In article , "Clint"
rattlehead@computronDOTnet writes:

If the railroad they intend to work for uses coal fired steam locomotives,
learning how to run them would be a good idea.

yes, exactly.

Then you agree that the skills tested for should be those actually used.

I guess it's too bad that there aren't that many coal fired steam
locomotives being used anymore.

They had their good and bad features.

The main reason most US railroads stopped using them in the 1950s was simple
economics, nothing more. The total operating cost of diesel electric
locomotives, in terms of ton-miles per locomotive operating dollar, was simply
better. The diesels themselves were more expensive to buy, and so was their
fuel. Parts were also more expensive. But the diesel-electrics did not require
water, did not generate ashes or cinders, and could be left idling in cold
weather without much attention.

US railroads then were (and most still are) private companies whose purpose is
to make a profit.

Ham radio is completely different.

73 de Jim, N2EY