What kind of crew is required to operate a train?
A diesel powered train is operated by a minimum of three crewmen. The conductor is in charge of the train and moves about the passenger cars. The brakeman assists the conductor while the train is moving, and checks the brakes before the train departs. Long trains will require an additional brakeman. The engineer controls the train speed, handling the throttle, brakes and other controls needed to do this job. A steam powered train is operated by a minimum of four crewmen. The conductor is in charge of the train and moves about the passenger cars. The brakeman assists the conductor while the train is moving, and checks the brakes before the train departs. Long trains will require an additional brakeman. Two crewmen run the locomotive. The fireman is in charge of maintaining pressure in the boiler by managing the coal in the firebox, and controlling the amount of water that enters the boiler. The engineer controls the train speed, handling the throttle, brakes and other controls needed to
