Life As An Engineer Series: First Woman Engineer Tells Her Story!

[@lynnegoodman6262]

I was the first woman Locomotive Engineer in the Northwest Territory for UPRR. I hired out in 1967 as a Telegrapher in Nampa Idaho and then Sept. 1975 as an Engineer in Pocatello Idaho. I was the first pregnant Engineer also in l976. I retired in Nov. 2013 in Pocatello. 46 years + (8 years as a Telegrapher and 38 + as a Locomotive Engineer. (Marsha Lynne Goodman Freeman Brasseaux) Thank you for your story Susie.

[@djstrains]

THIS IS FANTASTIC! I am so glad to hear from you!!!

[@TexasAlabamaBoi205]

Hello Ms. Brasseaux! Did you retire on the road,yard or on a local? I work for UPRR in Beaumont,Texas as an engineer,but I only have 8 years of senority as an engineer 😥

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

WOW!! Thank you Lynne for all your pioneering service!

[@davidrayner9832]

We got our first female trainee engineer in around 1983 and when she was hired, a memo went out to everyone saying that a woman was about to join our ranks and when she's around, we were not to swear or tell dirty jokes (the two national pass-times in Australia). Her name was Denise and we soon learned that she had a mouth that could put any of us to shame. Lovely girl but swears like a sailor. She's still on the job today and a few years ago, Sydney Terminal Station was given a makeover with murals depicting various railroading jobs. You can guess who is in the one about engineers.

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

Thank you DJ! and thank you Susie for being the pioneer that you are.

[@rene2072]

Congratulations Susan on your Conrail Engineer career and book. I was a NYP Fireman/Engineer behind you in 1978-79 in the days of Mr.Perry in the DC Crewroom. We never met but I remember seeing you in your black cap while waiting for the train. Ooh the days of ole but I will get your book. Hope you can relate your experience of siphoning water between the tanks on the GG1 for the Florida trains. I forgot you were out there after the early 80's. Thank you I retired before John SQ Eskew in DC 2012. Smile.

[@loriflynn78]

Hi DJ great video, that's my sister btw 😉 glad she finally met you.

[@djstrains]

It was a true pleasure meeting her and having her as a friend.

[@orangehogger]

Thank you, DJ! I have two young daughters who I tell they can be anyone they want to be and to do want they want to do. As an engineer for BNSF out of Chicago for 15 years, I love being paid for a hobby that I get to go do 5 days a week. I wish I started in '94 when they offered me a job! Hired out 2003.

[@djstrains]

AWESOME! Please keep in contact with me through here, facebook, or email. Stay safe, my brother.

[@JoshRidestheRails]

Amazing stories. I'm glad your were about to record and share this with us.

[@christophermattox3972]

That was an awesome story. Great video DJ. Thank you. I truly believe this woman is saved by grace. God bless her. When I was little I was told I could never be anything. Now, I am something. I ran the board at a news talk radio station and I also forecasted weather also as a blind individual.

[@djstrains]

If interested in purchasing a signed copy of her book for only $22. plus shipping, email me at [e-mail]

[@bnkwupt]

Super video, DJ. I really enjoyed Susie’s story. 🚂

[@jeffbowman3721]

Thank you DJ for this post and being an excellent ambassador for model railroading.

[@djstrains]

Thanks Jeff, I really enjoyed meeting her and her story. I have some books left on my website if you are interested.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

wow, thats amazing, what a great store, thanks for giving us the opportunity to watch her speak.

[@dannyholt105]

That was really nice DJ! I'll have to check out her book. Oh, and WAHooooo Theresa!, great camera work! Cheers, Dan

[@robadams5799]

Great story. I only wish my bosses were as friendly as hers were. My first day on the job generally consisted of a quick set of verbal instructions followed by something like "don't screw up, kid."

[@celeste7233]

Thank you so much for sharing this video!

[@djstrains]

I have some books for sale if you'd like. [e-mail]

[@gregferrin9104]

Wow, what a story! Great video DJ!

[@southjersey10]

What a history! Yes, a lesson of determination.

[@LandNfan]

Great video! I would love to meet Susie someday. Even though she seems to be a bit younger than me, she makes me think of my granddad who worked for the L&N for 51 years (1908-1959).

[@djstrains]

I am selling her book for her if you are interested. I can mail anywhere. Check my website under for sale (all scales)

[@carlosvargas4603]

I cant give another like. ¡wonderful video! 👍👍

[@djstrains]

Thank you so much 😀

[@waltersobchek2465]

This is great!

[@dm6365dm]

very interesting!, have just order the book, looking forward to the read. I'm an engineer "down under', for well over 30 years. hope you get this message, as this post is a few years old now!

[@djstrains]

You’ll love the book and pics!!!

[@dm6365dm]

hi DJ, thanks, just finished the book, yes you were right, loved it, and the pictures!, bought back a few memories of the early days on the job! keep on rolling.....

[@joejoebus8814]

You are awesome, Susie. Thank you so much for your story. It gave me goose bumps often. Thank you, DJ for the video.

[@djstrains]

Her book is on amazon and has great pics! I think I might have link in this video’s description

[@garyrunnalls7714]

DJ I love all you do and this was great. I wish you and Susie all the best. Who knows love to see ya on "What's neat" with Ken Patterson sometime. I'm an n scale guy in California and have learned a lot from you, thank you very much.

[@djstrains]

He has never reached out to me, or I would.

[@jamesnichols2188]

God bless outstanding for a women back then to accomplish that congratulations

[@chuckbessels9469]

So cool!!

[@chuckbessels9469]

And, by the way, I ordered the book!!!

[@djstrains]

from amazon?

[@chuckbessels9469]

Yes Sir!

[@kens.3729]

Awesome Looking Pennsylvania Unit. WOW!

[@davidschick6951]

I will never forget the 3/4.

[@1tombensky]

Great story! Are there many female conductors or engineers in service now?

[@djstrains]

In my 20 years, I can count less than 10 total.

[@SCIFIVAMPIRE]

@@djstrains Is that due to lack of interest and not applying or...

[@RWSBaden]

DJ, Thank you for uploading the video, very interesting. Did you know before hand she was going to call you up for a short speech? Cheers, Rich S.

[@djstrains]

mentioned briefly, but I just spoke from the heart

[@aaronruffin7904]

I always loved trains,watching them....never until watching this the shortage of women in that field...what a story I'm not even finished

[@djstrains]

I have some signed books for sale to support her. email me [e-mail]

[@tomrichards9336]

Thanks DJ.

[@djstrains]

Thanks for watching

[@frederickjunctionproductio9752]

Awesome Video!

[@djstrains]

a few autographed books left! email me at [e-mail] if you'd like one.

[@rvnmedic1968]

DJ, your link for the book in the description returned an error code: "File not found (404 error) If you think what you're looking for should be here, please contact the site owner." I wanted to order from you, but wound up getting the last paperback copy from Amazon. Just wanted to let you know. Cheers, Bob

[@djstrains]

Thanks, I will look into it. I have some copies at my house still. Its a great book with lots of pics. You'll like it and want to share it with others. Have a great day.

[@geraldmarcus947]

There was a female engineer that worked in Willard Ohio named Susan Hammon she retired I think in 2012 sadly she has since passed away a few years ago . She worked to lima and Toledo as far as I recall

[@djstrains]

Awe if it is who I think, I remember her. I worked to Willard 1999-2006

[@geraldmarcus947]

She started as clerk and worked thru up to engineer

[@tomrichards9336]

My niece is currently training to be a conductor with a large railroad.

[@djstrains]

I wish her well and stay safe always

[@SteveWilsonSr.-rm9ek]

No Comment, yet. / 2/25 / 2924. ( Class ).

[@djstrains]

What?

[@michaelhband]

👍👍👍❤❤❤🚂🚂🚂

[@edwardgray154]

best rule to learn on a rr is never assume any thing that's when problems arise.