bp98

Airbrake was a joke, and also was kinda fun. Ticket class was hard as hell.

Yep, that was her.

You don't need any of the "material", and even if we did give it to you, you would have no idea what the hell you're looking at. If you can't pass the a/c book in 2.5 weeks, then you don't belong here.

Yea something like that....

Feels like just yesterday we were brand new A/C's. Crazy how time flies.

Not yet. Soon.

Does not matter. What matters is if your background check is complete, medical gives you a clean bill of health. Once they have 24 people ready to go then they will put a class together, assuming they have enough instructors.

Instead of posting on this form, you should be studying. Asking another person how long it took them isn't going to help you. Instead, you should be asking yourself a simple question: "How bad do I wan't it"? If you wan't this job bad enough you will get it.

they are not going to make any sense. just memorize them verbatim for now.

Sure, anything is possible.

Brute force method: -do S&D's for 8 hrs, or until you can't remember your own name -Sleep -Wake up -Repeat ...Works every time!

All it takes is one mistake to kill people. They expect perfection because when you're out there, you have to be perfect.

He didn't fail airbrake

No, the guy who supposedly failed air brake just quit at graduation.

Just spoke to one of their classmates. He quit the day of graduation. Passed everything, but decided that college was more important...

In the morning

They're at fresh pond yard now. Getting moved to hillside tomorrow.

Finally going to start to get rid of the M3's. Such a pain in the a** to work with. I do expect some growing pains with the M9's , however

Don't shoot the messenger. That's what I heard.

Rumor has it that they will begin testing on the property next month sometime.

For those that want info about the process, see my post about it towards the beginning of the thread. Couple of points: 1) The material you have to learn is not difficult. It is verbatim memorization and applying the rules that you have to memorize, not rocket science. I know because I've studied rocket science, and guess what? ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE! 2) This is the internet, shouldn't have to explain further. Please get your info from a reliable source. 3) There are no more "7 shots". From what I understand, our contract has been modified with the carrier such that all the new classes in 18' will be pulled off the trains and brought back to hillside for a certain period of time to qualify. This time, you have only 3 shots. 3 strikes, you're out. 4) For those that are still trying to pass the S&D and get hired, don't worry about qualifying, or the crazy hours, or the "salary". Just take it one step at a time.

In summary: -There are unfortunately no tips for passing the initial screening test. Studying fractions and "mechanical diagrams" isn't going to help. if you can add 3 digit numbers together without a calculator in a reasonable amount of time, then you're fine. -From what I remember (someone who has gone through the process recently please feel free to add) they do look at your credit. Nothing is a death sentence IMO, they are looking for people who can memorize signals and definitions and spit them out verbatim, can show up early, and to dress properly (including safety shoes). The RR is looking for bodies to fill the ranks, not for the ideal candidate.

I use the timberland resistor in black. "ANSI" certified just in case you inadvertently touch the third rail, you might not die horribly. Composite toe so the doors of an M3 don't crush your foot when they slam closed. Nice defined heel so you wont fall off a train when you climb up in a yard. They shine up nicely too! Remember, if you buy anything that is used only for the RR, including boots, you get a tax credit for them so save all of your receipts.

Every day in Hillside you learn something, including orientation.

For those starting on the 24th, make sure you have the hand, horn, and buzzer signals IN ADDITION TO your fixed signals and definitions verbatim BEFORE your first day of orientation! Don't be that guy in class, trust me.