October 25, 2011 Jeff Shrock journeyed to Fargo, ND. He gave a presentation on Rail Design at North Dakota State University.The course included:
The concept of unit trains for grain, fertilizer, ethanol, DDGS and crude oil transportation.
The steps in designing a unit train load/unloading facility.
The sequence of operations at such a facility.
Geometric and land acquisition considerations.
Advantages of loop track vs. parallel track designs.
Examples of facilities in ND, MT, CO and KS along with the differences and similarities of the projects.
VAA Canstruction 2011 Champions
On Saturday, September 24, 2011 VAA participated in the 6th Annual Canstruction Competition. This is an Annual event to benefit Second Harvest Heartland. Structures are created by Twin Cities' top architecture and engineering firms, then judged for seven different catagories.
VAA entered the following:
"Harvest in the Heartland" - Midwesterners will always take pride in being known as the heartland, where food production gives America its beating heart. Everyone in these communities works together in providing an important role in getting food to American homes and overseas. The country grain elevator our team is constructing exhibits the teamwork we have inherited from our past and shows the origins of US food production as we work to feed those in need.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 the structures were judged. VAA won three of the seven trophies: Juror's Favorite, People's Choice and Best Meal.
