When should the train engineer notify the Trainmaster during an improper station stop?

The train engineer should notify the Trainmaster during any instance of an improper station stop, both short and long, because it is crucial for maintaining safety and operational integrity. When a train stops improperly, it can disrupt the schedule, affect passenger experiences, and may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Notifying the Trainmaster promptly allows for a coordinated response, ensuring that any necessary adjustments to operations or troubleshooting can be initiated immediately. This proactive communication helps maintain safety standards, ensure passenger satisfaction, and allows for effective management of train operations.

In the context of the other choices, the idea of notifying only for long stops could result in missed opportunities to address issues that may arise from short stops. Notifying only when pressured by passengers is reactive rather than proactive, which can lead to unnecessary stress for both the engineer and the crew, and could hinder prompt resolution. Finally, the notion of never notifying unless instructed disregards the importance of the engineer's role in communication and situational awareness, which is essential for safe and efficient train operation.