I'm at the end of the conductor training program at NARS. I have three women in my class that have done just as well as any of the guys including the tasks at the yard. I can't speak to how well they do on the job when hired, but my current instructor is a woman who's railroad knowledge, and experience is very extensive and at the yard she called us men sissy's. She's been a conductor, engineer, trainmaster, and now an instructor. She not only instructs us, but tests current TY&E employees throughout BNSF. If you have the same level of commitment and abilities, there no reason you couldn't be successfull. Not to step on any toes, but to the other gentlemen who gave examples of why women aren't cut out for it, you can't tell me you haven't encountered just as many wimpy, lazy, or otherwise unfit men for the job.
I have to agree completly with the last post. I am a class one railroad engineer 26 years now. I started my railroad carrer in 1972 as a track man, worked as switchman / brakeman on a short line railroad , and became an engineer in 1979.
I believe not having many female employees in opperations is a poor practice on the part of the railroad industry. I might remind folks here that sexual discimination is illegal. I would encourage any women interested in railroad employment to pursue it and have your eyes wide open.