Railroad Engineering Technology (RRET)

Covers the history and traditions of railroading and the industry's role in the North American economic development.

Surveys basic electricity, including generation, measurement, and analysis of networks involving DC and AC sources. The laboratory component includes electrical experiments in basic AC and DC circuits.

Provides information about technical careers in railroading to assist students to choose suitable career paths. Requires filed trips that will demonstrate the relationships among technical work groups in day-to-day railroad operations.

Provides participants with an overall understanding of governmental rules, regulations, standards, and practices as they apply to a railroad operation. Study includes a review of Code of Federal Regulations, Part 49, Railroad Standards and Practices Manual (AREMA) and various railroads' book of rules.

Surveys basic electricity, including generation, measurement, and analysis of networks involving DC and AC sources. The laboratory component includes electrical experiments in basic DC and AC circuits. Three hours of lecture/three hours of laboratory.

Covers the principles and policies governing railroad safe work practices. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe safety policies, including the application of team processes, use and care of personal protective equipment, lockout/tag out procedures, and hearing conservations.

Provides participants with an overall understanding of how to read and interpret railroad electrical diagrams. Course topics will include a review and discussion of the following: ladder diagrams, contractors, motor starters, motors, programmable logic controller, railroad electrical symbols.

Introduces participants to the basic components, controls and functions of railroad pneumatics and hydraulics. Course topics include standard symbols, pumps, control valves, control assemblies, actuators, maintenance procedures and switching and control devices.

Provides participants with an overview of HVAC systems used on railcars. Basic hand and specialty tools and equipment will be covered as well as basic laws of heat transfer, thermos-dynamics and heat load. The study of the basic refrigeration cycle and its components will be introduced. In addition, students can qualify to obtain certification on the proper handling of refrigerants to include their effects on the environment.

Introduces participants to the tools, methods and techniques for troubleshooting electromechanical problems in machines and rolling stock equipment (trains).

Provides participants a basic understanding of a railroad signal system, including track circuits and applicable federal laws/guidelines.

Introduces participants to a basic understanding of railroad communications. Course topics include frequency and pulse modulation, AM and FM transmitters and receivers, electromagnetic radiation, digital data communication, and applicable laws and regulations.

Introduces students to the tools, methods and techniques for troubleshooting signal and communication problems in switch machines and communication equipment.

Provides students with experience in electric traction motors, catenary wire systems, signaling and track repair using APTA (American Public Transportation Association) standards. Students will complete at least 50 hours of supervised practicum.

Provides students with experience in diesel-electric engines, freight railroading logistics and intermodal services, signaling upgrades and track renewal using laser-guided tamping equipment all in accordance with Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee (NORAC) standards. Students will also regularly inspect and help with ongoing maintenance of the rail line.