The Railway Supply Institute is proud to be joined by its Educational Partners to provide Railway Interchange attendees critical education at the largest railway exhibition in North America.
You and your company will find the latest industry developments, connect with innovate minds and hear more about what’s driving the industry.
View our current schedule below and stay tuned for more details, including speakers and session descriptions coming soon!
Joint Opening Session hosted by AREMA/RSI/RSSI/REMSA
October 2, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Speaker: Coby Bullard, SVP of Marketing and Sales, CPKC
Coby Bullard, Senior Vice-President Sales and Marketing – Merchandise , ECP, Transload & Business Development will provide CPKC’s perspective on the state of the industry and updates on the merger. Topics will include key challenges and opportunities going forward and how those will affect engineering and purchasing objectives among the industry.
*Keynote session is sponsored by
RSI Education
The RSI education track brings together thought leadership, deeper discussions on industry collaboration, and much more. Whether it’s an important interview with the FRA Administrator or how to secure IIJA grant funds, the RSI track has something for employees at all levels of your company. Find out more below and be sure to keep scrolling to learn more about our education partners.
Keynote Presentation: Inaugural Presentation of the Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award
October 2, 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures have joined together to recognize and honor a North American common-carrier railroad for a historically significant preservation project. NRHS members and Railway Age and RT&S readers are strong advocates for sharing the railroad industry’s important history within North America. This award is intended to recognize the most outstanding example of historic preservation achieved within the railroad industry itself.
The five finalists for the inaugural award are:
- In addition to freight service, the Arkansas & Missouri runs scheduled excursion trains several days each month using restored passenger cars and historic Alco locomotives.
- The Everett Railroad is a freight railroad that offers excursion train service to the public using restored vintage passenger cars and two historic steam locomotives.
- Operating preserved electric locomotives through locations visible to the public, the Iowa Traction Railway provides an education in early 20th century electric railroading.
- Reading & Northern restored Reading steam locomotive 2102, which is a centerpiece of the passenger operation that served 250,000 riders last year.
- Union Pacific’s restoration and operation of 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4014, the largest steam locomotive ever built, is one of UP’s efforts in preserving and presenting rail history.
Please join us in saluting these five railroads for their efforts in preserving the heritage of the North American railroad industry for future generations to learn, appreciate, and enjoy.
The recipient of the Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award will be announced on October 2, 2023, at Railway Interchange.
Speakers: William Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief, Railway Age; David Lester, Editor-in-Chief, RT&S; and Mike Yuhas, National Railway Historical Society
Keynote Presentation: Rail Collaboration to Increase Modal Share
October 2, 3:00-4:00 PM
We all know that the railroads are the safest, most efficient and sustainable way to transport products across North America. Yet, statistics show that each year, we continue to lose modal share. How can the supply industry more effectively partner with the railroads to change that trend and move more shipments to rail?
Speakers: Adriene Bailey, Partner, Oliver Wyman; Ed Elkins, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Norfolk Southern; Mike Seyfert, CEO, National Grain & Feed Association; and Paul Titterton, EVP and President, Rail, NA GATX
Moderator: Tony Hatch, ABH Consulting
Collaboration for Passenger Rail Success
October 3, 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Speaker: David Carol, COO/APTA; Harrison M. Wadsworth IV, Vice President, Government Relations, AECOM; Greg Regan, TTD, AFL/CIO
Moderator: Mike Friedberg (Holland & Knight)
With over $66 billion in IIJA funding in the balance, every spoke in the rail supply ecosystem must work together to ensure these funds are being allocated as intended. This involves collaboration on procurement, support for a thriving supply chain, congressional education and a regulatory environment that supports new technologies and innovation. Come learn how these diverse organizations are working to bridge these gaps and how you can participate.
Interview with FRA Administrator Amit Bose
October 3, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Speaker: Amit Bose (Federal Railroad Administration)
Moderator: Emily Kimball (HoganLovells)
Join us in an Interview with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Amit Bose, where we will learn more about the relationship of FRA in regulatory space, the FRA’s current and future initiatives with regard to freight rail safety, as well as ideas surrounding PHMSA and the interface with hazmat on the freight rail system.
Technology and Human Capital – Not a Zero-Sum Game
October 3, 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Charles Ferry (President and CEO, Duos Technologies Group)
Too often, there is a political struggle around the adoption of new technologies and automation when they are viewed through the lens of labor and employment. But the two are not mutually exclusive. Put another way, autonomous does not necessarily mean human less. This session will provide a case study in collaboration around technologies that are addressing safety and service while creating new jobs in the rail industry.
Securing IIJA Grant Funds: Opportunities and Challenges for Rail Projects
October 3, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: Robert Pearsall, Director of Partnerships, U.S. Coalition for High-Speed Rail; Chuck Baker, President/CEO at ASLRRA; Megan Histand, Amtrak Grants Department
Moderator: Peter Thomas, Wabtec
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides funding that can be accessed by a broad range of agencies and industries to improve roadways and bridges, freight projects, public transportation, safety and address climate change. This panel will discuss process, opportunities and challenges from various perspectives.
Industry Perspective Towards Net Zero GHG Emissions
October 3, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Speaker: David Woodruff, AVP & Head of U.S. Public and Government Affairs, Canadian National; Molly Puga, Executive Director of Strategy, Product Planning and Digital, Cummins; Peter Thomas, Corporate VP and Chief Strategy Officer, Wabtec; and Crystal Gitchell, AVP, Legislative and Regulatory Policy, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
Moderator: Tony Hatch, ABH Consulting
Regardless of political and philosophical differences over global warming, a large percentage of the world is moving forward to achieve net zero GHG emissions. This panel will discuss this topic at a high level addressing how and why the industry is pursuing net zero initiatives, what approaches are creating challenges and what collaboration is needed to make the rail industry successful.
Procurement for Inclusive Growth
October 3, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Panelists: Jack Isselmann, SVP External Affairs, The Greenbrier Companies; and Doretha Smith, Diversity Programming, Norfolk Southern
Moderator: Debbie Taylor, Edna A. Rice Executive Recruiters, Inc.
While most companies recognize the value and benefits that result from a diverse array of suppliers, many organizations are only just beginning to formalize their policies on procurement and supplier diversity. This panel representing customers and suppliers – both large and small — will discuss the challenges and opportunities for those just beginning as well as those with more established programs for inclusive growth.
Regulatory Fireside Chat
October 3, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Sponsored by: MRC
Panelists: Patrick Fuchs, STB Member; Karl Alexy, FRA Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety; and Bill Schoonover, PHMSA
Moderator: Kevin Cook, MRC Rail
This dialogue and Members of the Surface Transportation Board and the FRA will focus on regulatory support to advance safety and efficiency through technology and innovation.
International Collaboration to Support a Thriving Rail Supply Chain
October 3, 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Speakers: Ana Manuelito (The European Rail Supply Industry Association), Sylvia Newell (Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers (CARS)), Patty Long (Railway Supply Institute), Dr. Iker De Luisa Plazas (Association of Mexican Railroads (AMF) Mexico)
Moderator: Erik Olson, Executive Director, Rail Security Alliance
While many members of the rail supply industry compete globally, international political tensions have highlighted the importance of both fair competition and agile supply chains. This panel of North American and European trade association leaders will discuss key issues impacting international trade including procurement instruments, subsidies, state-owned enterprises and collaboration to support a healthy and thriving rail supply chain.
An Economic and Trends Forecast for the Rail Industry
October 4, 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM
Speaker: Todd Tranausky, Vice President Rail and International, FTR, Transportation Intelligence
Tank Car Safety Through Research, Analysis, Design and Manufacturing
October 4, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Speakers: Roger Dalske, Vice President of Regulatory Operations, AITX and Ben Miller, Director of Tank Car Engineering, The Greenbrier Companies
Tank car safety is achieved through continuous improvement, driven by data, analysis, and research, leading to improved designs and manufacturing processes. Learn how RSI and its partners have been collaboratively addressing tank car failure mechanisms and the means to engineering solutions since the 1970’s through many efforts including the Railroad Tank Car Safety Research and Test Project.
Session sponsored by:
Coating Technologies to Drive Rail Modal Share
October 4, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Speakers: Kristen Blankenship, Global Products Line Manager, Carboline; Ayaz Kutubuddin, SSPC Coating Inspector Level 2, SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist and American Coatings Association member, Hempel; Taylor Lewis, Sales Manager Freight Rail Segment, Sherwin Williams; and Mike Yauslin, National Account Manager, Sheboygan Paint
Moderator: Ken Campbell, Manager, Coatings and Linings Processes, Marmon Rail
The panel will explore coating materials and technologies used in other sectors of the transportation industry that have the potential to be adopted in rail for both immersion and dry bulk service.
Sessions by Track
RSI’s education partner tracks dive into technical updates and discussions that keep you and your company up to speed on the latest developments within the industry. View the tracks below to learn more about who’s joining Railway Interchange 2023.
ABA Board of Directors Meeting
October 2, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Welcome and Safety Briefing
October 3, 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Ron Truitt, President, ABA
Brake Health Monitoring
October 3, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Speaker: Todd Snyder, Director – Sensors & Analytics at Amsted Digital Solutions
Freight car braking systems are very reliable, but once in a while a mistake or some other issue leads to undesired braking forces and other subsequent problems. Onboard measurements of some typical and rare vibrations from revenue service systems will be shared with the audience – visibly and audibly.
Board of Director Nominations
October 3, 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Analysis of Undesired Emergency Brake Applications Caused by Air Hose Separation
October 3, 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Yi Wang, Principal Investigator, MxV Rail
Service interruption reports, event recorder data, and infrastructure data from a Class 1 railroad were analyzed to further assess the causes of air hose separation in revenue service. Factors examined include train makeup and handling, track profile changes, and equipment involved.
Federal Railroad Administration Update and AAR Brake System Committee Update
October 3, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: Steve Zuiderveen, Senior Safety Specialist, FRA and Adam Eby, Chairman, BSC
I. Federal Railroad Administration Update: Join Steve Zuiderveen, Senior Safety Specialist of the Federal Railroad Administration as he shares an annual update on behalf of the FRA.
II. AAR Brake System Committee Update – 2023: It is the responsibility of the BSC to establish, improve and maintain brake system interchange standards and rules, and to certify and monitor the performance of new and existing brake system equipment. This session will highlight new and upcoming AAR Field Manual Rules and AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices changes and additions made by the BSC.
“I Thought it was Just Another Normal Railcar Inspection When . . .” Stories That Will Knock the Air Out Of You
October 3, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Speaker: Camila Toth, CABC, Canadian Pacific Railway
A Close Look at the AAR-66 Bell Crank
October 3, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Speaker: Michael List, Service Engineer, Amsted Rail
Join Michael List, Service Engineer from Amsted Rail to learn in-depth information on the AAR-66 Bell Cranks that you may have yet to consider
Introduction to High Speed Braking Technology
October 3, 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Speaker: Michael Gibbs, Senior Director of Sales, Knorr Brake Company
What do mainline trains and high speed train brakes have in common?
What are some of the challenges to braking a high speed train? High speed braking means high energy dissipation and much more. Michael List will give some insight to proven high speed braking technology as well as an introduction to modern concepts in the pipeline, such as RBD (Reproducible Braking Distance).
Welcome Back & Safety Briefing
October 4, 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Pneumatic Securement
October 4, 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
Speaker: Ed Gaughan, Director of Product Evaluation and Compliance, Wabtec
This session will explore the impact of pneumatic brake system leakage on the time interval to decrease on the brake force required to hold a train stationary on a grade.
ECP Passenger
October 4, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Speaker: Adam Eby, Senior Manager Engineering, Amtrak
Amtrak with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) worked closely with industry suppliers, New York Air Brake and Wabtec, to adapt the AAR freight railroad proven Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brake systems for use on passenger rail equipment. The efforts were assisted by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and have the support and encouragement of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
This paper is presented as an overview of the reasons for the adaptation of ECP for Passenger transit application (ECP Passenger), the results of the final product and the projections for future implementation into the passenger rail industry.
ECP Passenger will be describe along with the reasons why Amtrak and APTA began the process of writing the specifications and developing the equipment. Note that both Amtrak and APTA, representing the passenger railroad industry, required multiple sources of qualified, interoperable brake systems to proceed with a viable development program.
The development goals, achievements, and expectations for improvement over the current 26-C air brake system commonly found on passenger rail equipment will be described.
Treasurer’s Report
October 4, 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Speaker: Bruce McConnell, Secretary/Treasurer, ABA
Board Nominee Selection and Introduction
October 4, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Passing of the Gavel
October 4, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Mark Michel, Engineering Director/Quality Manager, Amsted Rail
Drawing, Raffle and Closing
October 4, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
IAROO Business Meetings
October 2, 8:00 AM – 11:15 AM
IAROO Business Meeting and Social Media Tutorial
October 2, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Deterministic Assessment of Truck Performance in Curving and Hunting
October 3, 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
This session will review an assessment of turnout performance and present a methodology for assessing high speed stability and hunting risk.
Speaker: Walter Rosenberger (Scientist, MxV)
Energy Management at BNSF
October 3, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
This session will include an overview and discussion regarding interoperability, Moving Fence/Fenceless DP Operation, and other developments.
Speaker: Brandon Hanzlicek, Senior Manager Fuel Consumption Practices, BNSF
Getting “On Track” with Artificial Intelligence
October 3, 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Just added to the conference program! This session is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about artificial intelligence (AI) and what it means. Explore the many facets of AI, including the latest advances in ChatGPT and applications allowing immediate user interaction with the technology. The latter part of the session will then shift to the rail industry, exploring various AI technologies that could improve safety and the customer experience.
Speaker: Mark Kraeling, Solutions Architect, GE Transportation
Regulatory Update
October 3, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jeff Moller, AVP Transportation Systems and Practices, AAR
Hear the information all railroaders and others involved in the industry need to be aware of and prepared for, straight from the AAR in Washington, DC.
Fundamentals of Train Make-Up and Long Train Issues
October 3, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
With changes in railroad operating methods, and implications of handling long heavier trains, issues surrounding train make-up have come under scrutiny by legislative and regulatory bodies. This presentation will discuss the long train question, state of the art train make-up analysis methods, and locomotive placement with multiple DPU locomotives.
Speaker: Gary Wolf (President, Wolf Railway Consulting)
LOCOTROL Expanded Architecture LXA
October 3, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
This session will provide a review of the latest advancements in distributed power and remote control technology.
Speaker: Joe Nazareth, VP Product Management, Wabtec
Locomotive Alignment Control & Derailment Prevention
October 3, 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
What is effective “alignment control” because there is NO industry definition or AAR Standard? The NC390 alignment control couplers/draft gear installed by most locomotive builders IS “alignment control”, options such as “stop blocks” are not.
Speaker: Michael Iden; Consultant
Artificial Intelligence in Vehicle Automation
October 3, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This session will cover how AI supports vehicle automation with a focus on mining trucks and freight trains.
Speakers: Sammy Akif (Executive Director Train Autonomy Digital Solutions) and Taylor Boggs (Progress Rail)
HelperLink
October 4, 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Join us for an overview and discussion regarding the use of HelperLink with train operations.
Speaker: Brandon Hanzlicek, Senior Manager Fuel Consumption Practices, BNSF
An Overview of the 2023 AAR Strategic Research Initiative
October 4, 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
An AAR subsidiary, MxV Rail undertakes work in over 30 project areas that aim to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of North American railroads. This presentation highlights the new facilities and ongoing fundamental research and development at MxV Rail in 2023.
Speaker: Walter Rosenberger (Scientist, MxV)
Improving Locomotive Starting Performance with Supercapacitor Systems
October 4, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
A comprehensive review of the application of supercapacitor starting assist technology on locomotive engine starting and battery performance.
Speaker: Steve Cable, Key Account Manager, Railway Division, ZTR
Innovative Technologies in Rail
October 4, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
This presentation will discuss how innovation in rail industry technology serves customer railroads and improves safety.
Speakers: Chad Jasmin, Vice President of Sales & Customer Experience, Wi-Tronix and Matt Despos, Senior Vice President of Operations, Jaguar Transport Holdings
Closing Session: IAROO History, Installation of New President & New Business
October 4, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Facilities, Material and Support Committee Presentation
October 3, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Speaker: Josh Figurski, Purchasing Manager, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company
Moderator: Chair Brandon Teal (NSH-USA)
This session consists of two presentations:
I. Material Storeroom Innovations
II. Overcoming Supply Chain Issues
Mechanical Maintenance Committee Presentation
October 3, 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: Tom Casper, Vice President of Business Development, PowerRail; Wayne Kennedy, Rail Sustainability Consultant, Kennedy Consulting; and Pat Silvey, Vice President of Engine Services, Master Packing & Rubber Company
Moderator: John Hedrick (Southwest Research Institute)
This session consists of three presentations:
I. Polymer Bushings in Locomotive Brake Applications: Challenges – Benefits – Solutions
II. Aerodynamics for Rail Applications
III. Gasket and Seal Design Parameters for Locomotive, Marine and Power Generation Diesel Engines
LMOA State of the Union Speech
October 3, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Speaker: LMOA President Tim Standish (Progress Rail)
Fuel, Lubricants and Environmental Committee Presentation
October 3, 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Speakers: Tom Mack, President, Zeltech; Garrett Anderson, Lead Engineer, Southwest Research Institute; and Jeremy Rochussen, PhD, Research Program Manager, Department Of Mechanical Engineering, University Of British Columbia
Moderator: Chris Miller (Wabtec)
This session consists of three presentations:
I. Diesel EPA Emissions Scoring Methodology
II. ALTRIOS – Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System, Exploring Pathways to Freight Rail Decarbonization
III. Evaluation of Emissions and Engine Wear with 100% Soy Methyl Ester Biodiesel on an EMD567 Switcher
Electrical Maintenance Committee Presentation
October 3, 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Speakers: Tom Bourbeau, President Enerpro Inc.; John Madzar, President, Smart Light Source Co.; Oleg Goureev, Manager, Railway Products and Sustems, Low Voltage, ABB I. Tom Bourbeau, President Enerpro Inc., John Madzar, Smart Light Source Co.; and Oleg Goureev, Manager, Railway Products and Sustems, Low Voltage, ABB
I. Using Locomotives for Emergency Back Up Power
II. Locomotive LED Headlight Evolution
III.DC To AC Conversion of Diesel Electric Locomotives
Speaker: Jason Fox (Union Pacific RR)
Newly Elected President’s Acceptance Speech
October 4, 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Joint Paper – EPA & Clean Air Act Compliance Reminders: Railroad Requirements For Locomotive Emissions
October 4, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Mark Duve, Higher Power Industries
Join Michael Cleveland (Progress Rail) to discuss low carbon energy sources: motivation, approach, & the state of the Industry. This session will provide an Investigation into low or zero carbon fuels is driven strongly by railroad’s commitments to carbon reduction (SBTI), regulations, and funding incentives. Five candidate fuels will be summarized and reviewed for their applicability to locomotive service Future Fuels Review & Comparison.
Know Thy Couplers And Draft Gears
October 4, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Speakers: Michael Iden, Consultant
Joint Paper: Low Carbon Energy Sources
October 4, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Speakers: Michael Cleveland, Director – Advanced Energy, Progress Rail
Join Michael Cleveland (Progress Rail) to discuss low carbon energy sources: motivation, approach, & the state of the Industry. This session will provide an Investigation into low or zero carbon fuels is driven strongly by railroad’s commitments to carbon reduction (SBTI), regulations, and funding incentives. Five candidate fuels will be summarized and reviewed for their applicability to locomotive service Future Fuels Review & Comparison.
SLSI Today & Tomorrow
October 3, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Speaker: Thomas L. Murta, Executive Director, Short Line Safety Institute
SLSI will discuss the path to the present from both the Safety Culture and Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety perspectives. They will also discuss new initiatives and results of recent research publications.
Rail Structural Design: Unique Stories of Complex Structures
October 3, 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Speaker: Melody Forry, PE, Project Manager, Rail Division, Benesch Engineering Company
Railroad structures have transitioned from stone arches and timber trestles to steel trusses and riveted girder spans to today with incredibly complex steel and concrete structures. These structures are designed to withstand significant loads not only vertically but also laterally and longitudinally. Every structure is customized for specific forces related to railroad moving loads such as live load impact, rocking effect and other loads from railroad equipment, track curvature and inconsistencies where the wheels and rail interact. The structures that were generated due to these design criteria were created to be unique structures with their own individual stories to tell, much like the engineers who designed them.
The Railroad of the Future: Trends and Transformation
October 3, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speakers: Nicole McKinstry, AVP, Sales Operations, The Greenbrier Companies; Kathy Gainey, Deputy General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs, Canadian National Railway; and Trish Haver, SVP Business Development & Head of Strategy, North Carolina Railroad Company
Moderator: Maggie Vuono, President, TraConcepts, LLC
The world is evolving at a rapid pace. Socio-political events, economic factors, climate change, and technological advancements impact human behavior and demands. In this session, we will look at emerging freight and passenger rail trends and shape an industry outlook for the next decade. We’ll discuss the soft and hard skills required to meet future demand including sustainability efforts, technological advancements, and the leadership styles necessary to steer the industry in the right direction. Collaboration across the supply chain and the rail network will be instrumental for future success.
Women Conductors: What is Your Why?
October 3, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speaker: Vanessa Knapton, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Field Services, Cathcart Rail and past conductor with BNSF; Claire Levesque, Conductor, Canadian National Railway; and Davida Flowers, Conductor, Union Pacific
Moderator: Daniela Fietta, Project Management, Specialist, CN
Why, in the 21st Century, do females only account for a small percentage of the railroad workforce? In this session, we’ll learn from female conductors about what attracted them to the rail industry, particularly the conductor role, and what factors impacted their decision to pursue the role as a career. We’ll discuss strategies to attract more women into the field and how to ensure retention, with a focus on young talent.
How Amtrak Partners to Improve Incident Response
October 4, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Speaker: Mary Carlson Bis, Senior Director, Emergency Management, Safety and Security Department, Amtrak
LRW Membership Meeting
October 4, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
LRW Board Meeting
October 4, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Castings 101
October 3, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Speakers: Joe Gagliardino, Director of Enginerring & Quality, M&T and Daniel Gutscher, Manager Coupling System and Truck Castings, MxV Rail
Moderator: Kim Bowling, Director in Mechanical, CSX Transportation
This presentation will review the basics of Castings, from knuckles to couplers, side frames to bolsters. Learn about making steel, designing sand forms and manufacturing these components that make up freight cars.
AAR Interchange Rules Panel
October 3, 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: David Cummins, Director Car Maintenance Planning, CPKC; Jeremy Luna, Director Car Repair Billing & Analysis, TTX; Bo Thompson, AVP Industry Affairs, Progress Rail; & Heidi Dyser, Manager of Mechanical Engineering, Union Pacific Railroad
Moderator: Nichole Fimple, AVP Business Services / Executive Director Rules and Standards Arbitration Committee, AAR
In this session members of the AAR’s Arbitration and Rules and Car Repair Billing Committees will discuss recent and upcoming changes to the AAR’s Field and Office Manuals. Following the updates, the panel will field questions from the audience.
Layers of Defense: Bearing Detections
October 3, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Speaker: Kim Bowling, Director in Mechanical, CSX Transportation; Steven Albright, Director – Car Reliability & Detection Technology at CN
This session will cover the logic involved with various wayside detectors, including bearing temperature trending, acoustics and wheel impacts.
Regulatory Update
October 3, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Speaker: Ron Hynes, AVP Technical Services, AAR and Matt Baldwin, General Director Cars, BNSF Railway
Moderator: Nichole Fimple, AVP Business Services / Executive Director Rules and Standards Arbitration Committee, AAR
MxV Rail Update
October 3, 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Speakers: Karen Carriere, AVP Technical Services, MxV Rail; Scott Cummings, AVP Research & Innovation, MxV Rail; Matt Wenger, Senior Engineer II, MxV Rail, and Anish Poudel, Principal Investigator II for Nondestructive Evaluation, MxV Rail
Moderator: David Cackovic, Retired Assistant VP Standards, McV Rail
This session will consist of four presentations:
A. AAR Technical Standards Update: This session will present some significant accomplishments of AAR Technical Committees
B. AAR Strategic Research Overview: A general overview of the AAR’s Strategic Research Initiative Program will be presented.
C. Reconditioned Bearing Performance Testing: This presentation will cover the AAR Strategic Research Initiative being conducted to improve roller bearing reconditioning for the freight rail industry in North America.
D. Wheel Inspection Technology Research: AAR’s Strategic Research Initiative for Wheel Inspection Technology will be discussed in this presentation.
Telemetry/RailPulse Update
October 4, 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Speaker: David Shannon, General Manager, RailPulse
Status of Railpulse mission to facilitate and accelerate the adoption of GPS and other telematics technology across the North American railcar network.
Telemetry/GPS Technology
October 4, 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Speakers: Eric Gotlund, Assistant VP Engineering and Research, TTX & Greg Deibler, Director Asset Health, AAR
Moderator: Kim Bowling, Director in Mechanical, CSX Transportation
This presentation will cover the basics of telemetry and other onboard sensors. How will the industry integrate this new source of data? What different ways can it be used?
Decontamination Prior to Coating: Best Practices to Maximize Performance
October 4, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Speakers: Maria Betti, Senior Manager Chemical Enginerring, GATX; Ken Campbell, Manager – Coatings and Linings Process, Marmon Rail; Steve Martin, Iron Horse Logistics; and Al Finch, Akzo Nobel/International Paint
Moderator: Matt McDonald, Director of Sales – Rail, Carboline
This is a panel discussion on “Decontamination prior to tank car interior coating and best practices to maximize performance.”
State of the Rail Coatings Industry – Challenges in the Workforce
October 4, 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Speaker: John Myers, Technical Manager – Rail, Carboline Company; Kristin Nowak, GATX; and Faye Johnson, GATX
Moderator: Matt McDonald, Director of Sales – Rail, Carboline
This is a presentation on “State of the Rail Coatings Industry – Preserving Institutional Knowledge: Reviewing Applicable NACE/AMPP/AAR Standards and PCC Presentations.”
RTSA Board Meeting
October 4, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Thank You to Our Educational Partners
Air Brake Association (ABA)
The mission of the ABA is to enlighten, educate, and establish a dialog to advance the safety and success of the rail industry. The ABA provides a forum that allows for the dissemination of knowledge that plays an integral part in the development of technology. The technical presentations provide the industry with a platform to not only discuss pertinent issues, but also offer innovative solutions.
International Association of Railway Operating Officers (IAROO)
IAROO provides its members with the latest operating and technical information that drives superior railroad management now and in the future.
League of Railway Women (LRW)
Founded in 1997, LRW is committed to improving the rail industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail. The mission is to advance the representation, recognition and opportunities for women, thereby promoting diversity and improving the business results of the railroad industry. LRW’s educational sessions cover topics about sustainability, capital projects and more.
Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association (LMOA)
LMOA represents Railroaders and Rail Suppliers with a mission of driving improvements and recommendations for safer, more reliable rail operations. Its mission includes reducing maintenance costs, improving locomotive productivity and reducing the environmental impact of locomotive operations and maintenance.
Railcar Technical Services Association (RTSA)
RTSA (formerly MARTS) is the organization dedicated to the freight car maintenance professional. Our mission is to provide a value-added forum for sharing railcar customer maintenance needs through new technology, practical experience and best practices with the purpose of improving profitability. RTSA provides its members with a solid knowledge and understanding of railcar maintenance.