Railway Track & Structures - August 2008 - (Page 14)

AREMA NEWS Getting to know Robert P. Penhallegon a career in transportation, I finally chose to start in industrial engineering because the work matched my background and the diversity of assignments provided an opportunity to apply industrial engineering skills across all operating departments, as well as some non-ops. AREMA: How did you get involved in AREMA and your committee? Penhallegon: Although I became involved in the Institute of Industrial Engineers as a student, I had never heard of AREMA (or AREA) until I started working as an industrial engineer. We were fortunate to have H. B. Christianson as a leader of this group as he was a progressive railroader interested in new technology and a strong proponent of professional development. Chris was a member of Committee 16 and encouraged me to attend the annual conferences along with him. It did not take long to become a member of AREA and Committee 16. Within AREMA, the best 'home' for an industrial engineer is still Committee 16. AREMA: Outside of your job and the hard work you put into AREMA, what are your hobbies? Penhallegon: We like to go to the symphony and operas, which remind me of why I never became a professional trumpet player. I also enjoy digital photography, target shooting at the local gun club, household projects, an occasional game of golf, visiting family and other travels and a regular lunch date for some war stories and other subjects with a group of mostly retired railroaders. AREMA: Tell us about your family. Penhallegon: I'm married to Ann since 1970 (the same year I joined AREA). We have two sons and two grandchildren. I must have started something when I married a Canadian as we now have an international family with one daughter-in-law from Germany and another from Africa. AREMA: If you could share one interesting fact about yourself with the readers of RT&S, what would it be? Penhallegon: Although I have been involved with railroad design and construction for more than 40 years, I have never actually worked in a railroad engineering department. Early interests in construction and industrial engineering have coalesced through railroading, perhaps in a non-traditional way. AREMA: What is your biggest achievement? Penhallegon: Besides getting two children successfully out on their own – one designing air traffic control systems, and the other teaching college courses, my biggest challenge was probably the design and construction of an automated hump yard, including locomotive and car maintenance facilities, at Cincinnati, Ohio. The design of this yard evolved, first, through industrial engineering and then by civil engineering. We determined the function of the yard, the desired operating plan, alternative locations, performance specifications for process control and management information and the potential economic justification before starting the details of track and structures design. What started out as a staff I.E. assignment evolved into leading a design team and eventually managing the construction. The entire project was staged to be built on top of existing yards with minimum effect on operation. It still operates with virtually no changes to the original design. AREMA: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to pursue a career in the railway industry? Penhallegon: Although my career was largely in an era of cost cutting, consolidation, decline and survival, there have also been numerous innovative technological and service advances during this period. I believe our generation has set the stage for the next golden age of railroading that is still ahead. The predicted traffic growth, the inherent fuel efficiency of railroads in the face of energy shortages and capacity constraints of other modes will offer abundant opportunities for the rail transport of both freight and passengers. Even with all of the changes in the industry, railroading will still be more like an enlistment than a job, with some unique quality of life issues. For those who have the passion and skills for the industry, the opportunities will abound. For those who do not, some other line of work might be considered. For a successful career in the railway industry, technical competence in the appropriate skills is a necessity, but it is not enough. Success will also be developed with experience in both line and staff positions, especially in field assignments. Engineers must not ignore the “soft” skills such as integrity, initiative, leadership and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment. Good communication skills, both up and down the ranks, are also essential to convey ideas and build support for work activities. www.rtands.com Robert P. Penhallegon Chairman, Committee 16 Economics of Railway Engineering & Operations Principal RDP Consulting Services E ach month AREMA will feature one of our committee chairmen. We are pleased to announce that the August featured chairman is Robert P. Penhallegon, chair of Committee 16 - Economics of Railway Engineering & Operations. AREMA: Why did you decide to choose a career in railway engineering? Penhallegon: I was a product of the Sputnik era, when engineering was the patriotic thing to do. I was mechanically inclined and was intrigued by construction, but also developed an interest in manufacturing processes and tooling, which led to a degree in industrial engineering. Even though I was familiar with railroads because of relatives in the industry, I never considered them as a career opportunity. Summer employment, while in school, was mostly as an engineering trainee in the aerospace industry. When I found myself looking out the window at the trains going by, I had to wonder if I was in the right place. The last summer job before graduation, I got a railroad job helping outside consults to develop work standards in a locomotive shop. This was a challenging environment for a student, but I saw the opportunities for industrial engineering in the railroad industry. After that, I sought interviews with every railroad recruiter appearing on campus. AREMA: How did you get started? Penhallegon: I accepted an offer to join the B&O Management Training program. This was two full years of exposure to almost every department and location on the railroad, with the opportunity to decide on a specific field later. Even smaller departments, such as insurance and public relations were on the training agenda. Although I was leaning towards 14 Railway Track & Structures August 2008 http://www.arema.org http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - August 2008 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Wish List: What Chief Engineers Really Want in M/W Machinery Keeping Ballast in Shape Amtrak Turns to Sophisticated System to Manage NEC Assets Supplier Profiles Products and Literature People Calendar Sales Representatives Website Directory Advertisers Index Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - August 2008

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