Hot
Times on the High Iron
Today We Pay Tribute to a Man of Many Hats
About the Author
J. D. Santucci (a.k.a. "Tuch")
began his railroading career in 1978 as a trainman on the Missouri
Pacific. After a round of lay-offs in 1985, Tuch embarked on a railroad
odyssey, working in many different situations for different roads.
This column tries to explain
some of the nuts and bolts of the job and also demonstrates what
we have to deal with on a regular basis within and without
the industry. Tuch currently works through freights out of Chicago
for Canadian National/Illinois Central.
October 1, 2002
On 28 September 2002, CNIC Conductor Kenny McMullen ended a forty-year
career of service as he officially retired. Kenny is on the short list
as one of my railroad heroes. Aside from being an excellent railroader,
he is a very good teacher for new hires and one helluva nice guy.
In 1962, I was entering Kindergarten and beginning my formal education
portion of life. That same year, Kenny was beginning his career on the
railroad as a Brakeman on the Illinois Central at Kankakee, IL. From every
indication I've seen in all of the opportunities I have had to work with
him, Kenny took learning the job of railroading like we all take to learning
our lessons in school. His lifetime on the railroad has been a learning
experience for him. And his learning experience made him into a truly
outstanding railroader.
For much of his career, Kenny has worked out of Kankakee. At one time,
the IC and later, Illinois Central Gulf had numerous locals and road switchers
working out of Kankakee. He also dabbled through freight and passenger
over the years as well. Working at Kankakee allowed Kenny to stay close
to his home. For many years, Kenny has been the "emperor" as
it were, of daylights at Kankakee.
Throughout each tour of duty in recent years, Kenny has donned the hat
of Yardmaster, Clerk, Car Inspector and Section man (track worker) in
addition to being a Conductor at Kankakee. While not actually working
under the titles or receiving compensation for these jobs, he had to portray
all of them at some point in time throughout each and every workday.
Kenny had to keep track of all the cars he handled including where he
put each and every one of them, deal with the instructions of servicing
industries and preparing his switch lists. While he didn't actually enter
information in the computer, he did work with the Clerical employees at
Markham and Champaign. And then, he still had to keep track of where he
put everything and in what order, so as to give the Clerks the proper
information. This was vital so as to insure both they and the night job
would have correct lists to work with.
He had to make minor adjustments and repairs to rolling stock over the
years. Not major repairs, just small things like changing out air hoses,
knuckles and the like. Likewise, simple track work, like lubricating switches
or using a spike maul to persuade a temperamental switch also fell to
Kenny. In one instance, a boxcar door had broken loose and fallen off
a passing train landing directly onto the rails of the Kankakee siding.
Using the locomotives of his assignment, a long strand of cable and length
of chain, a nearby high tension power pole and the basic laws of physics,
he managed to get the door clear of the rails so that we could go back
to work. If we would have had to wait for Maintenance of Way to come down
and remove the door, we likely would not have been able to finish our
work in a timely manner.
Kenny was an excellent teacher for the new hire Brakemen. So much so that
he was recognized several months ago in the CN employee magazine. He possessed
the patience to deal with those that were very green and wet around the
ears. If you showed the desire to learn, Kenny had the required and necessary
skills to teach you. He had that special way, as it were. Many passed
through his tutelage over the years and went on to become fine railroaders.
Those who didn't possess that desire managed to be kept out of trouble
(and harm's way) by Kenny's watchful eye and quick thinking.
As an Engineer, I learned much from him. Just because I was the Engineer
and he the Conductor, that doesn't mean I could not learn something new
from him. I also put my complete trust in Kenny as well. He once told
me, "Don't worry, I won't let you get into trouble." And he
didn't. As luck would have it through a series of seniority moves I managed
to get bumped off the road in February 2000. Somehow, the railroad gods
smiled upon me as I had the fortune to be able to mark up and hold the
daylight job at Kankakee. I worked the entire month there and had a great
time doing it with Kenny and his helper, Walter McCully.
They had a nice retirement party for Kenny this past weekend and as life
on the railroad would have it, I could not get off to attend. It would
have been great to be able to join in on the festivities. So instead,
I'll offer my tribute to one of the finest railroaders I have ever worked
with right here in this little forum.
No two people put together could likely perform the Herculean tasks that
Kenny performed on a daily basis. His knowledge and skills will be greatly
missed by the CNIC, his fellow employees, and the numerous customers his
assignments have switched and serviced over the years.
So to you Kenny McMullen former Conductor extraordinaire and now gentleman
civilian, good luck, have a long, healthy, happy retirement, and may God
bless. And the next round is on me.
