Western Railroad Discussion > UP 3966 and diesel shop crew at RSV, CA

Caught this UP mechanical gal switching out UP 3966 at Roseville. Do they still refer to them as hostlers/herders, anymore?!

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Those are locomotive movers. They are mechanical department employees, not operating department employees. They can only move locomotives within the locomotive facility, and only while under blue flag protection.

There are still a few hostlers in Roseville and they are operating department employees. They move locomotives between the roundhouse and trains in the yard. They can not move cars, although they can cut away from or tie on to cars.

Herders are a type of switchman. In Roseville there is only one herder position left, the hump herder. This position works from the office at the hump, taking care of their duties via a computer instead of along the lead.

Thanks for the info, Ble692--much appreciated.