Technology Digests / FAST Internal Records for Statistics and Testing (FIRST)

TD25-020

Date Posted: October 30, 2026
Authors
  • Silvia Galvan-Nunez
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Key Findings

  • The FIRST system has replaced a decades-old hand-written, unstructured data entry and reporting method for FAST maintenance, inspection, operations, test planning, and reporting with a web-based tool that will improve data collection, storage, and reporting for research and operations.
  • The FIRST system has enhanced data-driven decisions for FAST train operations by reducing data silos and providing real-time inspection and maintenance data for infrastructure and rolling stock components.
  • The FIRST system now allows multiple FAST test teams to efficiently manage their measurement schedules, oversee inspections and maintenance at their testing sites, and access million gross tonnage and mileage data to enhance their research activities.
  • The digital engineering enabled by FIRST is expected to establish new opportunities to leverage research data to address current and future industry challenges.

FAST Internal Records for Statistics and Testing (FIRST)

As part of the digital transformation efforts supported by the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) program, MxV Rail completed the first two phases of the development and deployment of the FAST® Internal Records for Statistics and Testing (FIRST) system at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST®). The FIRST system has both added immediate value to FAST operations and tests and opened up numerous opportunities for future innovation of data fusion, predictive analytics, and digital twins (DT). Background Since its creation in 1976, FAST has evolved as an industry-leading tool for testing and evaluating infrastructure and mechanical components and systems under heavy axle loads in a controlled environment. In 2021, MxV Rail began construction on a new test facility for research and testing, including the FAST program.1 Design and construction of the new FAST loop (Figure 1) opened up the opportunity to reimagine data collection, storage,…