Max, retired conductor from NS here. I worked out of Shire Oaks yard in Elrama, Pa just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Ran coal from Elrama, PA to Altoona, PA. Is he new? If he is he will definately be on extra board. There are only a few steady shift jobs on NS when I was there. And the old heads get those jobs (seniority rules). I was on extra board my whole career with them. Sometimes you are soooo busy it's crazy. Other times you might be off for several days at a time. Extra board isn't bad once you get used to it.
Rule292 and 645 above are correct. You are on call 24/7 and never know when you will be called or how long you will work or should I say be on the job. Eight hours is what the RR wants you to work but you may work as long as 12 hours, But, if you get stuck out in nomans land you could be on the train for many many hours. I was on the job, so to speak, for 19 hours one time. That's ok though because you get paid over time after 8 hours.
If you have any more questions just ask me.
Rick
