Pros
The work is interesting. Every day is different in the transportation industry. It is a dynamic environment with over a century of history. Pay is good. Overtime, which happens frequently is even better.
Cons
Training for your job depends on who they assign you to. Many employees, although very experienced, are poor trainers. They are comfortable in their jobs, but don't want new people to get in their way or make their job more difficult. Much is said about being "humble." Humility only goes so far when some of the people being asked to train others have little interest in doing so. Although Amtrak is a large organization, it is riddled with small cliques. As an extra board railroad worker, be ready to abandon any sense of a regular schedule. You will work hard.