ErikNYC

If they give your group an option to choose your division, the people with the highest seniority will get to choose first, then everyone else will get what is available. Normally there is about twenty slots of each division to choose from, therefore ten or more persons will not be able to choose, if there's a group of fifty or more. Sometimes there may only be slots "A" divisions available etc. When I started the slots for the B division went quick, so I was assigned the A division... Thankfully.

Its a good reference to read and re-read during your training. The thread has helped me focus during my highs and lows of school car. Currently i'm posting, and all is well. This week we had full days of enhancement classes with a different TSS's at each location. Very resourceful and help the transition into being a better train operator. Like they told me... You will do just fine, being on this forum is a plus.

Yup. Also, read the entire school car thread. it will also help you along the way. Good luck!

People also fail because school has a lot of quirks, and the odds are stacked up against any one class at times. If you fail it does not mean you are deaf dumb or blind. It can be a variable of reasons. Now if you did not study then that is your fault, but there are other reasons why one can fail during school car, that is really out of your control at times. Just do the best you can and everything should go well.

I have people in my class and sister classes, and their title is waiting for them, if the unthinkable happens, they have one year to return to their former titles.

You should be able to go back to your previous title, if the worst happened.

It can take up to ninety days, or longer. I waited about 45 days to get a call back, after receiving the booklet. It depends on which class you will actually make it into.

I had to report at 6PM, but the job was a penalty assignment, and I opted to stay. I worked in health care for eighteen years, so working weekends, holidays, and all hours of the day is something I'm use to. I actually liked being in the yard where is was peaceful and quiet. Next week I will be posting the in mornings for a week. You will get Thanksgiving off with pay, but I don't know about the following day. lol

It's going great. My confidence is building everyday, and my trainers has provided lot of information. I been relaying, station switching, car washes, and layups. It feels good to get to this level, and work with the senior crew. A little overtime, here and there... Yesterday, I cleared at 5AM. I'm enjoying the weekends off, while I'm still able to.

You will be buying a new bag once your finish school car. Once I finished classes I purchased a backpack/duffle bag. I was tired of holding my Husky bag everywhere, but it was great for the abuse we gave it during the class sessions. This is the backpack/duffel bag I purchased: http://www.rei.com/product/883436/timbuk2-jaunt-pack I'm selling my Husky bag if anyone wants it, still like new.

Yup, you have to keep studying. I'm posting at various places, and new location everyday for the next two weeks. Then I move on to yard posting.

No, I have to take the second signal test in January, then the final exam and road practical in February. I'm done with the classroom work, and meeting up with my classmates and instructors. Now I'm just posting, and applying what I learned over the past two months. It has only been two months, but it seem longer...

Thank you. It's been two months.

Today was my last day with my instructors. The class all went out for lunch at a local diner, to celebrate. I thought this day would never come... Monday I start posting. Don't just focus on the signal test, when there are other tests that can make you and break you. People have failed before and after the signal test in my class. Try and take in everything that gets thrown at you equally, because there is a lot more to retain than just signals. Those practicals can be intimidating, and it's not fun at all.... but I made it this far. I also applied for the conductors exam as a backup.

I was told today, that there will be new induction classes ever month, until December. IDK about next year. Top pay is about $33 and change.

First practical is mainly cuts and adds. You instructor will go over what are automatic fails, and common failures. Most failed because of handbrakes and forgetting the steps.

Take your time, control your nerves, and try and be the first one to be called upon. Also, don't forget "permission to proceed". Other than that it's everything you were taught over and over again, for the first practical. The second practical be may another thing, you might not get much practice... but I passed. We have a class of eight, and six people failed the second practical, they have another chance tomorrow.

Passed my second practical today.

Tomorrow im in at 9am, it was suppose to be a road day, but we will be practicing for our practical on Monday. The the following week I will be posting for two weeks, go back to the school for a day, then back to posting for two months. Yup A division, means you will be in A division yards for the most part. Did that answer your question?

Don't worry they will teach you what u need to know. We been there done that. Do your part and the light will start shining at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy ur weekends off (Friday evening/Saturday/part of Sunday), and study Sunday evening thru Thursday.

Yup, first signal test, after about seven weeks of training. Take away a week that you spend in orientation. You and the rest of the class will be counting the weeks. lol

I started in the A division, end of July.

I can't talk about it, but you WILL be prepared when that time comes, as long as you did your part at home.... Enjoy ur weekends to yourself. The test had twenty five questions, and can be any combination of about eighty signals. Your TSS will let you know about any signal that are not in your division.

As you already know, but I'll update everyone on this thread... I passed my signal exam today.

Not updated, and/or not the full definition of a signal. you instructor will give you the full definition, and will expect you to recite and remember it. Don't worry too much it will work out, as long as you put the work in. Like someone said in an earlier post, an hour of studying everyday should do the trick.