benedict123 wrote:I know about Switchperson means Somebody who controls switching of trains or somebody who switches trains to the proper tracks at a rail junction. But, I have no specific answer for Breakperson.
Not really - an operator or dispatcher generally controls switches (remotely) at a junction. If its an out of the way location, with no remote control, the train crew would probably take care of the switches.
A switchman is usually in a yard or an area where there are a series of hand throw switches that are not controlled by the dispatcher/operator. Also, they generally operate under the yardmasters orders as to which switches to throw, and usually work in an area where it would be quicker and easier for him to throw the switches than the train crew to do it.
A brakeman usually is part of a crew, and helps out the conductor with making up/taking trains apart, lacing up air hoses, getting switches, applying/releasing handbrakes etc. It makes life much easier on the cond and eng when there is a brakeman and its even better if they are a competitent brakeman!
In passenger work, the (rear) brakeman often gets the doors at station stops, and takes care of getting the train ready for passengers. Also, sometimes in passenger servcie there are additional "head" brakemen, which are also called ticket collectors. Their main priority is to collect tickets and revenue, but they are also offically brakeman and can be called on to do brakeman duties, if the conductor tells them too.
Each RR has different quirks and various names for these positions and their duties, but thats it pretty much in a nutshell...
