The Traditional and Contemporary Roles of Train Brakemen

Based in Jackson, TN, Joseph Bursey is a BNSF Railway locomotive engineer who is tasked with the proper running of trains across a wide range of rural, small town, and urban settings. Joseph Bursey’s qualifications in his Jackson, TN, position include serving as a conductor and brakeman.

The role of the brakeman traditionally centered on the caboose and involved physically applying brakes that slowed down the moving railroad. Often out in the elements and moving between cars, the brakeman was also tasked with ensuring that couplings were well connected and spotting issues such as overheating axles and cargo that had shifted and was now unevenly distributed. Hand signals were employed that allowed that brakeman to efficiently communicate with the conductor from anywhere on the train and alert him to problems.

Today, train braking systems are largely automated, and communication is usually through a device. That said, the brakeman still has an essential role, as he checks elements of the braking system, such as brake pads, gaskets, and air hoses before any train starts on its journey. The brakeman also assists passengers, keeps an eye out for malfunctions on the train and obstructions on the track, and efficiently communicates these issues to the conductor.