Federal Railroad Safety Regulations Expert
180 Puma Drive
Hanover, Pennsylvania 17331
(717) 633-6406
E-mail: RockeyRail@embarqmail.com
Since retiring from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 1997, I have been working as a railroad safety consultant. I have worked on over 130 FELA cases, primarily for union-represented railroad employees. I am an expert on FRA operating practices, equipment and track regulations, specifically including the Safety Appliance and Locomotive Inspection regulations. I analyze data, prepare concise reports, provide deposition and trial testimony.
Between 1983 and 1997, I was a member of the FRA Office of Safety Senior Management Team. I participated in the development of national railroad safety regulations covering operating practices, equipment, track, signal systems and the transportation of hazardous materials. Earlier at FRA, I served as a safety inspector enforcing federal railroad safety laws/regulations covering operating practices/equipment and investigated railroad accidents; and a rail accident analyst where I wrote published accident reports and taught railroad accident investigation procedures at the Transportation Safety Institute. I worked with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on major railroad accident investigations and had the lead in responding to the Board’s safety recommendations for nearly 15 years. I was with the FRA between 1971 and 1997. From 1956 to 1971, I worked for pre-Conrail railroads, primarily as an operating officer, trainmaster and terminal superintendent. I am familiar with railroad operating and safety rules.
TIMKO, STEPHEN M.
Rail Transportation Consultant
Beaver Valley Rail
P.O. Box 1
South Heights, PA 15081-0001
Phone: (412) 889-2097 Fax: (724) 375-6803
E-Mail:
smtimko@aol.com or beavervalleyrail@aol.comRail Transportation Consultant/Expert Witness specializing in Railroad Operations including Safety and Operating Rules.
Former Train Dispatcher, Chief Train Dispatcher, Supervisor Operating Rules, Trainmaster, Manager Operations Planning, Asst Supt—Train Operations, General Manager and Vice President & General Manager for Erie Lackawanna, Conrail, Norfolk Southern and a regional railroad system. Mr. Timko has 42 years experience as a railroad employee/supervisor. Formerly held the position of Office Chairman for the American Train Dispatchers Association.
Instructor for NORAC Operating Rules and Safety Rules on Conrail and Norfolk Southern and handled qualifications for Train Dispatchers, Train and Engine Crews and Maintenance of Way employees. Conducted annual and special safety training classes for Operating Department employees. Specialized in investigating train accidents, crossing accidents, personal injuries and holding subsequent formal investigations and hearings. Functioned as Division Trial Officer for over 15 years. Involved in Train Dispatcher’s selection and qualification process. Provides safety and operating consulting to Shortline and Industrial Rail users.
Attended Federal Railroad Administration seminars on: Operating Rules, Hazardous Material Regulations and Security Plan, Operating Practices, Locomotive Engineer Certification, and Drug and Alcohol Regulations.
Has expertise in depositions concerning FELA cases and has testified in Federal Court in Philadelphia and Erie, PA.
Consulting provided for both plaintiffs and defendants.