 |
| Western History/Genealogy Dept. Denver Public Library |
While
the various conductors in my story are minor characters, the actual conductors who
rode the trains from one end of the country to the other were vital to the efficiency
of the railroad.
Since
my story takes place in 1874, I’d like to share a bit of the research I uncovered
in order to write these interactions between the conductors and my hero, Ryder
MacKenzie.
Known
as “masters,” “captains,” or “chiefs” of the train, the conductor was
responsible for the entire train, passengers and crew. He was also in charge
during any emergency. These maritime references came from the 1830’s during the
earliest days of the railroad when the first conductors had been captains on
steamboats and coastal packets.
At
the time of my novel, he would have worn a pocket watch on a chain which he
would check constantly as it was his duty to make sure the train was on time.
This would be railroad time, for each railroad line ran on its own time
schedule, because prior to 1883 time hadn’t yet been standardized.
Not
only did the conductor decide what time the train left the station, he decided
when it was safe to leave the station and signaled the engineer when to start
or stop moving the train.
In
the early 1870’s the conductor probably would have worn a long, double-breasted
frock coat and had a distinguished beard or moustache. On a western train he
would probably be wearing a soft, dark, slouch hat. If not, he’d have had on a
straight-sided pillbox type hat with a leather bill and a stiff band which ran
around the base of what was referred to as a trainman’s cap. This band had a
brass plate marked, “Conductor.”
 |
| Smithsonian Inst., Photo by Richard Strauss |
His
shirt would have a stiff, turned down collar and a bow tie with the ends tucked
under.
In addition to his
watch, each conductor carried a ticket punch to cancel the stub of the passenger’s
ticket as well as the half of the ticket he kept. Each conductor’s punch made a
different shaped hole. This way if there were any questions the conductor who
cancelled the ticket could be identified.
 |
| Smithsonian Inst., Photo by Richard Strauss Dated 1860's or 1870's |
He kept these
ticket stubs in a locked case with some cash for when, in an emergency, a
passenger needed to purchase a ticket from him. Once the fares were collected
he began his accounting.
Not only was he
responsible for all the passengers’ needs, the conductor was accountable to the
railroad for an accurate record of ticket income, consignment notes and shipping
documents. He also kept a log of the trip.
He made sure any
cargo or additional cars were picked up and dropped off. He opened and closed
doors, and carried out any running repairs. There were no radios, so all
signals to the engineer and fireman had to be clearly communicated.
In the early days
of the railroad, collisions and derailments were common so railroad companies quickly
developed a rule book with a set of standards and procedures for each member of
the crew. As the conductor was responsible for the safety of the train he made
sure all safety rules and practices were followed. He also had to be alert to
signals and switch positions or other conditions which might affect the safe
movement of the train, such as weight, rain, or ice on the tracks which would
cause the wheels to slide or affect braking. He had to know what to do in the
case of unscheduled stops or delays in departing stations, as there were other
trains following.
His every day decisions
and his capability in dealing with unique situations were based on his own
skills, intuition, and judgment. The train was his responsibility and he took great
pride in his ability to keep it running efficiently.
A Tarnished Knight—Coming
Soon from The Wild Rose Press
Sources:
Foster-Harris,
William, The Look of the Old West, A Fully Illustrated Guide, Skyhorse
Publishing, Inc, 2007
American
History on the Move
