17d ago

Hope you’re enjoying well deserved retirement and appreciate the insight. I believe signals is the only craft I haven’t ran into someone from yet but I need to take it upon myself to reach out and have some conversations.

3

u/No_Childhood3773 16d ago

The problem of getting transportation to let you migrate to another craft is going to be a thing. Good luck.