WRI 2014 Day 3: Three reasons these sessions are just plain heavy

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Officially, the Wednesday and Thursday sessions at the Wheel-Rail Interaction conference come under the title "heavy haul."

They should rename the two days to just plain "heavy" and get it over with. Here are three good reasons:

1.) We're talking weighty freight
In recent decades, the maximum permitted gross weight for standard loaded freight cars in North America has progressed from 263,000 pounds, to 286,000, and now, it looks like 315,000-pound cars are definitely on their way. Oblique references in these heavy haul sessions are being made to iron ore railroads in Quebec, Sweden, and Australia, which receive the most pounding, but often the most maintenance. These "private" railroads are being held up as examples for common carrier roads and what they may expect in the future. Watch out U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads, more weight is coming, and fast.

2.) The material is getting more dense (and heavy)
Graphs of wheel flange thicknesses combined with empirical research on best methods for reducing wheel and rail wear are but two examples of when attendees need intense concentration to get the most out of what they see and hear. It's little surprise that coffee breaks and lunches are filled with side conversations where still-learning attendees ask question after question to clarify their understanding of the topic during 14 40-minute sessions and six break-out "InfoZones."

3.) This is where the heavy hitters are up to bat
Today and tomorrow, research from top engineers at Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific are on display and world-renouned experts are moderating panel discussions and asking questions of other world experts.
The evidence is in the names of speakers presenting: Joe Smak, president of AREMA; Martin Schroeder, APTA's chief technology officer; National Research Council's Eric Magel, proponent of a "Magic Wear Rate" for rails; Gary Wolf, the author of books on train derailments; Mike Iden of Union Pacific; Norfolk Southern's Brad Kerchof; Cameron Lonsdale with Amsted Rail; and others, all in the same room, on the same day.

For engineers, the sessions are weighted with information and opportunities. Imagine what it's like for mere technology editors.

What's next on Day 4: More heavy lifting in heavy haul railroading.