Rail Car Repairers

Working Schedule

• Rail Car Repairers usually work full-time, with overtime needed in some cases to ensure work is completed within timeframes. Nights, weekends, and holiday shifts may be required. 

Typical Duties

• Conduct thorough visual inspections of rail car exteriors and structural components
• Perform routine service maintenance on rail car vehicles in accordance with manufacturer or other guidelines, including replacing bearings, pistons, gears, etc.
• Keep track of maintenance work via records
• Inspect and replace worn-out or damaged mechanical components
• Make adjustments, alignments, or modifications, as needed, to keep vehicles operating at peak efficiency
• Take measurements to fabricate parts or components
• Paint rail car surfaces to prevent corrosion. Seal cracks and gaps, apply weather stripping
• Repair roofs, flooring, walls, steps, etc.
• Drive rail cars to move them around short distances 
• Double-check work to ensure repairs are done properly
• Install new parts and fixtures
• Troubleshoot, repair, and rewire basic electronics for controls and brake systems
• Keep rail car bodies, parts, and windows clean
• Repair upholstery 

Additional Responsibilities

• Wear assigned protected gear and follow safety protocols
• Lift and carry heavy parts 
• Weld or fabricate parts, as needed 
• Train and supervise other team members
• Stay on top of changes and technological advancements

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Independence
• Innovative
• Monitoring 
• Persistent 
• Problem-solving
• Safety-oriented
• Stress tolerance
• Strong communication skills
• Visualization 

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with hand tools, torque wrenches, welding equipment, pneumatic hoists, jacks, pinch bars, cutting torches, micrometers, ammeters, roofing materials, cement, nails, paint, wiring, insulation, plumbing, window sash frames, attach weather stripping, gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches, and more
• Knowledge of welding
• Mechanical aptitude
• Physical stamina and strength
• Quick reaction time
• Steady hands and manual dexterity

• Manufacturers
• Public/private transit companies
• Railroads

Rail Car Repairers are expected to keep things moving because rail cars are so essential for the transportation of goods. Everything from hazardous materials and bulk cargo (such as iron ore and coal) to consumer goods (like furniture, automobiles, electronics, and foodstuffs) is shipped by rail freight. Without those shipments, the economy becomes severely disrupted.

As a result, overtime may be needed to get things back on track (no pun intended) when problems arise! Workers may need to endure inclement weather conditions, as well as long commute times in some cases.

Passenger railroad usage is rising again because it's an inexpensive method of travel, especially for long distances when a bus might be uncomfortable and airfare too costly. This should increase demand for Rail Car Repairer services. Meanwhile, autonomous trains are making a splash thanks to "real-time data transmission systems and advanced sensor technology." The rail industry is also adding the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence to its modern toolbox, too.

On an environmental note, the railway sector is striving to contribute to decarbonization efforts, doing its part to reduce emissions impacts on the climate. It remains to be seen the full extent that other emerging trends will have on the role of Rail Car Repairer workers.

To say that Rail Car Repairers grew up playing with toy trains would just be speculation. But it’s probably true they enjoyed working with their hands and didn’t mind getting dirty. They could have been adept at doing a wide range of tasks, including some that were labor-intensive. They may have been comfortable working or tinkering by themselves outdoors or with mechanical contraptions indoors. It’s possible they also liked sports or physical exercise since Rail Car Repair takes both stamina and strength!