The work of the two departments is not clearly differentiated to-day, since the introduction of the steel car has required mechanics for its upkeep rather than carpenters. Previously, the line was drawn at the wood and metal parts. The two departments attempt to keep the railroad equipment in running order.
PLAN No. 980. CLERICAL POSITIONS
In these departments are found also clerks who keep records and help in making reports and in correspondence. The storekeeper and his assistants are usually under the supervision of the master mechanic. Since none of the positions are essentially manual ones, they could be filled by disabled men having the necessary ability, training and experience. Experience in the lower positions is required to fit for any of the higher ones. For executive positions ability to handle men as well as the other qualifications are essential. For clerical positions the qualifications are chiefly educational.
In the railroad shops we find generally the following skilled workmen: Machinists, blacksmiths, boilermakers, sheet metal mechanics, pipe fitters, electricians, molders, and inspectors.
PLAN No. 981. MACHINISTS
Railroad machinists in small shops do all sorts of repair work, but in large shops they are frequently assigned to special work. A machinist may, for instance, work only at a large lathe truing up “flat” wheels or journals. Since power cranes are now used to set the work in place in the lathe, no heavy lifting is required. A disabled man can do the work if he knows how to adjust the lathe so that the wheels or journals are machined properly. If he has good eyesight in one eye, one good hand, and can stand at the machine during working hours, his disabilities will not seriously handicap him. Another machinist may work on engine parts—for example, on cylinders, pistons, or cut-off valves. Use of power cranes for placing most of this work has reduced greatly the need for great physical strength on the part of the railroad machinist. However, those who are sent out on the road to help clear up wrecks must occasionally do heavy lifting.
PLAN No. 982. AIR-BRAKE MECHANICS
The air-brake man is a mechanic who installs and repairs the air-brake equipment of locomotives and cars. Much of his work consists in removing defective parts and replacing them with new properly fitted parts. As he must frequently work under cars and do a certain amount of rather heavy lifting, he needs both arms, good eyesight, and good hearing. He must also have good health. The loss of a leg would be a considerable handicap for installation work. A disabled air-brake man could easily train himself to become an air-brake test-room inspector. In such a position his knowledge and skill would count more than his physical condition. For this position he must be thoroughly familiar with all the parts and functions of the air brake; and be able to adjust valves and other parts quickly.
PLAN No. 983. THE BLACKSMITH
The railroad blacksmith must forge or weld light and heavy pieces for all sorts of railroad equipment. He may forge a steeple bolt for a hand car, cut and fit the parts for a crossing frog, set the steel tires on the drive wheels of a locomotive, or straighten a bent driving rod. He must be able to read blue prints, and to take old, worn, and broken pieces as a guide to construct a new piece. He must be able also to do all sorts of welding and to heat large pieces properly. He must understand how to temper steel for the use to which it is to be put. His work thus requires technical knowledge and manipulative skill. But since power hammers and cranes are used on heavy pieces his work is not so heavy as formerly. The loss of one or two fingers, or of a leg, or of the sight of one eye, would not handicap a well-trained man. Poor hearing would not ordinarily be a serious handicap.