Studies of Freight Train Engineer Performance

Details

• Creators:
  Sussman, E. Donald ; Ofsevit, D.
• Corporate Creators:
  John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Locomotive engineers
  • Locomotive operations
  • Locomotives
  • Train operations
  • Train track dynamics
  • Control devices
  • Analysis
  • Human factors
• Publication/ Report Number:
  DOT-TSC-FRA-76-31 ; FRA/OR&D-76/306
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Corporate Publisher:
  United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
• Abstract:
  As a part of the International Government-Industry Program on Track Train Dynamics, the performance of engineers in freight train handling was studied by recording and analyzing train operations and engineer responses under field conditions. Data collection took place during regular revenue freight operations over five representative railroads containing varied terrain and operating conditions. Data collection was accomplished by using a digital data acquisition system specifically designed for this study. Levels of engineer performance was evaluated through the use of an objective rating form specifically designed for this study. Scores on this form was correlated with digitally recorded data. Engineers were found to consistently respond to changes in locomotive drawbar force as indicated on the cab load meter. Higher-rated engineers tended to make fewer and more accurate responses than lower-rated engineers. No systematic pattern of response to cab accelerations was found, nor was a systematic change in smoothness of performance revealed over the length of a trip. Frequency of the use of various controls was found to depend more on railroad terrain and procedures then on individual engineer skills.
• Format:
  PDF
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/10768/dot_10768_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 4.08 MB]
• Collection(s):
  Volpe Center
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:9bd32d03711dec364d8653e7e4a1713be717fbefd0738eeebb7ef13e0c0ec8f8