rlc3854

Anyone out there know anything about working at Amtrak in maintenance? I applied for a position and will have to take a test. The position also requires brazing/sodering and HVAC work. I believe this work is in refurbsing locomotives and passenger cars.

drsparky

A few guys I know worked as electricians for the Montreal Maine & Atlantic Rail Road. They said it was very dirty working on the locomotives, grease oil and grime. Most of the locomotives they worked on were old castoffs from other lines. In Louisiana I think they are running General Electric Genesis power. A 4000 hp diesel powering an AC generator, then rectified and sent to four DC traction motors.

__________________
"Whatever is felt is within suffering."

Mr. Sparkle

My father has been working for them for 30 years at Penn Station, NYC as an electrical/mechanical maintenance guy. He worked on the tracks and tunnels when he was younger, then became an inside guy later. The only complaint he ever had (which probably does not apply to your situation) is one of the reasons I never took the job, almost a 2 hour commute to work on a train each way from where I am. The other reason for me is that I've been under Penn Station a lot growing up and although it's "neat" I really could not see myself working there day in and day out.

He had about a year until he could retire but he recently had 2 minor strokes and unfortunately due to the neurological damage it looks as though he will not be returning to work.

I'll ask him if he knows any guys that refurbish the cars or if he has any opinion on that specific line of work. Also, I do know that Amtrak has been in trouble financially for years, so I am not sure if you would get the same type of package he recieved, I'll see if he knows anything about that end as well.

__________________
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
— Mark Twain

rlc3854

Thanks Doc, saw some pictures of workers wearing coveralls and ty-vak suits must be some dirty work. Maybe they will show it on the tv program dirtist jobs. By the way love the signature line

rlc3854

I believe they are hiring because of some stimlus money and contracts to get the rail transportation used by more travelers. I would have about an 1 1/2 hour commute one way if I got the job.

MDShunk

My gut tells me that an Amtrak job might be a pretty good job. Sure, they've been in financial trouble for something like forever, but they'll always be around. It's a matter of national pride at this point. Conrail has been going like gangbusters the last decade, with no real end in sight.

__________________

drsparky

Conrail is long gone; over 10 years ago it was broken in half and sold to CSX and Norfolk Southern. The Conrail name lives on as a terminal switching service in a few city centers, it is jointly owned by CSX and NS.

__________________
"Whatever is felt is within suffering."