ENSCO - Transportation Technology Center

Rail Integrity Research

Defect & Failure Resource Library — Access & Use

A curated collection of rail (and weld) sections with service and artificial flaws, maintained at FRA’s Transportation Technology Center (Pueblo, CO), available to support research, technology development, and NDE validation.

Open Request Form
Email instead

Who can request access?

Railroads, suppliers, universities, research institutions, and government partners working on rail integrity and inspection technologies.

Contact

Email: library@ttc-ensco.com

Use the form below or email to start your request.

How to Request Samples

Option A

Use on site at TTC (recommended)

  1. Submit a request with:
    • Requestor name & affiliation
    • Purpose of use (short description & expected outputs)
    • Location: “TTC on‑site”
    • Desired dates & duration (include preferred and alternative ranges)
    • List of sample IDs (if known) or detailed flaw/rail requirements (type, size, rail section)
    • Any safety or handling constraints
  2. Scheduling & supervision — TTC staff will confirm availability, schedule lab time, and supervise access to the storage area. Users are expected to coordinate arrival and equipment needs in advance.
  3. Handling & workspace — Samples may be moved to a designated nearby work table; users must return each sample to its marked storage position after use. Store any small parts/fixtures in labeled containers provided by TTC.
  4. Condition rules — Gentle cleaning and light surface‑rust removal are allowed. No cutting, machining, welding, or permanent alteration unless explicit written approval from FRA/TTC is provided. Any approved alteration must include a restoration plan or compensation arrangement.
  5. Data & instrumentation — Bring measurement equipment, calibration records, and any required power/data adapters. Coordinate with TTC if you need a PAUT/UT console or high-resolution profilometry support.
  6. Safety & PPE — All visitors must follow TTC site safety procedures, including PPE, site briefings, and any required training. Contact TTC safety at least 7 days before site arrival for training requirements.

Option B

Borrow / Ship samples to your site

  1. Submit a loan request with the same baseline information as Option A and designate the request type as Off‑site loan.
  2. Availability & priorities — TTC will confirm sample availability and schedule shipping. If multiple requests conflict, FRA/TTC will prioritize based on research impact, public benefit, and partnerships.
  3. Shipping & packaging — TTC provides packing lists and required labeling. The borrowing organization or contracted shipper coordinates and pays for both outbound and return shipping. Use the approved carrier listed in the TTC shipping guide to maintain chain-of-custody and insurance coverage.
  4. Loan paperwork & records — The borrower signs a loan agreement and provides a shipping schedule and point-of-contact. TTC maintains loan records and will send due-date reminders.
  5. Return & inspection — Upon return TTC will inspect samples for damage and log condition. Borrowers may be charged for repair or replacement if damage exceeds normal wear.
  6. Insurance & liability — Borrowers must carry adequate insurance and accept liability for shipping risks, handling, and any alterations performed with approval.

What to include in your request

Contact name, title, organization
Location of use (TTC on‑site or off‑site loan)
Sample IDs (if known) or target flaw types/sizes and rail sizes
Shipping/return contact and carrier (for loans)
Send to: library@ttc-ensco.com or use the request form below.

Purpose / project description (deliverables and expected outputs)
Requested dates and duration (preferred + backup)
Special handling needs, proposed alterations (approval required)
Any insurance or export restrictions

Library contents (at a glance)

  • Sample types: natural/service flaws and artificial flaws
  • Coverage: multiple rail sizes and head‑wear conditions
  • Storage: climate‑appropriate storage at TTC; light oil protection
  • Data per sample: ID, rail geometry & wear (MiniProf), flaw characterization (PAUT & conventional UT)
  • CAD (2D/3D), labeling with QR code linked to sample details
  • 13‑photo visual record

Use & Handling Rules (summary)

  • Use is for research, testing, and training aligned with rail integrity objectives.
  • No alterations without written FRA/TTC approval.
  • Cleaning/surface rust removal is permitted.
  • Return samples on time and in original condition.
  • Cite the library in publications and provide appropriate credit to FRA/TTC.

Publicizing & Acknowledgment

From time to time, TTC/FRA may publicize the library at industry events and request acknowledgement when the library supports published work. This helps sustain sample donations and library growth.

Request Form

Submit: Use the embedded form, or email library@ttc-ensco.com

Open Request Form
Email instead

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Gerhard “Gery” Williams is Executive Vice President, Service Delivery & Operations, serving in this role since July 2022. Gery leads an organization focused primarily on safely and reliably delivering Amtrak services to customers, operating and maintaining the company’s core railroad assets – including infrastructure and rail car and locomotive fleets – and driving process improvement and efficiencies across the Amtrak network.

Service Delivery & Operations (SD&O) consists of the Transportation, Mechanical, Infrastructure Maintenance & Construction Services (IMCS), Customer Service Stations, Onboard Services and Food & Beverage, California Operations, Operations Integration and Network Support functions.

Gery had served as Senior Vice President, SD&O, since January 2022 and was responsible for the newly created IMCS group, which encompasses engineering production and maintenance functions. He also led day-to-day core service delivery across the SD&O organization, driving continuous improvement to safety, customer service and productivity. 

Prior to joining Amtrak in June 2017 as Vice President and Chief Engineer, he had spent almost three decades at CSX Transportation. Gery held a wide range of senior leadership roles, including Vice President, Mechanical Operations; Chief Mechanical Officer – Locomotives; AVP Network Operations – Locomotive Management; and Division Manager. In his last position at CSX as VP, Mechanical Operations, he reported to the Chief Operating Officer and directed a team of 3,800 employees responsible for the maintenance and repair of a combined fleet of 70,000 locomotives and rail cars. Early in his profession, Gery held various positions including trainmaster, manager of safety and terminal manager.

Across his long railroad career, Gery has consistently demonstrated collaborative and data-driven leadership and an ability to manage complex transportation, mechanical and engineering challenges successfully, with safety and efficiency.

Gery graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.

Gery M. Williams III

Gery M. Williams III

Executive Vice President,
Service Delivery & Operations