RTSA Annual Conference at the 2024 RSI Rail Expo & Conference

It’s that time again! The 2024 RSI Conference is right around the corner.  It is in Chicago this year, October 10 &11.  And we are excited to announce the topics for the Conference.

Thursday,  October 10

10:05 -10:25 a.m. – AAR Strategic Research – Bearings, and Industry Panel

AAR Research updates, and a step-by-step description with discussion of the industry’s bearing reconditioning process will be presented. Speakers: Matt Wenger, MxV Rail, Progress Rail

10:25 – 10:40 a.m. -AAR Strategic Research Overview

A general overview of AAR Strategic Research Initiative Program will be presented. Speaker Scott Cummings (AVP Research and Innovation, MxV Rail

10:40 – 11:00 a.m. -AAR Strategic Research – Brakes

                        An overview of the AAR’s Strategic Research Initiative on Brakes will be presented.  Speaker Yi Wang

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. -AAR Technical Standards Update

Significant accomplishments of AAR Technical Committees will be presented.  Speaker Karen Carriere (AVP Technical Services, MxV Rail)

11:20 – 12:15 p.m. -Railroad Wheel Manufacturing Process

This presentation provides a description of forged and cast wheel manufacturing processes, highlighting the similarities and differences between the methods, and the production technology used.  The two different cast wheel processes (Griffin and ABC) are reviewed, and differences between the two manufacturing methods are highlighted, including a discussion of molding methods, pouring, and casting risers. The author has experience with manufacturing both cast and forged wheels and will provide a balanced look at wheel manufacturing. The points are made that production process details matter, and that different manufacturing methods all can provide high quality wheels for railroad service. Speaker Cameron Lonsdale

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. – Regulatory Update and RailCAST

Update on regulatory modernization, and a discussion of the newly formed RailCAST Committee for advanced safety technology.  RailCAST consists of industry stakeholders collaborating to learn and understand emerging industry safety technologies.  Stakeholders include NTSB, FRA, Labor, and AAR.  Speakers Jamie Williams and Ron Hynes

2:35 – 3:20 p.m. -Energy Management

Research, innovation, and emerging standards for end-of-freight car energy management systems.  Speaker Corey Pasta

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Industry GPS and Telematics Update

This session will include a discussion of the interchange standards review and analysis work performed by the industry, and the subsequent telematics platform development work. Speaker Greg Deibler

                        Friday, October 11

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. – Coatings – 1 – Crude Oil – After the Boom a Panel Discussion

Historically crude oil was shipped in unlined cars, at the time of the crude by rail boom there was much discussion on the need for lining crude cars.  The cars now have been in service for significant periods of time, requalification and retrofits provide the opportunity to understand the impact on past decisions.  Speakers TBD

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. – Coatings – 2 – Repair of In-Service Linings

                        Overview and discussion on the process involved in touch up/repair of in-service linings.  This will include product selection, procedures, important considerations for shop and fieldwork.  Additional discussion on the pitfalls and items that lead to poor performance and what improvements can be made to the touch up/repair process.  Speakers TBD

 

Registering for the conference please check the box for RTSA when asked what Educational Partner you are attending for.  It will be gratefully appreciated.  Below are the links for registration and hotel accommodations.   Look forward to seeing you there.

 

Registration – RSI Expo & Technical Conference (rsiconference.org)

Early bird registration ends Friday, August 23

 

2024 RSI Expo & Conference (hyatt.com)

Hyatt Regency Chicago is the site for the conference and hotel accommodations.

 

I look forward to seeing you in Chicago for this great experience in educational topics and networking with fellow railroaders. 

 

Michael Reid

RTSA Secretary