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Yesterday, BNSF Railway Co. dedicated its newest locomotive reliability center in Alliance, Neb. The ceremony included local dignitaries and representatives from ALSTOM Transport, which is supplying technological applications for the center’s condition-based maintenance program.

BNSF is employing the program to determine wear patterns of major locomotive components and sub-systems, and predict when parts should be overhauled or replaced. The center features infrared cameras, ultrasonic devices, and vibration and cylinder pressure analysis computers to help evaluate components and sub-systems condition.

Earlier this year, BNSF opened reliability centers in Glendive, Mont., and Northtown, Minn. In November 2003, the Class I opened its first reliability center in Kansas City, Mo.