Rail supplier news from Siemens, Thales, REMSA, LRIW; and in memoriam: Harold Murray (April 15)

Czech rail transport company CD Cargo has ordered five Vectron MS locomotives from Siemens. The multisystem units can be operated in all countries neighboring the Czech Republic, as well as in Hungary and Romania. The Vectrons will be used for transporting automobiles by rail between Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany, and on other international routes. Each locomotive will be equipped with train control systems for these countries, along with the European Train Control System. The locomotives have a maximum output of 6,400 KW and a top speed of 100 mph. Delivery will begin in June and will be completed by year's end. Meanwhile, Alpha Trains Luxembourg S.a.r.l. has placed an order with Siemens for six Vectron locomotives. The contract includes full service and maintenance work, as well as an option for four additional units. Delivery is slated to begin in early 2017.

Ontario and Thales in Canada have partnered on a project to develop the "next generation of railway signaling solutions," Canadian government officials said in a press release. The project will focus on research and advanced engineering to develop new communication-based train control solutions for mass transit, including subways, light rail and commuter rail. Ontario will invest up to $12 million (in Canadian dollars) through the "Jobs and Prosperity Fund" to support the project and leverage a private- sector investment of about $80 million, according to the press release.

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) has announced its 2016 scholarship program. This year, the association is providing one $7,500 President's Scholarship, as well as one $5,000 runner-up scholarship and five additional $2,500 awards. REMSA also is offering one graduate scholarship worth $5,000. To be eligible, an applicant must be a full- or part-time employee of a REMSA member company, or the spouse, child or grandchild of a current full-time employee of a REMSA member company. Additionally, an applicant must be enrolled as a full-time college student at an accredited two-year college offering an associate's degree or an accredited college or university offering a bachelor's degree. The deadline for applying is July 1. More information is available on REMSA's website.

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has opened the application period for its $5,000 annual scholarship for individual members, employees or corporate members and for dependent children of league members. This year, one scholarship will be awarded to the best-qualified candidate. The application and supporting documents are due June 17 and can be downloaded on LRIW's website.

Harold Murray, a senior adviser of passenger and on-board services at PTSI Transportation, has died, the company announced earlier this week. He was 92. Murray started with CN in 1943 and rose through the ranks of the dining car department to general manager of passenger services. Later, when VIA Rail Canada Inc. was formed to take over intercity passenger service in Canada, he was named vice president-VIA West. He retired with more than 50 years of railway service, after which he served as a consultant with PTSI until his death. Murray's work at CN and VIA Rail has helped to "pass along valuable lessons in traditional and historic methods," PTSI officials said.