2018 Presentations
Below are videos of presentations given at the Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services annual conference held in Nashville, TN on Monday September 10, 2018 and Tuesday September 11, 2018.
Note: This page is still under construction. The videos of nearly all presentations are found below, if you don’t see the one you are looking for, check back soon.
Day 1 – Monday September 10, 2018
Introduction to Presentations
Introduction by MARTS President David Cackovic
About David Cackovic
David Cackovic holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has 32 years of experience in engineering management, standards development and management, and railroad component research and testing. He is currently Assistant Vice President and Chief, Technical Standards and Inspections, TTCI. From 1996 through 2002 he held the position of Executive Director, Engineering Services and Programs, where he was responsible for Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Metallurgical Engineering Operations, as well as Instrumentation Services at the Center. David is currently president of the Mechanical Association of Railcar Technical Services, and has served as Chairman of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Rail Transportation Division.
How to Audit: D15 Welding Program
Speaker: John Killion, Union Tank Car Company
About John Killion
M.B.A. Purdue University Calumet (2008)
(Marketing, Economics, Human Resources, Operations Management, Communications, Quantitive Methods, Business Law)
B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology Purdue University Calumet (2005)
(C++, PLC, Digital/Analog Circuits, Computer Networking, Communications)
Motoman, Fanuc, IGM, Panasonic, and Cloos robot programming
Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) (AWS)
Certified Welding Educator (CWE) (AWS)
ASNT Level III (VT)
Magnetic Particle Inspection Level II
P.T. Level II
U.T. Level I
Certified in computer networks through Purdue University Calumet
Currently Manager of Welding Processes for Union Tank Car
5 years, Supervisor of the Weld Engineering department at Caterpillar (Hydraulics and Hydraulic Systems)
3 Years as Manager/Welding Engineer for Union Tank Car Co. in East Chicago Indiana.
3 years welding supervisor
15 years welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GMAW-P, SAW, Robotics)
Experienced in quality control and lean manufacturing methods such as 6-Sigma (Green Belt, DMAIC), APQP, CPS, and Total Quality Management
Strong Math Skills
Ten years of Robotic welding (Fanuc, Motoman, Cloos, IGM, Panasonic) programming
12 years of experience in Supervision
12 years of experience in Management/Quality/Engineering
25 years of experience in industrial manufacturing and welding
Strong communications background with 15 years of experience in public speaking/public radio
Courses taken in Situational Leadership, Performance Management,Management Ethics,dealing with difficult people and diversity
International travel (Europe, China, Mexico, Canada) to support operations at other facilities
20 years experience in teaching/training
Awards for exemplary performance
Welding: AAR Interchange Rule 82 Explained
Speaker: Stephen Berkshire, Chief MID Inspector, Transportation Technology Center
About Stephen Berkshire
Steve Berkshire is a third generation railroader who started his railroad career in 1980 with the Southern Pacific in Oakland, CA. He started as an apprentice, soon working up to a lead-man. In 1989 Steve moved to Waterville Maine, to become manager of the Springfield Terminal Railroad shops. His duties included managing an AAR M-1003 heavy repair shop, an AAR M-214 shop, and the railroad’s re-railing operations. In 2003 Steve started with TTCI/AAR as a Mechanical Inspection Department (MID) Field Inspector. He soon worked his way up to a Senior Inspector and in 2014 to Chief Inspector, where Steve leads 15 Inspectors who are dedicated to helping the rail industry through inspections, audits, test observations and support of the AAR technical committees.
Why is Welding Important to a Railroad
Speaker: Bruce Siebold, BNSF Railroad
About Bruce Siebold
Bruce W. Siebold joined the BNSF Railway in March of 2005 and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the Mechanical Engineering Department since that time. As Assistant Director, he provides expertise and technical support to all business units of the BNSF regarding freight / tank car design, repair and construction. His responsibilities include developing instructions for railcar maintenance, repairs, and modifications; establishing performance specifications & monitoring construction for new railcars; performing supplier quality audits; conducting specialty component testing; and management of the BNSF program for standardized mechanical welding.
He has over 20 years of railroad experience with 13-years at BNSF and 7-years at various railcar manufacturing / repair facilities in both product engineering and quality assurance roles. Siebold earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996.
His technical achievements and credentials include EIT Registration in the State of Texas, American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (20 years), Railroad Member for the AAR Tank Car Committee (6 years), and Vice-Chairman for the AWS D15A Subcommittee on Car and Locomotive Welding (6 years). Railroad specific training includes AAR Tank Car Specialist, BNSF Advanced Freight Car Airbrake, BNSF Derailment Analysis, and ANSYS Finite Element Analysis.
Welding Discussion and Questions
Speakers: Bruce Siebold, BNSF Railway
Stephen Berkshire, Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
John Killion, Union Tank Car Company
See Information on these speakers in the three above presentations.
Panel Discussion: Building a Quality Manual and How to Implement
Speakers:
Don Guillen, Manager of Quality Assurance Program, Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Dean Matzo, Vice President Quality, Trinity Rail
Gerard Bohling, Manager, Quality Assurance, CF Rail Services
Gary Alderson, Manager Quality Process, AllTranstek, LLC
About Don Guillen
Don Guillen is the manager of Quality Assurance program for the AAR with Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR). As the program manager, he has oversight of the four quality assurance auditing agencies that employ over 50 auditors positioned throughout North America who perform quality audits on approximately 1,000 railroad facilities. In addition, he manages the industry’s quality registrar that has oversight of the QA database for processing and maintaining AAR Accredited Auditor certifications, M-1003 facility certifications, audit reports, committee balloting, and the 7.1 nonconformance program. He also plans and executes quality training seminars and conferences for the industry.
He has over 25-years of railroad experience, 13-years at TTCI and 12-years with railway industry suppliers. During his career at TTCI he was a Senior Engineer where he served as a project manager working on research and test programs. As the AAR Quality Assurance Committee Manager his experience consists of quality management systems, Six Sigma, people management, maintaining and developing quality and technical specifications per AAR standards and data analysis. He holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colorado
About Dean Matzo
Dean Matzo, Vice President Quality, TrinityRail
Dean Matzo utilizes over 20 years of aerospace, automotive, industrial and consumer manufacturing experience in the development and improvement of quality systems and programs to the benefit of the corporation; but most importantly to the users of its products. As the Vice President of Quality for TrinityRail, he is responsible for the overall quality management system. His team establishes quality policies and procedures, audits and executes all quality functions to ensure compliance with Industry and Federal regulatory requirements. During his tenure at TrinityRail, he has led the organization during the largest industry ramp in recent history, requiring extensive expansion of personnel, operating locations and industry compliance audits. Dean holds an MBA from the University of Texas, BS from Western Michigan University and participates in several industry tasks forces and is on the Quality Assurance Committee for the Railway Supply Institute.
About Gerard Bohling
Gerard is the Quality Assurance Manager for CF Rail Services, LLC with responsible for facilities operating their quality management systems certified to M-1003 and M-1002. CF Rail Services, LLC is a subsidiary of Sasser Family Holdings a 4th generation, family owned transportation asset services and management company with roots dating back to 1928.
Gerard has 40 years of experience in maintenance within the tank and freight car industry. Prior to joining the CF Rail Services team, he was at GATX for 38 years and has served in positions ranging from Fast Track Manager, Regional Field Service Manager, Special Field Service Project Manager in Alaska, Quality Manager, Internal Auditor, GATX Tank Car Trainer, General Forman, NDT technician (LT, VT, RVI, MT, PT,) Certified Welder (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW), NACE CIP 2. Gerard and his wife Kathy reside in St John Indiana.
About Gary Alderson
Gary is currently the Manager, Quality Processes for AllTranstek, L.L.C. Gary was previously employed as Manager – Quality Processes at Union Tank Car Company. His background includes 31 years of Quality Assurance and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) experience in the tank car industry. His experience includes 16 years of quality assurance and NDT management experience in tank car manufacturing with ACF Industries and American Railcar Industries, and 10 years of quality and NDT management experience in the tank car repair industry. Gary serves on various AAR task force committees and is the current Chair of the RSI QA Committee. Gary also represents the RSI by participating in the RSAC Working Group on Hazardous Materials. Gary holds many industry technical certifications including certification as an ASNT NDT Level III, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Level I, and an AAR M1003 Qualified Auditor.
High-Tech Methods for Railcar Maintenance
Speaker: Todd Snyder, Director Advanced Freight Car Engineering, Union Pacific Railroad
About Todd Snyder
Todd directs systems integration and development for Union Pacific’s extensive wayside detector network. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Chemical and Materials Engineering, he started his career in UP’s R&D Lab with a focus on failure analysis and derailment prevention. He has led many technology initiatives at UP resulting in significant safety advancements. These initiatives resulted in the implementation of ultrasonic testing for reconditioned wheels, bearing temperature trend analysis (patented), and UP’s Wayside Device Integration system that analyzes the health of more that 40 million components each day. Todd is currently leading efforts to standardize UP’s mobile on-board sensor systems and the development of UP’s machine vision platform. In his 20 years with Union Pacific, Dr. Snyder served on many AAR committees and technical advisory groups including the Wheel, Axle, Bearing, and Lubrication Committee (former chair) and the Equipment Health Management Committee (current chair).
Confined Space Tools and Practices
Speaker: Joseph Lohkamp, CIH, CSP, AVP-Industry Hygiene/Safety-East, ESIS HSE
About Joseph Lohkamp
ESIS HSE is the leading provider of comprehensive health, safety, and environmental solutions, delivering innovative consulting services that are client-focused and solution-driven.
AAR Tank Car Facility Certification Requirements
Speakers:
James Rader, Vice President, Greenbrier Management Services
Dave Ronzani, Director, Railcar Regulatory Compliance – AllTranstek, LLC
About James Rader
James H. Rader (Jim) provides leadership and regulatory compliance-related services to Greenbrier Companies, industrial shippers, railroads, and the railroad supply industry. Jim also serves as an expert witness in railroad-related litigation. Jim has more than 4-decades of railroad experience, which includes more than 3-decades of railroad hazardous material transportation and tank car standards development. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Strayer University in Business Administration, he is a Board Member for the Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services (“MARTS”), and he attends and participates in Department of Transportation and Transport Canada’s tank car standards development committees. Jim was the former Staff Director, Federal Railroad Administration, and a Senior Inspector for the Association of American Railroads, both located in Washington, D.C, and he worked for two Class I railroads, and a short line holding company.
About Dave Ronzani
Dave’s career in Quality and NDT has brought him to AllTranstek, LLC, one of the industry’s largest transportation management and technical consulting companies, where his responsibilities include assisting car owners, tank car facilities, and shippers, in creating, implementing, and maintaining Quality Assurance, Nondestructive Testing (NDT), and regulatory compliance programs. Dave has 30 years of experience in the tank car industry in manufacturing, repair, and car owner environments including 24 years at Union Tank Car Company, and 40 years total in steel fabrication quality and NDT responsibilities. Dave holds an American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certificate in 7 NDT methods, is an American Welding Society (AWS) Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) and is the current Chairman of the AAR M-1002 Appendix T task force for Nondestructive Testing.
Day 2 – Tuesday September 11, 2018
AAR’s Asset Health Strategic Initiative
Introduction by: Pat Ameen, Vice President Industry Relations, Amsted Rail Company
Speakers:
James Williams, Manager Car Information Systems, Norfolk Southern Corporation
Bo Thompson, Director Asset Health, Association of American Railroads
David Summey, Director Asset Services, Railinc Corporation
Todd Snyder, Director Advanced Freight Car Engineering, Union Pacific Railroad
Kim Bowling, Mechanical Operations, CSX Transportation
About Pat Ameen
Mr. Patrick T. Ameen, also known as Pat, serves as Vice President of Industry Relations at Amsted Rail Company, Inc. Mr. Ameen has diverse railroad industry experience includes more than 30 years working with a Class I railroad, a major freight car leasing company and the Association of American Railroads.
About James Williams
Jamie began his railroad career with Norfolk Southern in 1990, initially as a Locomotive Laborer and shortly thereafter accepting a position as a Carman in 1991. In 2003 he transitioned into a supervisory role which prompted many more advancement opportunities in field operations. In 2007 he landed in Atlanta, GA as the Superintendent Air Brakes before being promoted to Manager Car Administration in 2012. In June of this year, Jamie was elevated to Director Car Administration with responsibilities including NS program repair shops, wayside detection, AAR/FRA compliance, Car Repair Billing and several AAR technical committees including Arbitration and Rules.About
About Bo Thompson
Management and leadership positions in the rail industry since 2005. Prior to that spent time repairing freight cars and troubleshooting locomotives on line of road. Currently works for the AAR as Director Asset Health. Has plans to pursue an MBA and continue to learn new and exciting roles within the rail industry. Overall goal for his career is to have an impact on those I have the pleasure of working with. Bo is always interested in learning new things as feels we should never stop the learning process.
About David Summey
Chip has over 14 years experience in the transportation industry managing and implementing small and large scale projects, including rail PTC and wayside communication projects. Chip has been with Railinc since 2008 and been involved with several industry initiatives included the Asset Health Strategic Initiative, EHMS, Car Repair Billing, UMLER, and the Damage and Defective Car Tracking System. He has been a frequent member of the MARTS faculty presenting progress of these endeavors to conference attendees.bout David Summey
About Todd Snyder
Todd directs systems integration and development for Union Pacific’s extensive wayside detector network. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Chemical and Materials Engineering, he started his career in UP’s R&D Lab with a focus on failure analysis and derailment prevention. He has led many technology initiatives at UP resulting in significant safety advancements. These initiatives resulted in the implementation of ultrasonic testing for reconditioned wheels, bearing temperature trend analysis (patented), and UP’s Wayside Device Integration system that analyzes the health of more that 40 million components each day. Todd is currently leading efforts to standardize UP’s mobile on-board sensor systems and the development of UP’s machine vision platform. In his 20 years with Union Pacific, Dr. Snyder served on many AAR committees and technical advisory groups including the Wheel, Axle, Bearing, and Lubrication Committee (former chair) and the Equipment Health Management Committee (current chair).
About Kim Bowling
Kim Bowling has a long history in Mechanical Operations at CSX. For the last six years, she was responsible for installation and implementation of various wayside detection systems, from WILD to acoustics to machine vision systems.
Protective Coatings Introduction
Introduction by: Committee Chairman James R. Molnar
About James R. Molnar
Jim Molnar is the Manager of Coatings R & D for Union Tank Car Company, where he has worked since 1977, and Chairman of the MARTS Protective Coatings Committee. Molnar has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and is a NACE Level 3 Coating Inspector and a past chairman of NACE STG 43.
Using Inspection Instrument Technology to Verify Quality During Railcar Lining Installations
Speaker: William D. Corbett, KTA-Talor, Inc.
About William D. Corbett
Bill is the Chief Operations Officer for KTA-Tator Inc. (KTA), where he has worked for 39 years. He has an AD in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. He has multiple certifications from SSPC and NACE, is a course instructor for both SSPC and KTA, and is a recipient of multiple awards from SSPC and ASTM, and the Chair of the SSPC Dry Film Thickness Committee and Education and Certification Committee.
Coating Inspection – How Formulation Technology Can Help
Speaker: Mike Hinman, Sherwin-Williams
About Mike Hinman
Mike is currently the Protective & Marine North American Technical Director for The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he has worked for over 15 years. He has a BS in Biochemistry, with a minor in Germanic Studies, from Indiana University.
Automated/Remote Blasting Technology
Speakers:
Joe Craig, Blast Services Inc.
Ed Zaharias, Sponge-Jet
Brian Kenimer, BlastOne
About Joe Craig
Joe began his career as a mechanical engineer working on air pollution control technologies for steel mills, medical waste incinerators and more. In 1997, he became a process engineer with Wheelabrator Group, working with railcar facilities in the US, Mexico, and Canada. In 2015 he became Director of N.A. Sales for Blastman Robotics out of Finland; a year later he started Blast Service Inc. serving the rail industry. He is currently launching an Abrasive Blasting App called Blast Guru.
About Ed Zaharia
Ed has been with Sponge-Jet for 9 years as Regional Manager and Global Robotica Manager. He is a Mechanical Engineer from Michigan Technological University and a Level 2 NACE Coatings Inspector.
About Brian Kenimer
Brian is a Sales Leader in the Industrial Solutions group at BlastOne. His 10+ years of international exposure to and extensive training in surface preparation and the coatings industry has led to a method-neutral and consultative approach to determining finishing and production requirements.
Industry Trends and Working Alone
Speaker: Jeff Moller, Assistant Vice President of Transportation Systems and Practices, AAR
About Jeff Moller
2010 – Present , Assistant VP Transportation Systems & Practices, Association of American Railroads, Washington, D.C.
Originates and facilitates industry activities designed to increase the safety, security and efficiency of railroad operations. Holds Current US Government Clearance of Secret.
Partial list of current / past responsibilities:
– Rail Safety Advisory Committee and Affiliated Working Groups / Task Forces
– Customs Operations Advisory Committee – Marine Transportation Security Act Subgroup
– Presenting testimony before the US House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials (February 2008, New Orleans)
– Industry Activities
o AAR Grade Crossing and Trespass Prevention Committee
o AAR Medical Committees
o AAR Safety, Operating Rules, Committee; Derailment Prevention Information Exchange Forum
o Railroad Operations Security Task Force / Railway Alert Network
o New Orleans Gateway Terminal Committee
o Member UIC Rail System Forum Steering Board
o Chairman 2008 International Railway Safety Conference
2002 – 2009 Executive Director Operations, Association of American railroads, Washington, D.C.
1992 – 2002 Director Casualty Prevention, Association of American Railroads, Washington, D.C.
1989 – 2002 General Manager, The Grand Island Company, Ryde, CA
1987 – 1989 Trainmaster, Consolidated Rail Corporation, Indianapolis, IN
1982 – 1985 Account Executive, SP Transportation Co., Wilmington, DE / Philadelphia, PA
1981 – 1982 Power Supervisor /Information Officer, S P Transportation Co., San Francisco, CA
1979 – 1981 Train Dispatcher, Assistant Chief Dispatcher, S P Transportation Co., Los Angeles, CA
1973 – 1974 Engineering Employee, Union Pacific Railroad, Los Angeles, CA
Interchange Rules Panel
Moderator: Nichole Fimple, Executive Director Rules & Standards, Association of American Railroads
Panelists:
James Williams, AAR Arbitration & Rules Committee and Norfolk Southern Corporation
Panelist: Gary Nelson, AAR Arbitration & Rules Committee and Sidney & Lowe Railroad
Jerry Bohacik, AAR Arbitration & Rules Committee and CF Rail Services
Christopher Shorts, Car maintenance Engineer, Norfolk Southern Corporation
About Nichole Fimple
Nichole is employed by the Association of American Railroads, Washington, D.C. and serves as Executive Director Rules and Standards. She is also the AAR contact for the Arbitration & Rules Committee.
About James Williams
Jamie began his railroad career with Norfolk Southern in 1990, initially as a Locomotive Laborer and shortly thereafter accepting a position as a Carman in 1991. In 2003 he transitioned into a supervisory role which prompted many more advancement opportunities in field operations. In 2007 he landed in Atlanta, GA as the Superintendent Air Brakes before being promoted to Manager Car Administration in 2012. In June of this year, Jamie was elevated to Director Car Administration with responsibilities including NS program repair shops, wayside detection, AAR/FRA compliance, Car Repair Billing and several AAR technical committees including Arbitration and Rules.
About Gary Nelson
Current positions – General Director Sidney & Lowe RR Sidney, NE and Director of Operations – Freight Car Repair, Progress Rail.
Gary has over 40 years of experience with Freight Car Repair, AAR billing and recovery. Served as a member of the AAR Rules and Arbitration committee. Championed six sigma projects on ensuring proper repairs are made and that accurate recovery is achieved. Managed Car Shops making Program Repairs to rail cars.
Gary began his career with Norfolk & Western Railway as a Carman Helper. After achieving the position of Journeyman Carman, began a career in Supervision throughout several locations on the Norfolk Southern system. Attained several levels of responsibility in management and retired from NS in 2012 as Division Manager Mechanical Operations assigned to the Illinois Division. Joined Progress Rail and Sidney & Lowe RR in August of 2012. In 2017 became Director of Operations – Freight Car Repair.
About Jerry Bohacik
Jerry is currently the Vice President Business Optimization- CF Rail Services, a Sasser Family Holdings Co.
Jerry has been in railcar maintenance for over 40 years performing numerous positions some of which are VP Repair Operations, General Manager of Maintenance Services, Director of North American Rail Operations & Network Services, Manager of Contracted Maintenance, Manager of New Car Specifications & Acquisition, and Shop Superintendent just to name a few. Additionally, he is a current member of; the AAR Arbitration & Rules Committee, Equipment Health Monitoring Committee, Board Member of MARTS, and has participated in various industry initiatives.
He held the elected position as President- School Board of Directors, Union Township School Corporation for 12 years has been a IHSAA Basketball Referee for 26 years.
About Christopher Shorts
Chris has been employed by Norfolk Southern since 2005 in roles that include freight car repairer, multiple managerial positions, and currently Car Maintenance Engineer. As Car Maintenance Engineer he manages derailment reporting and AAR settlement, leased equipment maintenance, and home shop, JIC and third-party repair processes. Chris represents Norfolk Southern on several industry TAGs that include DDCT, Early Warning, AIR/E-Train and multiple Arbitration TAGs.
Safety Award Announcment
Speaker: Randall Thomure, Chairman of RTSA Maintenance Committee & Industry Consultant
About Randall Thomure
Randall Thomure is an advisor to the rail industry specializing in all mechanical aspects of rail cars including engineering design, maintenance and fleet management. fleet management. Mr. Thomure has a long history in the rail transportation industry starting with a Class 1 railroad, three major rail car leasing companies and two rail car builders. While at the railcar leasing companies, he led the engineering, maintenance and operations groups. At the car builders, lead international engineering teams and held marketing/business development roles.