Chief Mechanical Officer Pat McCarron and Assistant Superintendent Bob Perham recently completed cross-training.

Starting Sept. 1, McCarron oversaw Car while Perham oversaw Locomotive. The training offered the practical benefit of allowing each to cover the other’s role going forward. Both believe it enhanced their abilities in their current role by broadening their perspective and teaching them new skills.

“It got us out of our comfort zones,” McCarron said, noting that he learned to delegate more and grow comfortable learning new things.

Perham said he now can better diagnose issues with locomotives that affect carmen during pulling or humping operations.

“I had very little locomotive experience,” he said.

McCarron said that due to his inexperience with cars, cross-training was humbling. He added the lessons were valuable, making the endeavor more than worthwhile.

“I learned how the Car Department fits within the entire system,” he said. “Bob and I have known each other for a long time, and it was good to have fresh eyes on things.”

The two remarked that their mutual trust and continuous communication made the process easier. Both said that over time they adjusted to a different work pace and gained patience.