Where is this rail yard?

How to go about getting a tour of a rail yard? (In Georgia)?

• I am going to be graduating from high school and I am exploring different job options. I am really considering becoming a locomotive engineer. I would like to get a tour of a rail yard here in Georgia, meet a engineer and see how things are on the job site. I want to get a personal insight of the job basically. Preferably around Atlanta, Metro Atlanta and if it comes down to it, anywhere else in Georgia. I really do not want to visit any Marta facility. Because, I am going towards freight/cargo, not passenger, unless it is Amtrak. If anyone could help me out, give me some local websites, phone numbers or email addresses for me to contact it would be appreciated. I want to get a personal insight of the job basically. Thanks for any help -Matt

• Answer:

  I agree that it will be difficult to set up a tour of a rail yard. However, maybe you can make some contacts with train engineers through their union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. There must be a local office in Georgia, although the BLET has its headquarters in Ohio. I would write or e-mail them and explain that you want to talk with an engineer about their work. Maybe they can put you in touch with some local people. Anyway, this is their Web site: http://www.ble-t.org/ I hope this helps and I wish you the best.