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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Rail Transportation Engineering
  5. Hands-on Education

Field Trips

Student field trips play a key role in providing hands-on training for students in the Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) program at Penn State Altoona. Our location provides many opportunities to expose students to various aspects of the railroad industry, including Class I Railroads, shortlines, and numerous railroad suppliers. Below is a list of companies within driving distance who have recently accommodated RTE students:

  • Altoona Pipe and Steel
  • Amtrak
  • Curry Rail Services
  • Electric Motor and Supply
  • Everett Railroad Company
  • New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.
  • Norfolk Southern Corp.
  • ORX
  • Standard Steel
RTE Field Trip Phto

Students learn about locomotive maintenance at the Everett Railroad

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Phto

Overview of signal systems at the Everett Railroad

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

Tour of ORX facility in Tipton, PA

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

Students learn about how railroad wheelsets are repaired and rebuilt

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

RTE students preparing to ride on Amtrak’s geometry car from Baltimore to NYC

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

Students learn about track maintenance and inspection along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

Students learning to measure freight car loads at Norfolk Southern’s Rose Yard in Altoona, PA using both manual tools and a laser-based tool SafeLoad ©

Credit: Penn State
RTE Field Trip Photo

Students receiving instruction from Brian Daniel of InfraMeasure on the use of SafeLoad © equipment

Credit: Penn State
RTE Students visiting New Enterprise concrete plant

RTE Students visiting New Enterprise concrete plant

Credit: Penn State
Students watching concrete casting at New Enterprise

Students watching concrete casting at New Enterprise

Credit: Penn State
RTE Students and Faculty visiting asphalt plant

RTE Students and Faculty visiting asphalt plant

Credit: Penn State

Rail Transportation Engineering

  • Request Information about Rail Transportation Engineering
  • Program Overview
  • Degree Information
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Program Objectives and Outcomes
  • Enrollment and Graduation Information
  • ABET Accreditation
  • Advisory Board
  • Hands-on Education
    • Field Trips
    • Senior Projects
    • Undergraduate Research
    • Engineering and Business Case Competition
    • AREMA Student Chapter
  • Research
  • Scholarships
  • RTE Job Board
  • Women in Engineering Design Competition
  • Tracks to the Future: Summer Camp for High School Students
  • Rail Transportation Engineering Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • flickr
  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
Penn State University
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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