Current Project

Railcar

Cantos Inc. collaborated with AECOM and GG Engineering on the MTA-owned Railcar A&T Design-Build Project, utilizing advanced 3D modeling techniques to focus on mechanical and engineering equipment design. The work performed by Cantos Inc in this project includes various tasks and responsibilities. We prepared Design deliverables for each assigned discipline and work area. These deliverables included Open Buildings Designer (OBD) models and MicroStation drawings. We attended mandatory weekly team meetings, discipline meetings, and CAD meetings.
Fig. 1 OBD Coordination Model

Fig. 1 OBD Coordination Model

With a strong focus on both 2D and 3D modeling, Cantos Inc. has developed extensive expertise in this field. Our collaborative work with AECOM and GGE technicians takes place in the cloud, facilitating seamless sharing and utilization of our models.

 

The project has yielded outstanding results and has been completed ahead of schedule, showcasing our commitment to excellence. Coordination with other trades, disciplines, and firms is crucial to ensure timely design development and provide necessary inputs. Collaboration and timely input to other fields is essential to meet the design schedule. We coordinated Design interfaces with adjacent work areas and other Design Units and promptly resolved any open coordination issues. Workshops and onboard meetings with JTCM Partners, MTAC&D/PMC, Metro-North Railroad, and other agencies and stakeholders are necessary to obtain acceptance and approvals for the design.

 

Fig. 2 Workstations

Fig. 2 Workstations

Our involvement encompassed the 3D modeling of various shop equipment for the Railcar and mechanical components, employing industry-leading BIM software such as Bentley’s MicroStation and OBD. We also provided invaluable expertise in the subject matter with our licensed professionals’ input. We also complied with applicable MTA Security Sensitive Information handling requirements and completed the necessary training. We also addressed, incorporated, and responded to comments from AECOM, JTCM Partners, MTAC&D/PMC, MetroNorth, AHJ, and stakeholders such as NYCDOT and utility owners as part of our responsibility.

 

Fig. 3 Master Model

Fig. 3 Master Model

The presentation of the different project processes was meticulously executed, and the integration of our highly realistic 3D models played a critical role. These models enabled us to visualize the Railcar accurately, ensuring it met all the necessary specifications. To accomplish this, we incorporated BIM, ensuring precision and realism. We performed work while adhering to the AECOM Project Specific Quality Plan, including performing quality reviews for all deliverables. We attended AECOM quality training sessions and completed quality checklists and forms before each design submission. We obtained OSHA and MNR Safety Credentials for any required fieldwork.

 

Fig. 4 Utility Coordination

Fig. 4 Utility Coordination

Fig. 5 Crane Model

Fig. 5 Crane Model

The 3D models were indispensable to the Railcar A&T DB project, allowing for realistic visualization and meeting project deadlines. While adhering to project timelines is a challenge in any endeavor, our close collaboration with the project team, combined with our expertise in Mechanical Engineering and 3D modeling, enabled us to successfully complete the project on time. We prepared Design deliverables using online document control platforms such as ProjectWise and SharePoint as directed by AECOM. We distributed progress prints of design documents bi-weekly. We submitted weekly progress reports (% complete) for all deliverables, including individual drawings, specification sections, and other packages.