RICKC posted: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
Hits the extra board life perfectly.
Two other things that you should understand Max is that you could be assigned to anywhere in your division. So you may have to drive to distant terminals or work locations and some can be a good hike (hours possibly).
And computers have made life on the extra board more predictable, giving you the ability to watch how fast the board is turning and where you are located.
Like one fellow said "when nothing goes well, the pay's well". If you are not scared off by the on call lifestyle and the outdoor work environment it's a great way to make a living. And you'll appreciate your railroad retirement even though that is the furthest from your mind right now.
