Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.
<ul><li>Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.</li><li>Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.</li><li>Receive signals from workers in rear of train and relay that information to engineers.</li><li>Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.</li><li>Operate locomotives in emergency situations.</li><li>Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.</li><li>Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.</li><li>Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.</li><li>Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.</li><li>Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.</li></ul>