Railway Track & Structures - September 2007 - (Page 29) some interval of periodic greasing is a carry over from the 20th Century. The newer technologies are needed in mechanical, electrical, computers and hydraulics. Newer technology is needed for the next quantum leap performance in the areas of maintenance, production and reliability.” “Features that improve safety, productivity and reliability appeal to NS,” Drake said. “This includes operator ergonomic improvements, machine automation (tie detection) and component or control system improvements such as CAN/BUS systems.” “Reliable automated features and user-friendly self-diagnostic systems add tremendous value to an operation,” UP’s Domski noted. “With inexperienced operators and mechanics, these features take the trial and error approach out of the equation. The younger generation of employees is very comfortable with fully-computercontrolled operating systems. New progress in flash butt welding with the low consumption welds is especially attractive to us.” we need more standardization of consumable items such as lights, alarms, seats, wipers, strobe lights, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool boxes, etc. These items wear out, fail, get damaged or otherwise have to be changed on a regular basis. We need these items to be the same from machine to machine to reduce field inventory requirements and make change-out repairs easier. Manufacturers need to understand this problem and work with railroads to find a solution.” “We would include ergonomic operator and cab arrangement,” Drake of NS said. “We’d add a performance-based specification addressing productivity, machine availability, accessibility for Specs for ideal m/w machine If you could write the specs for an ideal m/w machine, what features would you include? “Of course, we want safe, reliable, efficient equipment,” Upward of BNSF replied. “Specifically, we would like to see the vendors focus on some of our material-handling issues such as automated plate handling on production wood tie gangs.” “All new m/w equipment needs to have the automation of manual operation in order for us to remove manual intervention,” Graham of CPR said. “They need to include smart systems, i.e., computer technology, sensors and operator comfort to minimize operator fatigue/errors.” “We’d specify standardization and self-diagnostic systems,” Bagley of CSXT noted. “With most machines being supplied by a few major suppliers, 4. www.rtands.com Railway Track & Structures September 2007 29 http://www.rtands.com
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