What is a Locomotive Engineer?

A locomotive engineer, or railroad engineer, is a freight or passenger train operator. The train is made up of one or more locomotives that pull the passenger or freight cars, and the locomotive engineer is in charge of the locomotives. The locomotives which power the trains are usually run by a combination of diesel and electricity. However there are some locomotives that run on electricity alone. The job of a locomotive engineer includes inspecting the mechanical conditions of the locomotives prior to, and at the completion of each trip. They are trained to make minor adjustments to the machinery when necessary. Upon completion of the pre-trip inspection the locomotive engineer awaits instructions to start the trip from the railroad conductors on board. Once the train is in motion, the locomotive engineer controls the acceleration and braking of the train by maneuvering throttles and airbrakes. They also must keep a close eye on the amperage, air pressure, and battery gauges. Another ... more