Notable Images from Railway Interchange 2015

The crux of Railway Interchange 2015 was held Oct. 4-7 in Minneapolis.

Event organizers said 9,571 attendees descended on the Minneapolis Convention Center, up more than 1,000 from when the first Railway Interchange was held at the venue in 2011.

In addition to many doings at the convention center, the large rail conference included 35 outdoor exhibits at BNSF Railway Co.

Other locomotives were prominently displayed, as well, such as GE Transportation

Various pieces of large rail equipment dotted the yard, too.

Greenbrier Cos. displayed its new DOT-117 tank car that meets new federal safety standards.

Attendees seized the opportunity to climb aboard some of the machinery.

In addition to new equipment, an old steam locomotive built in 1944 was exhibited in the yard (at right).

On Oct. 5, the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) held the first of its two general sessions scheduled at the trade show.

AREMA President Randy Bowman &mdash; Norfolk Southern Corp.

Representatives from both BNSF and UP accepted the Hay award for the project, which met the primary criteria of enhancing innovation, safety and/or service performance.

Activity in the indoor exhibit hall &mdash; which was large enough to hold several football fields &mdash; picked up after the general session.

There were 652 indoor exhibits and two large areas to accommodate lunches and receptions for attendees.

Some of the exhibits were rather unusual.

And some booths featured large pieces of equipment.

On Oct. 6, Norfolk Southern Corp. Chairman, President and CEO James Squires addressed AREMA

At the general session on Oct. 7, AREMA installed Brian Lindamood &mdash; the Alaska Railroad Corp.

The next Railway Interchange is set for 2017 in Indianapolis. Held every two years, the large show alternates between Minneapolis and Indianapolis.