WRP - Stephen Priest

Stephen Priest

Profile: As a publisher, award winning modeler and model project designer for many major manufacturers, my skills and experience will help create a unique and interesting magazine. My twelve years working a variety of prototype railroad positions for the ATSF/BNSF also gives me a knowledge base to draw information from in the creation and editing of articles. Having been professionally trained in engineering and architecture, my graphic and drawing skills will play a key roll in creating a great publication product. I will give 110 percent using my interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. As an award winning model builder, product designer, author and editor, I can offer you a very balanced and uncommon portfolio.

Experience: Owner, Paired Rail Railroad Publications, Ltd., Kansas City, Missouri 1996-2005. Home based publishing company producing hard-bound books for research and historical purposes. The company has produced 15 books in its 10 year existence including two for the NMRA. I am responsible for co-writing, scanning, image color correction, page layout, pagination, creation of maps, logos, advertising materials, web design and a host of other graphic art skills. Most of our books are 4 color printed on high quality heavy paper. I use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign for production work. Earlier book layout utilized Quark XPress.

Graphic Artist/Designer: Intermountain Railway Company, Longmont, Colorado 2000-2005. Intermountain produces model railroad products for the serious hobbiest. All art is created in Adobe Illustrator from actual images of prototype equipment. I create 4 color ads for many model railroading trade magazines as well as other trade publication material. I redesigned the company packaging and created the new company image logos. I write, edit and produce many of the company's kit instructions using Adobe InDesign. Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator are used extensively.

Contract Graphic Artist/Designer: Athearn Inc., Carson, California 2000-2005. Artist and Engineering plan designer. All art is created in Adobe Illustrator from actual images and drawings of prototype equipment. I am currently the architect/designer for an entire new line of product soon to be released by Athearn. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (CADtools) are used extensively.

Contract Graphic Artist/Designer: Life-Like Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 2001-2005. Artist and designer. Create artwork for a variety of HO models. All art is created in Adobe Illustrator from actual images and drawings of prototype equipment. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are used extensively.

Contract Graphic Artist/Designer: Des Plaines Hobbies, Des Plaines, Illinois 1999-2005. Artist and designer. Create artwork for a variety of HO and S and N Scale models. All art is created in Adobe Illustrator from actual images and drawings of prototype equipment. I also do the package design for the S-Scale America, O-Scale America and Centralia Car Shops. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are used extensively.

Assistant Manager Track Geometry/Engineering: BNSF Railway, Ft. Worth, Texas 1997-1998. Traveled/managed 10 million dollar Track Geometry Car B9. Planned test routes, calibrated car test systems, networked with road-masters, motive power planners and crew management. Tested system wide at track speed to ensure proper deflection of tested track structure. Maintained log of areas tested to ensure areas were tested on a per-ton mile basis. Knowledge of gauge, twist, dip, curvature and other track related characteristics was crucial. Track and rail types including fastening systems, tie types and rail weight knowledge was also needed to perform duties. Knowledge of FRA defects was key and detailed data was collected on failures and repeat failures. Causes were investigated and corrections were implemented to correct failures. Constant study of "improved" means of testing were explored on a regular basis in an attempt to keep the department cutting edge through new technologies and education. I designed the Geo-car's current paint scheme.

Locomotive Engineer: ATSF/BNSF Railway, Kansas City, Kansas 1994-2002. Federally licensed railroad engineer. Responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains and locomotives. Operated on both mainline and yard trackage. Have knowledge of signaling systems, operations, motive power, train handling and testing procedures. Regularly tested on GCOR rules pertaining to all aspects of railroad operation dealing with train movement, crew safety, radio use, emergency situations, motive power and grade crossing safety. Inspected locomotives for FRA reportable defects prior to using them in service. Familiar with being near, on and around large moving equipment. Knowledgeable in safety equipment and its use. Aware and respectful of the dangers associated with working for the railroad and being in its presence. Accustomed to reporting defective equipment to ensure safety in the workplace for myself and others.

Field Engineer: HDR Engineering, Kansas City, Kansas 1993-1994. HDR Engineering Field Representative, Architectural coordinator and construction inspector. Experience includes surveying, design, drafting, railroad operations, motive power, HEP equipment, carpentry, construction inspection, rail inspection and construction contract administration. Project management includes: ATSF traction motor drop pit at Calwa, CA; installation of new transfer tables at Topeka, KS; OSHA standards at Topeka Shops; structural inspection of ATSF Topeka Motive Power building; programmed, designed and managed construction of ATSF Geometry car office facility in Kansas City, KS; on-site rail inspection for US Army Corps of Engineers, Camp Funston, Ft. Riley, KS; project management and design work for ATSF load test facility at Argentine, KS; project management of TOFC and COFC check point at Sunflower Lift, Argentine Yard, Kansas City, KS; construction, administration and management for remodeling of regional office building ATSF Ry.

ATSF Editor: CTC Board Magazine, Denver, Colorado 1991-1992. Gathered, sorted and edited information, images and data in order to write a monthly column on the Santa Fe Railway. This position allowed me to establish contacts with a variety of model railroaders and railfans. The columns monthly deadline allowed me to sharpen my organizational skills and create an editing process.

Education: Penn Valley Community College Pre-Press/Graphic Design. Kansas State University Architecture & Design. Colby Community College Radio Broadcasting.

Skills: Macintosh Software - Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Image Ready, Dreamweaver, Flash, Microsoft Word, iWorks, Keynote, Quicktime, and numerous others. Self publisher of numerous books on railroad history, motive power and technology. Very familiar with state of the art scanning equipment, color space and print/graphic production from conception through print. Working knowledge of job pricing, print bidding, quality-cost trade offs and project management. Familiar with both domestic and foreign printing practices and costs. Have managed print jobs that use film, direct to plate and direct to press printing. Very familiar with the Macintosh platform and computer networking in a production environment. Noted national public speaker on computer graphics, scanning, publishing and railroad subject matter. Good technical writer. Numerous awards for modeling railroad related structures and design. Member of Publishers Marketing Association and the Santa Fe Railway Historical and Modeling Society.