R. J. Corman Railroad Company, LLC Appoints Donnie Stilwell as Vice President of Operations South
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Last week, the University of New Mexico (UNM) reported on its work to develop technology accessible to small railroads. This research is made possible through the Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short Line Transportation (Rail CREST) initiative, funded in part by a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Rail CREST, led by Pennsylvania State University - Altoona, involves UNM and Kansas State University, the University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University and the University of South Carolina. Together the institutions plan to take on 10 targeted research projects that will develop and transfer affordable technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability of short line and regional railroads.
For UNM, that means studying how low-cost sensors and neuromorphic cameras can help short lines make track maintenance more efficient. UNM’s Smart Management of Infrastructure Lab (SMILab) has developed Low-cost Efficient Wireless Intelligent Sensors (LEWIS) which monitor vibrations and detect general areas needing further inspection. These sensors would cost only $50.
The SMILab team is also working on neuromorphic cameras, which attach to railcars and record track, not only identifying what sections might need repair but generating data that can help train an AI system to understand how railroad components decay over time, which allows rail owners to understand when repairs would be needed.
The goal of Rail CREST is to address many of the challenges faced by short lines, which often have aging infrastructure and limited funds to invest in maintenance and the kind of technology accessible to large Class I railroads. And short lines themselves will play a significant role in the research taking place.
Rail CREST universities will collaborate with short lines on their projects and ASLRRA member The Everett Railroad Company is a project partner that provided some of the non-federal matching contribution as part of the CRISI application. Additionally, short line representatives will be on the project’s Industrial Advisory Board, which further includes ASLRRA’s Senior Vice President, Safety, Regulatory and Environmental Policy Jo Strang and Vice President, Data, Technology and Security Fred Oelsner.
ASLRRA was also active in the Rail CREST grant process. The Association assisted Penn State-Altoona with development and review of its CRISI application and solicited feedback from short line members on targeted topic areas for research.
While ASLRRA offers its members a variety of resources and templates on its website to help railroads comply with federal rules and regulations, those documents cannot always replace in-person training led by industry- and subject-matter experts. Therefore, ASLRRA has developed a variety of seminars that address some of the regulations railroads most frequently encounter.
Those who attend ASLRRA’s seminars can learn about locomotive and railcar compliance, covered in Part 215 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49. This course, intended for chief mechanical officers, shop foremen and inspectors, covers regulations from a mechanical employee’s perspective and includes hands-on field training.
The minimum training standards seminar discusses 49 CFR Part 243, addressing how this regulation interacts with training requirements under Parts 214 and 217. Then the Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineer (DSLE) seminar discusses DSLE responsibilities, which includes application and administration of regulations concerning employee qualification and certification, and also covers railroad operating rules under Part 217.
The railroad accidents and incidents seminar provides an in-depth examination of requirements for railroads when reporting, investigating and otherwise handling accidents and incidents, and the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) helps attendees understand the GCOR and can be used to meet operating rules training required under 49 CFR Part 240, 242 and 214 Subpart C.
For all the seminars except GCOR, representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration will be in attendance to provide instruction, answer questions and facilitate discussion among participants. Follow the different links above to learn more about the training seminars being offered in 2025 and to register and secure lodging for each event.
On Feb. 12, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing titled “America Builds: A Review of Programs to Address Roadway Safety.” Although the hearing was focused on roads and related infrastructure, the issue of longer and heavier trucks was discussed.
ASLRRA consistently engages lawmakers to encourage them to oppose legislation that would allow increases to truck size and weight and supports the work of organizations like the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT), which includes a variety of groups such as law enforcement, truck owners and operators, labor, local governments, railroad associations and more. Click here to learn more about ASLRRA’s position on truck size and weight.
One of the hearing witnesses was the Honorable James H. Willox, commissioner of Converse County, Wyoming, who testified on behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo). NACo is a member of CABT, and in his testimony Willox talked about the significant wear and tear heavy trucks cause on county roads, even at the current 80,000-pound federal threshold.
During the hearing Willox also fielded a question about truck size and weight, explaining how proposals to increase truck size and weight would have negative impacts not only on local roads but in particular on rural bridges, which are often made of timber instead of concrete or steel. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) asked Willox the question. Nadler also submitted a question for the record discussing safety concerns regarding heavy trucks, noting that “study after study…demonstrates that a heavier truck is a more dangerous truck.”
Other highlights of the hearing included lawmakers expressing concerns about the high numbers of traffic fatalities and large truck crash increases in recent years and concerns about problems faced by rural communities including infrastructure disrepair.
This is the last chance for reduced-rate registration for ASLRRA’s Annual Conference! Rates will increase by $50 on Feb. 27 and that can only mean one thing – that we are mere weeks away from coming together with railroad colleagues and stakeholders for an event featuring industry-expert keynote speakers, over 50 hours of education, a bustling Expo Hall, varied networking opportunities, awards ceremonies and special events.
Register today to take advantage of all this year’s conference has to offer. And, if you have not already done so, be sure to make hotel reservations today. Click here to go to ASLRRA’s event lodging page for information regarding room availability, rates, booking deadlines and direct links to each hotel.
Rocky Mountaineer is extending a special offer to all conference attendees to experience their two-day train journey, Rockies to the Red Rocks, following the conference.
The special offer includes rail travel from Denver to Moab, overnight hotel accommodation in Glenwood Springs, transfers to/from hotels in Glenwood Springs and select hotels in downtown Moab, luggage handling, all food and drinks onboard the train, and world-class Rocky Mountaineer experiences such as storytelling and service.
The train departs on Wednesday, April 9th from Denver, stops for an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, CO, before arriving in Moab, Utah, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are just a part of the breathtaking red rock landscapes of this stunning destination.
ASLRRA members are eligible for a discount of $750 per person for themselves and a partner/spouse. This rate is valid for SilverLeaf Plus service (an $800 value), which offers access to a lounge car featuring special cocktails, snacks, and experiences. Details on the train journey and non-discounted prices are available here: Rockies to the Red Rocks | Train between Moab and Denver.
Hotel accommodations in Denver and/or Moab (3- or 4-star lodging) and return train journey from Moab to Denver on April 10th can be booked additionally. Guests returning on the April 10th departure at 2:00pm will take a short trip into town while the train is readied. Guests booking the return train journey will not receive double discounts.
Please contact Rocky Mountaineer Reservations at 1-877-460-3200 and quote the code ASLRRA to receive the discount. Offer cannot be booked online. Offer not combinable with other offers.
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
This week marks 10 years since ASLRRA’s Vice President, Safety and Compliance JR Gelnar first joined the Association. Gelnar is a lifelong railroader who got his start in the industry working at the Hollis and Eastern Railroad. He also worked for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway before joining Farmrail Corporation, where he spent 27 years.
“JR is a true gem. He’s trusted by me and everyone else on the association staff, trusted by the member short line railroads and trusted by the FRA. His knowledge on railroading safety and compliance issues feels boundless at times, and when we occasionally find something he doesn’t already know, he works quickly and efficiently to find the right answer,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “For many of our short line members, JR is the first point of contact at the ASLRRA and is the face of the Association, and we couldn’t ask for a better face!”
Gelnar is an expert on short line safety compliance issues, working closely with members on regulatory matters and helping develop resources and training that members can use to better understand and comply with federal rules and requirements. Gelnar also is often a presenter during ASLRRA’s live webinars, in-person training seminars and at education sessions offered at Association meetings. He is a member of multiple industry working groups and is the Association’s staff liaison to its Engineering, Safety and Training and Mechanical Committees.
In developing and presenting safety and compliance resources, Gelnar has worked closely with Iowa Northern Railway Company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Vaughn.
“Working with JR Gelnar over the last decade has truly been a rewarding experience,” said Vaughn. “JR is a true safety and training professional with invaluable experience, dedication and expertise. His profound commitment to helping all members of the short line association excel on their path to safety is admirable. His work has not only elevated our safety and compliance standards but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and learning within our industry. It has been a pleasure to witness JR's contributions and growth over the years, and I look forward to many more years of his invaluable presence and leadership.”
ASLRRA's Sabrina Waiss, who also works with Gelnar on education initiatives, added, "JR may think of himself as an 'Oklahoma redneck cowboy' but the truth is that he is an expert railroader, through and through. His depth and breadth of knowledge on all things railroading is truly astounding. He is passionate about educating short line railroaders, building bridges with regulators, and improving best and safe practices throughout the industry. He is truly valued by members and his ASLRRA teammates, and we all benefit from his experience, insight, and endless cache of stories!"
ASLRRA interviewed Gelnar to learn more about his work in the rail industry and what he does outside the Association. And in true Gelnar style, he does not mince words with his answers.
ASLRRA: How did you get your start in the railroad industry?
JRG: I needed extra money before going to college. A friend of my dad recommended I apply to work for a short line. I was not thrilled, but they were paying double the minimum wage. I told my dad only for the summer.
ASLRRA: What has been the initiative that you’ve been most proud of over the past ten years?
JRG: A couple of things: One, I am proud of all the programs and templates we have developed with the hard work of our members. These assist all members with their safety and compliance needs. Two, how ASLRRA has grown its educational offerings, both in person and through the CRISI training grant.
ASLRRA: What do you enjoy most about your work at ASLRRA?
JRG: Interacting and assisting the members. My personal goal when coming to work for ASLRRA was to be a source of information and assistance to our members, especially regarding safety and compliance.
ASLRRA: As you look to the rest of the year and beyond, what are you excited about for railroading/member engagement?
JRG: We will continue to develop and grow our educational offerings. Our members have requested more education, and we are delivering.
ASLRRA: What would our members be surprised to know about you?
JRG: My passion is cattle ranching. My family has been in the ranching business for 100 years. I am blessed to have my sons and wife Susanna share the same passion. Together we operate over 1100 acres in southwest Oklahoma.
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When not helping ASLRRA members with compliance issues or traveling on behalf of the Association, JR Gelnar operates a 1,100-acre ranch with his wife and sons.
Hundreds of employees at ASLRRA-member companies are now receiving crucial industry training through programs available on the online Learning Management System (LMS), part of the Short Line Training Center. Meanwhile, their employers can track training and manage other records, all in one convenient place.
The training center is a collaboration between ASLRRA and Iowa Northern Railway Company and includes the LMS and a mobile training center. With the LMS, short line railroads can access a custom-built suite of industry training programs, including three newly added virtual reality courses. The LMS simplifies the training process, allowing companies to enroll employees, assign courses and monitor progression. Railroads can also generate reports and upload employee on-the-job training records to take full advantage of the platform’s ability to facilitate a company’s record-keeping capabilities.
In addition to the virtual reality courses, railroads can access training on Part 214 roadway workplace safety, drug and alcohol reasonable suspicion training and post-accident toxicological testing training. There are also a variety of other programs on federal regulations including track safety standards, railroad operating rules and freight car safety standards.
For more information about enrolling in the LMS program or to schedule an online demonstration, please contact ASLRRA’s Sabrina Waiss.
Würth is ASLRRA’s Preferred Provider of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services and their customer-first approach to service and support has a long history. Since opening their doors, Würth has helped thousands of companies protect their employees and work with optimum efficiency for maximum output. Their team of railroad specialists currently supports nearly 200 short line railroads, rail industry contractors and Class I railroad companies.
ASLRRA members can depend on Würth for quality safety and industrial products and exceptional customer service, plus discounted pricing on a huge assortment of products and equipment needed to implement an effective and efficient safety program. Offerings include foot and leg protection, signs, ergonomic products, hearing and eye protection, clothing protection, lighting and electrical products, storage containment and environmental spill cleanup, traffic control and much more.
Visit the Association’s Member Discount Program page to view Würth’s complete product offering and suite of services and start saving today.
Representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration have participated in several ASLRRA webinars discussing important industry topics such as employee and contractor qualification and certification. Recordings of these webinars are available to members at any time online. Look for the titles below in ASLRRA’s On-Demand Webinar Library, then browse the Association’s other recordings on a wide variety of issues including finance, communications and technology.
Visit ASLRRA’s webinar homepage and log in to view all the on-demand offerings in the Association’s webinar library.
Click here for a calendar of industry events.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
