What is a train conductors schedule like?

Question about train conductors?

• I was wondering if train conductors (steam locomotive) have to keep watch during the night? (things such as train speed, would they need to stay up to keep it moving at a steady pace ...show more

• Answer:

  Train conductors could only work so many hours. So they were assigned to runs which would last the duration of the hours they were allowed to work. Then do the return trip, unless on local assignment. The conductor may be the "Captain", but the engineer is who makes sure that the train pulls into station on time. In the days of steam the Conductor had his office (on freight trains it became the caboose) and it was his job to keep track of where the train stopped at,for drop offs and pick ups were to take place at. The engineer had to take orders from the conductor about where to stop and many other things, but never when to go faster or slower. There are two things an engineer does not want to do: 1. Be early 2. Be late