Eli5: The train is on a track that determines where it will go, so what does the Engineer do?
In: Technology
The engineer controls the throttle and brake on the train as well as things like the horn, bell, sanding, communication systems, etc. So for example if someone runs out in front of the train the engineer can cut the throttle, apply the brakes, sound the horn, etc.
In addition to this when something goes wrong, which is actually quite common on trains, the engineer can help fix the problem manually so that they can still be on schedule and not block the tracks for other trains. This is also why even freight trains have a train crew of two, an engineer and a conductor. It allows the conductor to go back and fix the issue with the train while the engineer is with the locomotive to make sure it is safe and to move it when the conductor needs. In some parts of the world trains do run with a single crew member, the engineer. But this requires a lot of maintenance and inception so that things rarely go wrong. There are also a couple of rail lines in the world that only have a conductor and no engineer. But this requires a rail line that is protected so nobody can get onto the tracks at any point, a signalling system that can tell the train exactly where it is and not just to the closest signal block, and a train automation system that is able to drive the train itself safely. And they still need controls so that the conductor can control the locomotive when needed.
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