Can a Disabled Person Work for a Railroad?

Question:   (edited for brevity—you can see the entire question in the “posts by others” block)  It has always been my dream to work for the railroad as an engineer; however, I am on disability and have been for most my life and I feel it is keeping my one dream from coming true.  I just thought since you worked for the railroad you could tell me how or what I would have to do to make my dream come true.

Answer:  Without knowing the exact nature of your physical challenge and the extent to which you can compensate for it or work around it, it’s hard to provide really precise guidance.  Here is some information for you to consider:  for most major railroads, engineers start out “on the ground” as conductors.  Even when they become engineers, they must be fully capable of performing the same types of duties as conductors.  Being a member of a train crew is a very physically demanding job.  You have to be able to climb onto locomotives, climb onto, cross over, and hang onto (for long periods of time) rail cars, line switches, connect air hoses, operate cut levers, change 70lb coupler knuckles and 40lb end of train devices.  You have to be able to walk the entire length (and back) of your mile and a half long train on shifting, sloping ballast.  You have to be able to operate hand brakes.  You have to be able to shovel snow and sand.  You have to be able to render hand signals.  You have to do all of this at night, in the rain, when it’s 100 degrees out, when it’s 10 below zero and blowing snow.  You have to be able to do these things for up to 12 hours at a time.  If you believe you are capable of doing all of this, and can demonstrate it, then I encourage you to challenge the railroad.

If you believe you may not be able to meet the physical demands of being a train crew member for a major railroad, you should still take a look at local excursion or museum railroads.  While there is no guarantee, and each outfit may have a different policy, these smaller operations may offer an opportunity for you to get your hand on the throttle.  Many of these organizations are looking for hard-working, competent, and dedicated volunteers.  Just like any other volunteer, you will likely have to work your way into any position that allows you to participate in train operations.

I wish you luck in your quest.  Stay safe out there.