Railroad Conductor (RRTC)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Courses

RRTC 123   Introduction to Conductor Service* (4 Hours)

Prerequisites : Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

This is an introductory course for the conductor service option within the railroad operations program. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe railroad organization and general operations, policies and practices to ensure railroad safety, and the basic responsibilities of conductors.

RRTC 175   Conductor Mechanical Operation* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

This course covers mechanical operations that relate to conductor service. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe the importance and application of freight care mechanical policies and practices to ensure safe railroad operations.

RRTC 261   Conductor Service* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe and apply railroad organization and general operations, policies and practices to ensure railroad safety and basic responsibilities of conductors. This course includes safety and the general rules with which conductors must comply and teaches the techniques and administrative procedures conductors use on the job to perform safely and effectively.

RRTC 263   General Code of Operating Rules* (4 Hours)

Prerequisites : Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Conductors must maintain a thorough understanding of the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR). This course provides an in-depth study of the GCOR. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to demonstrate abilities to apply the General Code of Operating Rules to safe and efficient train movement and operations.

RRTC 267   Conductor Field Application* (4 Hours)

Prerequisites : Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have observed actual operations and be able to apply skills learned in classroom-based instruction to those operations. The student will observe and perform operations under the supervision of experienced conductor mentors in an actual field location.

RRTC 123

  • Title: Introduction to Conductor Service*
  • Number: RRTC 123
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Contact Hours: 4
  • Lecture Hours: 4

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Description:

This is an introductory course for the conductor service option within the railroad operations program. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe railroad organization and general operations, policies and practices to ensure railroad safety, and the basic responsibilities of conductors.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Describe the role of the railroad in the North American transportation system.

  2. List the parts of the railroad organization.

  3. Describe the roles of the crafts in railroad operations.

  4. List the major components of a safety program.

  5. List and describe, if necessary, the major and minor tasks of a conductor’s job.

  6. List and demonstrate the performance tasks found in a conductor’s job.  

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. An Overview Of the Railroad Industry
   A. Summarize the history of railroading and describe its role in North American transportation systems.
   B. Describe railroads’ functional organization.
   C. Describe the roles played by each operating craft in railroad operations.
   D. List the major events in the movement of freight from origin to destination.

II. Safety In the Railroad Industry
   A. Describe the importance of safety in railroading.
   B. List railroad operations requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).
   C. Describe the general policies and practices that ensure safe conduct in railroad operations.
   D. List and demonstrate the signs and signals used by a conductor.
   E. List the purposes of Bulletins, Notices, Circulars, and General orders.
   F. Demonstrate the correct procedure in giving CPR and first aid.
   G. List the steps in preventing back pain and hearing loss.

III. The Conductors Job
   A. Define the railroad switchman’s, switch foreman’s, brakeman’s, and conductor’s responsibilities.
   B. Explain the general content of the books, manuals, and pamphlets that conductors are required to have accessible at all times, including General Code of Operation Rules (GCOR), Air Brake and Train Handling Rules (ABTH), safety rules, general rules, Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and timetables.
   C. Describe the purpose of the equipment that conductors are required to have, including watch, lantern, key, radio, duffel bag, rain suit, overshoes, and gloves.
   D. Explain where and how to obtain required equipment for conductors.
   E. Explain federal requirements and railroad policies regarding work hours, including the ratio of work-to-rest time, on duty, and off duty.
   F. Describe characteristics of employee status and employment responsibility, including seniority, bumping, and the consequences of 24-hour operation.
   G. Explain how employees in yards and on crews work together as team members.
   H. Define the role of employees in yards and crews.
   I. Describe the authority and supervisory responsibilities of conductors.
   J. Define the term proper authority as it is used by railroads.
   K. Cite the appropriate person to report to and to contact about various problems and questions.
   L. Paraphrase the content of railroad safety and general rules.
   M. Interpret information relevant to conductors from the Timetable.
   N. Explain General Orders, Circulars, Bulletins, and Notices.
   O. Explain the meaning and use of all major railroad signals.
   P. Define standard time.
   Q. Interpret the meaning of roadway signs.
   R. Describe the types of failed equipment detectors on the railroad.
   S. Explain appropriate responses to types of Failed Equipment Detectors.

IV. On The Job Training
   A. Demonstrate safe practices for mounting and dismounting equipment.
   B. Demonstrate how to lock and unlock railroad locks.
   C. Operate all major types of switches and derails properly and safely.
   D. Operate all major types of hand brakes properly and safely.
   E. Couple and replace all major types of hoses properly and safely.
   F. Demonstrate the correct procedure to carry, remove, and replace all major types of coupler assemblies.
   G. Demonstrate car switching maneuvers.
   H. Describe the safest, most effective ways to perform car switching maneuvers.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

   Quizzes/Class Assignments  20-30% of grade
   Final Examination           70-80%% of grade
   Total                           100%

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Caveats:

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

RRTC 175

  • Title: Conductor Mechanical Operation*
  • Number: RRTC 175
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Contact Hours: 2
  • Lecture Hours: 2

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Description:

This course covers mechanical operations that relate to conductor service. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe the importance and application of freight care mechanical policies and practices to ensure safe railroad operations.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Identify and describe the types of locomotives and freight cars commonly found.
  2. List and describe the rules and regulations in which conductor must be familiar.
  3. List all mechanical parts of an air brake system and describe their function and correct adjustment methods.
  4. Identify defective journals and wheels and give examples of the methods to report and fix those defects.
  5. Identify appliance defects and list the correct handling procedures.
  6. Define what constitutes a top load and describe the procedure to insure there are no defects.
  7. Define what constitutes a hazardous material load and describe the procedure to insure there are no defects while the load is in transit. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction To the Conductors Job From the Mechanical Point Of
View
   A. Discuss how to protect your rights while on the job.
   B. Discuss Locomotives.
      1. List methods of identification.
      2. List equipment locations.
      3. Explain air flow method and operation.
      4. Explain the common equipment found on locomotives.
   C. Discuss freight car Identification.
      1. List the types of cars.
      2. Explain why certain types of commodities are carried on special
cars.

II. Rules and Regulations Affecting the Conductors Job
   A. Explain blue flag protection.
     1. Review and explain the definitions in Section 218.5 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR).
     2. Discuss and give examples of the Blue flag display – Section
218.23.
     3. Discuss workman on main track – Section 218.25.
     4. Describe workman on other than main track – Section 218.27.
     5. Explain the alternate methods of track rights – Section 218.29.
     6. Recite and give examples of General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) 5.13.
  B. List and explain freight car safety standards/Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements.
     1. Discuss Appendix D CFR and GCOR.
     2. List and give examples of Special instructions – Rule 15.
     3. Describe how to identify defects.
     4. Discuss proper handling procedure.

III. Air Brake Operations
     A. Describe the power brake law – basic valve operation.
     B. List the proper piston pressures for safe operation.
     C. List and describe air brake equipment for Train Yard and Engine (TY & E) operations.
     D. Identify basic car valves and their purpose.
     E. List and describe Intermodal equipment.
     F. Describe how to do initial terminal tests.
     G. Explain the steps on a thousand mile air brake test.
     H. List and give examples of air brake and train handling rules.
     I. Discuss bottling the air rule violation.

IV. Defects
   A. List and give examples of wheel defects.
     1. Identify wheel defects.
     2. List proper handling procedure for recording defects.
   B. List and give examples of bearing defects.
     1. Identify bearing sizes, locations, and nomenclature.
     2. Identify bearing defects.
     3. List the proper handling procedure.

V. Safety Appliance Standards
   A. Identify safety appliance defects.
   B. List proper handling procedure.

VI. Open Top Loading Procedures
   A. Give the definition of open top load.
   B. Identify open top load defects.
   C. List the steps in the proper handling procedure.

VII. Hazardous Material
   A. Give the definition of hazardous materials loads.
   B. Identify defects in loading hazardous materials.
   C. List the steps in the proper handling procedure of hazardous
materials.
   D. List and give examples of the correct response to emergencies that
occur while loading hazardous materials.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Quizzes/Class Assignments       20-30% of grade
Final examination            70-80% of grade
Total                       100%

Criteria for grades:
   90-100% = A
   89- 80% = B
   79- 70% = C
   69- 60% = D
    0- 59% = F

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

RRTC 261

  • Title: Conductor Service*
  • Number: RRTC 261
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Contact Hours: 2
  • Lecture Hours: 2

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe and apply railroad organization and general operations, policies and practices to ensure railroad safety and basic responsibilities of conductors. This course includes safety and the general rules with which conductors must comply and teaches the techniques and administrative procedures conductors use on the job to perform safely and effectively.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Explain the purposes and demonstrate the correct procedures for completing forms and reports, train delays, injuries and accidents, waybills, wheel reports, and switch lists.
  2. Paraphrase the meaning and application of timetable.
  3. Describe the review air brake, and train handling, rules.
  4. Explain the considerations involved in handling hazardous materials.  

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Special Instructions
   A. Discuss and give examples of system special instructions,
including:
      1. Signal aspects
      2. Specific restrictions
      3. General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) changes and additions
      4. Roadway signs.B. Discuss and give examples of other special
instructions.

II. Timetable
   A. Examine and discuss delay reports.
   B. Discuss methods of revenue capturing.
   C. Examine other forms and reports, including:
      1. Out of service tags
      2. Original record of repairs/material applied

III. Air Brake and Train Handling (ABTH) Rules
   A. List and discuss safety rules.
   B. Describe and use the method of locomotive identification.
   C. Discuss and give examples of air brake and train handling rules.

IV. Hazardous Material - Hazardous Material 126
   A. Describe and discuss the hazard materials classes and their
divisions.
   B. Discuss proper recognition of hazardous materials.
   C. Describe and use the position of train and switching restriction
chart.
   D. Discuss and conduct an inspection of hazardous materials cars.
   E. Describe hazardous material shipping paper requirements.
   F. List and discuss hazardous incident instructions.
   G. Discuss and use in five sample problems the emergency response
guidebook.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Quizzes/Class Assignments     50-60% of grade
Final Examination                  30-40% of grade
Total                                         100%

Criteria for grades:
   90-100% = A
   89- 80% = B
   79- 70% = C
   69- 60% = D
    0- 59% = F

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

RRTC 263

  • Title: General Code of Operating Rules*
  • Number: RRTC 263
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Contact Hours: 4
  • Lecture Hours: 4

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Description:

Conductors must maintain a thorough understanding of the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR). This course provides an in-depth study of the GCOR. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to demonstrate abilities to apply the General Code of Operating Rules to safe and efficient train movement and operations.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Interpret a railroad timetable, using common terms and standard times.
  2. Identify the functions of and responses to on-track warnings.
  3. Describe the types of rail traffic movements and their authorizations.
  4. Explain and demonstrate proper radio procedures. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. General Introduction
   A. Explain the system of reading the timetable
      1. Timetable organization
      2. System Special Instructions
      3. Territory identification.
      4. Station attributes
      5. Change of timetables
   B. Discuss and give examples of definitions of common terms
      1. Timetables
      2. Train movement
   C. Discuss standard time notation
      1. Identification of standard clock
      2. Time service requirements

II. On-Track Warnings
   A. Explain and give examples of signals and their proper use
      1. Signal appliances
      2. Giving signals
      3. Hand and other signals
   B. Explain and demonstrate the proper method of displaying track flags
      1. Types of flags and their meanings
      2. Placement of flags
      3. Actions required when encountering track flags
   C. Explain the proper use of fusees and torpedoes
      1. Placement of fusees and torpedoes
      2. Actions required when encountering fusees and torpedoes

III. Movement of Trains and Engines
   A. Discuss main track authorization
      1. Types of main track authorization
      2. Matching territory with required authorization
      3. When authorization is not required
   B. Discuss reverse movements
      1. Requirements in non-signaled territory
      2. Requirements in signaled territory
   C. Discuss back-up movements
      1. Train crew responsibilities
      2. Dispatcher responsibilities
      3. Authorization responsibilities
   D. Discuss and give examples of flagging rules
      1. When flagging is required
      2. Train crew responsibilities and signaling placement
      3. Types of flagging
      4. Exceptions to flagging requirement

IV.Other General Rules
   A. Explain and give examples of Radio use
      1. FCC requirements
      2. FRA requirements
   B. Explain Maintenance of Way requirements for track flag
placement

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

   Minimum of two quizzes        10-20% of grade
   Final examination             80-90% of grade
   Total                        100%

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

  1. Class is designed to be offered in a delivery format of two weeks of 40 contact hours each.
  2. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for enrollment in subsequent course(s) in the Railroad Conductor training program. 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

RRTC 267

  • Title: Conductor Field Application*
  • Number: RRTC 267
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Contact Hours: 5
  • Lecture Hours:
  • Lab Hours: 0
  • Other Hours: 5

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Admission to the JCCC railroad operations program.

Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have observed actual operations and be able to apply skills learned in classroom-based instruction to those operations. The student will observe and perform operations under the supervision of experienced conductor mentors in an actual field location.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in classroom-based instructions to actual conductor operations.
  2. Demonstrate safety at all times to include: safety rules and procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and railroad reference materials procedures.
  3. Observe and demonstrate effective conductor techniques under constraints and pressures of daily railroad operations.
  4. Demonstrate work activities which have been defined as necessary conductor skill sets.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain appropriate work ethics for responsibility, behavior, workplace rules, and interpersonal relationships with other employees in the job setting.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Conductor Operations
   A. Discuss and apply aspects of:
      1. Timetables
      2. General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR)
   B. Apply concepts of on-track warnings:
      1. Signals and their use
      2. Track flags
      3. Fusees and torpedoes
   C. Demonstrate movement of trains and engines
      1. Main track authorization
      2. Reverse movements
      3. Back-up movements
      4. Flagging rules

II. Safety Rules and Procedures
   A. Use and apply safety rules 1-39 and general railroad rules:
      1. PPE
      2. GCOR
      3. Railroad radio rules
      4. Timetable 
      5. Special instructions
      6. General orders
      7. Bulletins, notices, and circulars
      8. Air brake and train handling
   B. Signs and Signals
      1. Hand signs
      2. Lantern Signs
      3. Other common signs
      4. Stop signals
      5. Signal disappearance
      6. Radio procedures
   C. Timetable rules
      1. Signal aspects and indications
      2. Special signal aspects
      3. Roadway signs
      4. Failed equipment detectors
   D. GCOR rules--signs and signals
      1. Blue flags
      2. Signs protecting equipment
      3. Whistle signals
      4. Federal Rear End Device (FREDs)
      5. Fusees and torpedoes

III. Effective Conductor Techniques
   A. Demonstrate proper equipment mount and dismount
      1. Engines
      2. Freight Cars and equipment
   B. Apply proper use of locks
      1. Lock
      2. Unlock
   C. Properly use and identify different types of switches
      1. Proper position
      2. Cross-over switches
      3. Mainline switches
      4. Spring switches
      5. Dual control switches 
      6. High stand/low stand switches
   D. Identify and demonstrate proper use of hand brakes
      1. Types
      2. Application and release
   E. Distinguish and demonstrate different types of hoses
      1. Coupling hoses for freight cars and locomotives
      2. Replace gaskets
      3. Use of dummy hoses
   F. Identify and demonstrate proper use of knuckles
      1. Types
      2. Replace knuckles
      3. Carry and hande knuckles
   G. Identify and demonstrate air problems
      1. Identify causes
      2. Replace hoses
      3. Cutting air out
      4. Bleeding air
      5. Check retainer valves
   H. Demonstrate and Identify correct use of drawbars
      1. Align drawbars
      2. Open knuckles
      3. Make couplings
   I. Determine and demonstrate bad orders
      1. Identify bad orders
      2. Set out cars
      3. Cars left on the side
   J. Create and interpret freight car journals
      1. Identification
      2. Documentation
   K. Identify and demonstrate the various types of train inspections
      1. Passing trains
      2. Walking inspections
      3. Roll-by inspections
   L. Apply and differentiate flag protections
      1. Non-signaled territory
      2. Protection for emergencies
   M. Demonstrate and differentiate switching movements
      1. Shoving
      2. Kicking
      3. Dropping
      4. Spotting
   N. Identify the proper use of train documentation
      1. Train delays reports
      2. Injury and accident reports
      3. Waybills
      4. Wheel reports
      5. Switch lists for road switching
   O. Demonstrate and identify blue flag procedures
      1. Definitions
      2. Requirements
   P. Demonstrate the correct method of identify freight car safety standards
      1. Requirements
      2. Applications
   Q.Perform and identify procedures associated with power brakes
      1. Laws
      2. Air brake tests
   R. Identify wheel defects
      1. Types
      2. Resolutions
   S. Safety appliance standards
   T. Identify and distinguish freight car safety standards
      1. Requirements
      2. Applications

IV. Conductor Skill Sets
   A. Categorize and identify hazardous materials handling
      1. Documentation
      2. Placards – Identify and interpret train placards
      3. Placement in train
      4. Emergency response
      5. Switching restrictions
   B. Apply the proper requirement for different reports 
      1. Derailments
      2. Incidents
      3. Train delays reports
      4. Injury and accident reports
      5. Waybills
      6. Wheel reports
      7. Switch lists for road switching
   C. Identify and use proper documentation for train track warrants
      1. Forms
      2. Procedures

V. Worth Ethics
   A. Exhibit standard workplace policies related to:
      1. Safety
      2. Personal discipline
   B. Demonstrate the importance of employee rules, regulations and policies in the following areas:
      1. Punctuality and dependability
      2. Responsibility for position
      3. Accuracy of work
   C. Perform effective work ethic attitudes and behaviors in the following areas:
      1. Acceptance of job requirements
      2. Willingness to take initiative 
      3. Responsibility for decisions and actions

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Evaluation of assignments to assess student as he/she performs the duties: 70-80% 
Participation and assignments: 20-30 % 
Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

  1. All students must meet safety requirements and physical demands of field training including the ability to lift 75 pounds, getting off and on moving equipment and working in all weather conditions.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).