Heavy Haul of Fame Recipients - 2003

Steve Marich &
John German,

It was not until the 2003 STS meetings in Dallas, Texas that the board of Directors elected another two individuals to the Heavy Haul of Fame. The Board unanimously elected John G. German and Steven Marich to the Heavy Haul of Fame. Once again these two individuals made significant contributions to advancing heavy haul operations in their respective countries which benefited heavy haul operations through the world.

During his career, Steve Marich has made significant advancements in rail and wheel metallurgy overcoming serious problems in service failures and shortened service life. Based on his work, heavy haul operators like BHP Iron Ore and other Western Australia iron-ore railways were able to overcome rail and track problems that limited their efficiency and capacity. Steve’s work on the issues of rail and wheel service life began when he was with the Melbourne Research Laboratory.

John German began his career on the Great Northern Railway in 1943 and advanced to Superintendent of Motive Power; in 1961 he was appointed Chief Mechanical Officer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and retired as Vice President of Engineering in 1983. During his career he was involved in numerous activities that progressed heavy haul issues and lead to changes in operations and management handling of heavy haul unit trains. In 1983 John was asked to assume the duties of the first Executive Director of the International Heavy Haul Association; he effective lead the organization until 1994.