The following survey is intended to be filled out by rails who are just learning to use Remote Control Devices (RCDs) and by rails who have been using them for some time. Please use the drop down menus to select your responses to the first set of statements and the text entry fields for your answers to the remaining questions. Of course, all the information you provide on this questionnaire will be reported COMPLETELY ANONYMOUSLY, and NO PERSONAL IDENTIFIERS will be used. When you are finished, click on the <SUBMIT> button at the bottom of the form.

 

1. The FRA guidelines for Remote Control Locomotive (RCL) pilot programs were explained clearly to me.
2. The RCL training I received was adequate.
3. The trainers were serious about complying with the FRA guidelines.
4. The Remote Control Device (RCD) is comfortable to wear.
5. The RCD does not interfere with my ability to perform other car handling duties.
 
6. It is easy to couple air hoses while wearing the RCD.
7. It is easy to ride on moving cars while wearing the RCD.
8. It is easy to tie hand brakes while wearing the RCD.
9. The controls on the RCD are easy to use.
10. The indicators on the RCD are easy to read.
   
11. The controls on the RCD are easily moved or activated by mistake.
12. The alerter on the RCD is a valuable aid in keeping me focused on my job.
13. The 45 degree tilt feature does not interfere with the performance of my other duties.
14. I seldom disable the 45 degree tilt feature.
15. I understand how to set up and test an engine for remote operation.
   
16. I am responsible for routine federally mandated engine inspections at the beginning of my tour of duty.
17. When I control it with the RCD, the engine behaves like I expect it to behave.
18. The engine responds to my commands the same as if there were an engineer onboard.
19. Radio communication between the RCD and engine is never interfered with or lost.
20. Controlling the engine does not interfere with my ability to perform my other duties.
   
21. Using the RCD does not distract me from paying attention to walking conditions and the environment around me.
22. Using the RCD does not interfere with my ability to carry and handle other things like my lantern, my radio handset, switchlists, etc.
23. While using the RCD I have never issued a backup command to the engine when what I meant to issue was a come ahead (or vice versa).
24. Pitching and catching control of the engine works well.
25. There is no problem with operating remotely across public crossings.
   
26. There is no problem coordinating RCL with other jobs and trains being operated manually.
27. There is no problem protecting long shoves and pull outs (complying with rules) when operating the engine from the ground.
28. Being on the ground provides a better vantage point during train movement than being in the cab of the engine.
29. There is less danger of miscommunication without a locomotive engineer in the cab.
30. The RCL trainers/supervisors are concerned about my safety and the safety of the public.
   
31. With RCL I am now able to do my job safely.
32. With RCL I am now able to do my job efficiently.
33. With RCL I will one day be able to do my job safely.
34. With RCL I will one day be able to do my job efficiently.
35. With RCL anyone can easily learn to switch cars and handle an engine.
   
36. With RCL I am not really operating the engine (in place of an engineer) but I am only issuing radio signals to a computer which is operating the engine.
37. Any accidents, from any cause, that have occurred while using remote control have been minor.
38. I frequently use the RCD controls to override an independent air brake application.
39. I rarely use the RCD controls to override an independent air brake application.
40. When using the automatic air brakes, I frequently use the RCD controls to override a brake application.
   
41. When using the automatic air brakes, I rarely use the RCD controls to override a brake application.
42. When riding on the side of a car and the brakes are applied automatically in full service or emergency applications, I have been jerked or snapped by the sudden braking action.
43. After starting to wear the RCD I have experienced unusual aches or pains.
44. After starting to wear the RCD I have experienced other unusual health problems.

 

45. If you are experiencing unusual health problems since beginning to use the RCD, please explain.

46. Do you have any general comments/concerns about the remote operation in general?

47. What is the number of accidents that have occurred while using remote control that can be blamed on this new technology (explain)?

48. What are the greatest benefits of remote control operations?

48. What are the greatest dangers of remote control operations?

50. Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

 

51. My nickname is .

(E.g. Bad Order, Flat Wheel, Set Out, Bozo Texino. No real names please.)
52. I work in . (US, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, etc.)
53. I work for Railroad/Industry.
54. I am working out of Terminal/Yard.
 
55. I have years of operating experience;
56. years as a trainman or yardman.
57. years as an engineman.
58. I have been using a RCD for weeks.
59. I am using a RCD. (Cattron/Theimeg, CANAC, Etc.)

60. The pilot program job I have been working involves (check all that apply):

Industry Work Flat Switching Hump Switching Other

61. If Other please explain

62. My RCL training lasted days.

 

Thank you, brother or sister, for your valuable input into our project.
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