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• New York Air Brake Corp. won a contract to design and build five customized simulators for MPRI, a division of L3 Communications. The simulators will be sold to the Egyptian National Railways, which is trying to modernize its freight- and passenger-rail services. To be installed at a new facility in Wardan, Egypt, the simulators will be used to train new and experienced rail personnel to operate the Canadian, Henschel, Adtranz, GE and EMD locomotives in the railway’s motive-power fleet.

• L.B. Foster Co. subsidiary CXT Inc. obtained a contract from West Rail Construction to supply 23,000 concrete ties for an unloading system at the Columbia River Grain Terminal in Longview, Wash. Tie deliveries will begin later this month. The high-capacity rail unloading system is designed to accommodate up to four 110-car trains simultaneously.

• Sam Schwartz Engineering (SSE) appointed Howard Roberts Jr. senior vice president-transit and rail services. Most recently president of MTA New York City Transit, Roberts also will serve as general manager of the engineering firm’s Philadelphia office after it opens later this year. He will be responsible for growing SSE’s transit and rail accounts in the Unites States and abroad. Roberts previously served the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation authority in various capacities, including deputy GM.

• Non-profit transportation consultant OnTrackAmerica (OTA) made the following appointments last month: Ed Fischer, director of development; Jason Owens, project coordinator; and Collin Keefe, director of public relations. In addition, OTA launched OnTrackPennsylvania to foster a statewide collaboration for “optimal freight transportation” and is working to develop similar models in western states, according to a prepared statement.

• Tartaglia Railroad Services (also known as Frank Tartaglia Inc.) is marking its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1910 by Frank Tartaglia, the company now is managed by his grandson, Richard Barry. Initially established as a railroad contractor, the company currently provides various rail services — including track construction and/or rehabilitation, track surfacing, FRA track inspections, and emergency and routine rail maintenance — and leases hi-rail equipment.