Conductor

The conductor was an employee of the traffic department, and his immediate superior was the station master.

Half an hour before the train’s departure, the conductor had to be at the station and report to the station master to receive orders to work on the train. If the conductor did not show up on time, he would be fined and his pay would be docked. Two days’ pay would be deducted on the first instance, and then four days’ pay any time after that.

While on duty, each conductor had to carry:

• 1 green signal flag
• 2 red signal flags
• 1 hand signal flag

The conductor was responsible for ensuring the side and rear lanterns were clean and operable. The side and rear lanterns had to be lit on the wagons at set times. He also had to ensure that the wagons were properly coupled, that freight wagons were properly addressed and in good condition, and that the doors of the freight wagons were closed. When relevant, the conductor was also responsible for setting out the signals for “extra train coming” on the rear of the last wagon.

Responsible for passengers, goods and checking tickets

When the train was about to leave the station, the locomotive started at the signal of the station master. Then, once the train was in motion, the conductor was responsible for the passengers and goods.
The conductor had to watch for both signals from the train driver and signals from, for example, track tenders along the track. When taking curves, the conductor had to ensure that all of the wagons stayed with the train. The conductor also checked tickets.

If an accident occurred or an obstacle was detected on the track, the conductor would quickly place out signals to warn subsequent trains. If a train had to stop between two stations, it was the conductor who informed the passengers of the reason for the stop.

SJ’s first female conductor was hired in 1975.