I can only speak for the BNSF, not UP about Bako. Know this: You can hire out on prior rights AT&SF Coast Lines (Belen to Richmond) then immediately increase to an extra board as your seniority holds. If you hire out on prior rights Burlington lines, it is a little trickier, you might have to stay for 30 days or six months, depending on local division agreements. If you escape there, you might have to familiarize at your new terminal on your own dime. Another problem: If you hire out under Primary Recall rules, you might get sucked back to where you hired out for the first five years of your employment.

So, if there is a class of new hire conductors going on in Richmond, Needles, San Berdoo, et. al, go for it. Live out of your car for awhile like many of us did, until you can work your way to Bako...or wherever.

I've lived out of one old cabover camper, my freezing cold car and two roachy-assed motorhomes in my years of service, but now I can make just over 100K a year if I stay hard against it. I don't make that money because I value my family time. To each his own!

Word of advice: If you get into a class in Bumfuct, Egypt, fully intending to mark up at Cicero Yard, keep your mouth SHUT. Just make your move when the opportunity presents itself and keep it quiet.