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
Students learn about locomotive maintenance at the Everett Railroad
Overview of signal systems at the Everett Railroad
Tour of ORX facility in Tipton, PA
Students learn about how railroad wheelsets are repaired and rebuilt
RTE students preparing to ride on Amtrak’s geometry car from Baltimore to NYC
Students learn about track maintenance and inspection along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor
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 ©
Students receiving instruction from Brian Daniel of InfraMeasure on the use of SafeLoad © equipment
RTE Students visiting New Enterprise concrete plant
Students watching concrete casting at New Enterprise
RTE Students and Faculty visiting asphalt plant
