Common Cause
Railroad technology came to different regions of the globe for vastly different reasons. However, many of the safety standards and roles on those trains have evolved similarly. And railroad conductors largely enjoy a similar status across cultures.
Chapter Eleven: Superstitions and Folklore
Many beliefs have sprung up around railroads over the past two centuries. Here are some superstitions railroaders have held over the years. as well as a few of the railroad's more strange (but purportedly true) stories from American folklore and beyond. Superstitions often start with some incident which in itself would have no effect upon analytical minds. Repetitions of such incidents may breed a fear that becomes chronic. A locomotive involved in one or more wrecks is supposed to be jinxed, especially if she has a 13 or a 9 in her number. Enginemen fight shy of her. Many refuse to handle a number 13, or begin a run on Friday the 13th, or have anything to do with 13.
You often hear of accidents that happen to engines numbered 13, but there is no reason to believe that these engines have more than their share of misfortunes. The mishaps to l3s are just publicized more than the others. The most baffling holdup in rail history was staged by thirteen bandits who robbed a Union Pacific express of $60,000 in gold at Big Spring, Neb., in 1887. Not one of the mysterious thirteen was ever identified or captured!
Long ago, superstition decreed that no locomotive should be turned to the left as she rumbled out of the roundhouse onto the turntable. September, the ninth month, was considered the fatal month in railroading. That might have been because the first train fatality occurred on a September day in 1830, when a British Parliament member fell under the wheels of George Stephenson's Rocket. A checkup of famous rail disasters shows that more of them happened in summer than at any other season. No wonder sighs of relief went up year after year when September's page was torn off the calendar, indicating that no more summer excursions would be run till the roses bloomed again. The ninth month was believed to be jinxed.
SOME veteran trainmen refuse to sweep out cabooses after dark, lest they bring bad luck. Engineers have a superstition that it is unlucky to step onto the cab with left foot first. There is a reason for this. You mount the cab on the right side with the oil can in your left hand. You swing aboard with your right paw clutching the grab-iron on the cab's right side. If you tried to barge in with your left foot first, you'd have to cross your feet over, or stumble.
When a switchman kicks his foot in a switchfrog, that also is regarded as a bad omen. He invariably goes back and steps over it again, to avoid getting his foot caught in it the next time. When a new man trips over a tie or rail, a seasoned railroader will call him back and make him step high over it "for the good of the service." This is no mere superstition: it is a matter of training the green hind in safety habits.
Seaside folk have a belief that births occur at flood tide and deaths at ebb, on the theory that life comes and goes with the tide. In railroading, we have the strange case of James Luther Shull. Jim was born in the year that the Waynesburg & Washington narrow-gage line was projected. When he grew up, he worked for the W&W, first as brakeman, then as conductor, as long as the narrow-gage operated, and finally passed away on the very day it folded up!
Whether or not Jim Shull consciously identified his life with that of the "Waynie" is a topic for speculation, but grief over its fate was more than he could bear. On June 10, 1929, when the last narrow-gage train was filling up with passengers at Waynesburg, Pa., the aged conductor showed up as usual to collect fares, but declined to go aboard. A brakeman took his place. Left behind, Jim watched the little engine and cars round a curve. Then he slumped to the platform and expired of a heart attack. That train, like the grandfather's clock "stopped, never to run again, when the old man died."
A common custom in bygone days was to lay on trainmen's graves floral tributes shaped like a broken wheel. This practice originated in 1887, when "Long John" Simpkins, conductor on a Colorado& Southern coal run, gave his life to keep a string of runaway cars from crashing into a passenger train, and a shattered brake wheel was found clutched in his stiff hands. The wheel was buried with him. Railroaders who attended the funeral commented that if this grim souvenir did not give John a clear board through the Pearly Gates, they themselves would stand a mighty slim chance at the end of life's run.
Here are a list of some more railroad superstitions:
If a locomotive was involved in any fatal accident of its crew or passengers, it was considered a "hoodoo locomotive." Engines would be renumbered to "lift the curse."
Railroaders believe accidents come in sets of three.
The month of September is believed to be jinxed for railroaders.
A white cat near the track is a bad sign; a black cat looking at the train as it passes is even worse.
You will have a safe journey if you see two chickens fighting as you are leaving.
Sweeping out a caboose after dark brings bad luck.
If you count the cars of a passenger train, you will hear news of a death.
To ward off unwelcome advances from a suitor, tie one of his socks to a freight train.
If you want to get rid of your boyfriend, put one of his socks on the tracks. When a train runs over the sock, he will leave the same way the train went.
It was believed that turning a locomotive into the sun would bring bad luck.
On a roundhouse turntable, locomotives are only turned to the right; turning one to the left is bad luck.
Leaving either the locomotive or caboose coupler open meant bad luck for the trip. Others believe that leaving the front engine coupler open will "catch" good fortune.
Railroaders often carry good luck charms in their pockets to bring good luck on the trip.
Beginning a trip on a Friday is bad luck; beginning on Friday the 13th is extremely bad luck.
Taking a new engine out of the shop or starting a new route on a Friday is bad luck.
Striking your foot with the switch frog while switching track is bad luck.
Stepping on a rail will bring bad luck for the journey.
Stumbling over a rail will bring misfortune; to avoid bad luck, go back and step again safely.
Cross-eyed men (or women, in the case of passengers) bring bad luck.
Counting the cars of a freight train as it passes will bring you good luck.
A locomotive numbered 9 or 13 is bad luck. Number 13 locomotives on the Cairo & St. Louis, Iowa Central, Kansas Pacific, Cairo & Vincennes, and St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railroads all were believed to be cursed (along with the No. 113 on the Illinois Central).
Engines numbered 666 were a bad omen; the locomotive was doomed to bring death or grief to the crew. Engines with numbers adding up to nine are also said to be "hoodoo engines."
Chapter Twelve: Conductors on the Screen
Throughout the history of movies and television, the railroad has served frequently as a backdrop for numerous productions. In some features, the train is the central theme with the conductor playing a prominent role. When thinking of the conductor character in the movies, we are usually drawn to the children’s fantasy characters found in Shining Time Station and the Polar Express. Conductors, however, are featured in many action movies, dramas, and horror films in heroic and not so heroic roles. The following is a list of some memorable (and not so memorable) movies in which the conductor was prominently featured:
Night Train 2009
A train conductor (Danny Glover), a pre-med student (LeeleeSobieski), and a fast-talking salesman (Steve Zahn) find their greed clashing with their better judgment after stumbling into a fortune in diamonds aboard a speeding locomotive, and attempting to figure out a way to keep their discovery a secret. A nameless passenger has died en route to an unknown destination. His only possession: a mysterious box containing a valuable treasure. With that amount of money, the conductor, the student, and the salesman could all live comfortably for the rest of their days. But
all three would rather have the fortune to themselves, and as the train races toward its destination, temptation, betrayal, deceit drives them each to irrational extremes in a paranoid bid to outsmart the others. Little do these three desperate souls realize that there's something sinister to this innocent looking box, and they might not find out what it is until it's already too late.
Rails and Ties 2007
Kevin Bacon stars in the story of a mentally ill, single mother who takes illegal drugs and is unable to care for her 10-year-old son Davey. Driven to despair, she decides to commit suicide by driving a car on to a railway track, taking her Davey with her. As a train approaches, Davey tries in vain to drag her out of the car, himself jumping clear just in time. Two train crewmen, Tom Stark and Otis Higgs, seeing the car on the tracks ahead, argue about whether an emergency stop will derail the train or not. However, the train hits and kills the boy's mother. Subsequently, the railroad company calls for an internal inquiry and suspends the two drivers.
Come Together 2016
Adrien Brody plays a character named Conductor Ralph, who has to inform passengers on Christmas that challenging weather conditions and mechanical difficulties have delayed their train nearly 12 hours.
Midnight Meat Train 2008
This classic proves that the conductor is not always a helpful, loveable character. In this classic, Leon (Bradley Cooper) is a photographer who somehow stumbles upon the “Butcher”, a meat packer by day who murders unsuspecting victims on a train at night. Leon eventually battles the butcher on the train and emerges as the victor. With the butcher's death, the conductor of the train enters the car, advising Leon and his girlfriend Maya to "Please step away from the meat." With these words, the true purpose of the underground station is revealed, as horrible reptilian creatures enter the car, consuming the meat to which they have been delivered. The conductor explains to Leon that the creatures have always existed below the city, and that the butcher's job was to keep them satisfied by feeding them every night. The conductor then forces Leon to watch as he kills Maya with one of the butcher's knives. When he is done, he picks up Leon, and with the same supernatural strength as the deceased butcher, rips out Leon's tongue, throwing him to the ground. He tells Leon that, having killed the butcher, he must take his place. In the final scene, the police chief hands the train schedule to the new butcher, who wears a ring with eight stars. The killer walks onto the midnight train, and turns his head to reveal that he is Leon, ready to go on his nightly slaughter
Unstoppable 2010
With an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train barreling toward a city, a veteran engineer (Denzel Washington) and a young conductor (Chris Pine) race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe.
Emperor of the North 1973
It is during the great depression in the US, and the land is full of people who are now homeless. Those people, commonly called "hobos", are truly hated by Shack (Ernest Borgnine), a sadistical railway conductor who swore that no hobo will ride his train for free. Well, no-one but "A" Number One (Lee Marvin), who is ready to put his life at stake to become a local legend - as the first person who survived the trip on Shack's notorious train.
The Fighting Sullivans 1944
This true story chronicles the lives of a close-knit group of brothers growing up in Iowa during the days of the Great Depression and of World War II and their eventual deaths in action in the Pacific theater. The story features Thomas Mitchell as their father, a freight conductor who has not missed a day of work in thirty years.
Illusive Tracks 2003
On a train in 1945 a train conductor is in charge of a motley bunch: a failed author who means well but creates chaos; a soldier who is actually on the wrong train; a doctor who wants to murder his wife; a gay man who hates men; and two nuns with religious doubts.
Chapter 13: Conductors in Song
Please Mr. Conductor, Don’t Put Me Off: Originally written in 1899, this song won a degree of popularity when it was recorded by the Everly Brothers
The lightning express from the depot so grand
Had started out on its way
All of the passengers that gathered on board
Seemed to be happy and gay
But one little boy who sat by himself
Was reading a letter he had
You could plainly tell by the look on his face
That the contents of it made him sad
The stern old conductor then started his round
Collecting tickets from everyone there
And finally reaching the side of the boy
He gruffly demanded his fare
"I have no ticket" the boy then replied
"But I'll pay you back someday"
"Then I'll put you off at the next stop we make"
But he stopped when he heard the boy say
Please Mr. Conductor
Don't put me off of this train
The best friend I have in this world sir
Is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment sir
And may…
Please Mr. Conductor
Don't put me off of this train
The best friend I have in this world sir
Is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment sir
And may not live through the day
I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye
Before God takes her away
A girl sitting near was heard to exclaim
If you put him off, it's a shame"
Taking his hand, a collection she made
The boy's way was paid on the train
I'm obliged to you miss for your kindness to me
You're welcome, " she said, never fear
Each time the conductor would pass through the car
The boy's words would ring in his ear
Please Mr. Conductor
Don't put me off of this train
The best friend I have in this world sir
Is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment sir
And may not live through the day
I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye
Before God takes her away
Mr. Conductor Man 1932: Big Bill Broonzy
I got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow
Lord I thought about my baby : I sure did want to go
Lord I grabbed up my suitcase : I *dropped it on the floor*
I could see the conductor : he waving his hands to go
I said Mr conductor man : I want to talk to you
I want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo
I'm leaving this morning : man I ain't got my fare
But I will shovel coal in your engine : till your train get me there
Crying please Mr conductor man : please take my last thin dime
Lord I got a woman in Bugaloo waiting : man I can't lose no time
When the bell started ringing : conductor hollered all aboard
Lord I picked up my suitcase : start walking down the road
I'm leaving this morning : I sure don't want to go
Lord and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more
Chapter Fourteen: Becoming a Conductor: Getting Started
If after reading this book you feel that it’s your calling or your passion to become a train conductor, then congratulations. You will be embarking on a celebrated journey toward a career characterized by freedom, leadership, and respect. The following chapter will help guide you in starting down this path. If, on the other hand, you’re still a bit uncertain. Ask yourself the following questions to better assess if the life of the conductor is the one for you:
How motivated am I to work when I don’t have someone watching over me? This one is key. As a freight or passenger conductor, you are the authority on your train. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re top dog. You still answer to a train company. However, when you’re riding through the countrys
ide, they won’t be watching your every move. Some people find it challenging to work in these conditions. They are motivated by the presence of authority and the knowledge that if they aren’t working, someone will know. A good train conductor is self-motivated and enjoys doing the job right with or without oversight.
How well do I work with people? Do I feel I can manage them with little conflict? This is important whether you are on a passenger train or a freight train. It goes without saying that passenger trains will have you surrounded by crewmen and working with people at every turn. However, freight trains require a degree of leadership as well. When you’re not coasting along with your engineer, you’re shunting trains with the help of a yard crew. It’s important that you feel comfortable being the authority in those situations.
Am I the sort of person who sticks to a schedule or do I prefer a more freeform existence? If you aren’t hopping out of bed at five on the dot every morning, don’t fret. That doesn’t make you a poor candidate for a conductor. This is more a matter of how organized and structured you are in your working life. Do you get to meetings on time? Do you prefer an unstructured work day where you can address whatever task moves you? Although there is a great deal of freedom in the life of a conductor, that freedom is on a schedule.
Am I a patient person or am I prone to getting frustrated easily? Conducting on either freight trains or passenger trains requires patience in more ways than one. First, there’s the obvious patience that you may need to have with passengers who could, at times, be upset or demanding. However, there’s also a degree of patience required when traveling long distances for long hours. A good conductor is one that stays focused and avoids restlessness.
Do I prefer positions where I can multitask or would I rather focus on one thing until it is complete? Of course, it is important to see things through when you are a conductor, as in all things. Trains need to get to their destinations on time and sometimes the conductor needs to prioritize certain tasks above all others, making sure they are completed before anything else can happen. This is especially true when it comes to shunting, checking machinery, and similar tasks related to the safety and operation of the train. However, conductors also need to be effective multitaskers. They need to be able to handle passengers, paperwork, and crew while also keeping an eye out for safety hazards and communicating with stations. Even freight train conductors, who don’t have to worry about the passenger aspect, must remain vigilant, communicative, and complete multiple tasks.
Conductor- The Heart & Soul of the Railroad Page 7