|
RSI Expo/CMA Preview
The RSI Expo with outdoor exhibits with the concurrent Coordinated Mechanical Associations (Air Brake Association, International Association of Railway Operating Officers, Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Officers) annual meeting/technical sessions is this year’s largest, most important rail industry trade event. Dozens of suppliers will be present at the indoor and outdoor rolling stock exhibits. The CMA technical sessions, which cover a wide variety of research and development activities in the mechanical disciplines, will be the focus of our Preview feature. Bonus Distribution at the RSI Expo/Coordinated Mechanical Associations, Chicago, Sept. 21-24.
How Green is Your Railroad?
How green your railroad is has mostly to do with how green your locomotives are. It was hard enough for locomotive builders to achieve Environmental Protection Agency Tier 2 compliance. Now, they’re facing, in the not-too-distant future, Tier 3 and Tier 4 standards. These upcoming regulations, at first glance, appear onerous and expensive. A locomotive emissions specialist has prepared an exclusive report on Tier 3 and 4 requirements and the technologies that can be used to meet them, for Railway Age. We'll also provide an update on current- and next-generation diesel locomotive technology. Bonus Distribution at the RSI Expo/Coordinated Mechanical Associations, Chicago, Sept. 21-24.
Freight Car Developments
What’s new in freight cars? Some improvements and new designs stem from customer (both railroad and shipper) requests; others from regulations. Also, what’s the short- and long-term outlook for the traditionally volatile, cyclical freight car market, in terms of build numbers and projections? Find out in September. Bonus Distribution at the RSI Expo/Coordinated Mechanical Associations, Chicago, Sept. 21-24.
High Performance Track Machines
Maintenance-of-way machines that “multitask”—perform several functions concurrently and continuously—have become essential tools for basic track maintenance and capital improvement and expansion projects on capacity-strained railroads. Size does matter in m/w projects, so bigger and faster track machines have been developed in close cooperation with the railroads. Engineering Editor Tom Judge will report on the continuous improvements to these massive machinesBonus Distribution at the AREMA Conference and REMSA Expo, Salt Lake City, Sept. 21-24.
Diesel Light Railb Transit: No Strings Attached
Who needs expensive and complex catenary when light rail can be operated with self-propelled diesel light rail vehicles? Since there are no overhead wires, the DLRV doesn’t add any restrictions to freight operations. The main issue, at least from the FRA’s perspective, is safety: Operating a “non-compliant,” in terms of North American crashworthiness standards, DLRV on the same tracks as a heavy freight train. Temporal (time) separation has been the FRA’s modus operandi, but such an arrangement can place unwanted restrictions and inflexibility on both modes. Transit agencies are working with the FRA to overcome these constraints with innovative signaling and train control.
Also: Managing Editor Doug Bowen has been an informed observer of the New York Metropolitan Area’s rail transit systems for over 25 years. He’ll offer his unique perspective on two of those systems—PATH and MTA Metro-North Railroad—as they respectively mark their 100th and 25th anniversaries.
Bonus Distribution at the APTA International Expo, San Diego, Oct. 4-8.
|
