RTA 2002 meeting: RTA said, "meet me in St. Louis" to share information and learn about the newest products and latest trends - railroad convention - Brief Article

Railway Track and Structures, Dec, 2002

RTA returned to St. Louis to hold its annual meeting for the ninth time in its 84-year history October l6-18 at St. Louis Union Station. In fact, the organization was founded in St. Louis and held its very first convention in that city in 1919.

Business sessions began with the Research Forum Thursday morning. Joe Palese of ZETA-TECH Associates, Inc., started things off with "Field Demonstration of the Use of Track Strength Data to Optimize Tie Replacement Requirements for High Speed Operations." He discussed the use of a gauge-restraint measurement system to plan both short- and long-term maintenance, including ties.

Paul Merrick of Trus Joist talked about a 1958 study of creosote and Dr. Allan Zarembski of ZETA-TECH Associates updated the group on the tie-usage indices task force. This study covered 100 tree species broken down into 22 categories. He was followed by Dr. Terry Amburgey of Mississippi State University, who discussed in-service research on diffusible preservatives in pre and remedial treatments.

Gary Thayer of A.G. Edwards gave an economic outlook for transportation and Dave Webb of the Creosote Council II talked about a response to an anti-creosote petition to EPA. Keith Hartwell, Chambers, Conlon and Hartwell, delivered a Washington update and Ed Hamberger of the AAR talked about "Railroads: Backbone of the Economy. STB Chaiwoman Linda Morgan literally phoned in her address to the annual luncheon.

Lots of notes were taken as engineers and purchasing agents from the Class i railroads talked about plans for the next few years. Other technology sessions included a presentation on engineered wood, a discussion of creosote issues and supply and a talk on alkyd polysulfide alternative treatments for heavy timber.

Gary Ambrose of Koppers Industries, Inc., succeeded Matthew Clarke of Gross & Janes Co. as president of RTA.

In 2003, RTA will meet October 21-24 at the Mills House Hotel in Charleston, S.C.