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Reply to "Switcher Saturday: 2017-Mar-25"

Number 90 posted:
RSJB18 posted:

. . . The LIRR keeps two diesel switchers on either end of Jamaica Station for emergencies. These two engines don't have any other jobs to do. They are just parked at either end of the station on a short spur. The are idling and ready to go 24/7. The LIRR keeps them there in case a train stalls anywhere within the Jamaica block to move the train as quickly as possible and keep the tracks clear.  Probably the two loneliest switchers in the world.    Bob

Imagine what it is like for the crews of those two switchers.  (Surely, they have crews on duty and ready to go to work immediately if a train stalls.)

The loneliest switchers, with the loneliest, most bored, crews.  These jobs probably go to the most senior, or the least senior, crews.  What would you do if you were the Engineer or Conductor on one of these engines?  I would probably have every window squeaky clean, inside and out, the control stand and cab floor clean enough to eat off of, etc.  They'd find a worn-out broom on the engine every week. 

As far as I know they are unmanned. I am sure there is a crew assigned to them each shift though.  I'm sure they are VERY well compensated for their "work" each day.

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