Will composition enter the mainstream? (light-weight high-strength composit materials for rail...

Railfleets are aging and if railroads are to remain competitive against trucks, many will soon have to be replaced. As more proof of the economic viability of using composite material comes forth, the industry will be more willing to accept it as the material in replacement cars.

Economic "proof" beyond the known benefits--weight reduction, increased lading capacity, lifecycle cost reduction may be needed before the industry fully accepts composite materials.

Specific, goal-oriented research and development projects are well under way on the expanded use of high-str