I've also read both parts one and two of that lady's experience on the SP. I can't claim for knowing her conditions, but I did find some peculirities in some of what she presented. There are many women working out on the rails now, and I know and have at worked with at least eight, three of which are in management, one of which hired me and is now the company's spokesperson for a large and important region. Sometimes, people have problems and the perception of reality can get skewed.

One thing you should really put some effort into is contacting the local chairman of whereever you plan to go. Three years ago, I thought working out of Fresno for the UP would be better than working for the BNSF in Fresno (important reasons, not worth delving into here). If I did get hired on as a Trainman, the senority district included Bakersfield, Guadalupe, Sacramento and Dunmsuir- just to give you an idea about how far my ass could have been forced out of town. Never forget the railroads are union shops and that agreement (with side-letters) can be more detrimental to your lifestyle than any manager's decisions at ANY railroad.