For 14-year-old Gary Allen Montelongo, toy trains are more than just a childhood fascination; they have become the foundation for an extraordinary scientific achievement. Montelongo recently won a $10,000 prize for his project, which investigates the infrastructure flaws that can lead to dangerous train derailments. His innovative work not only secured him a win at a regional science fair but also earned him recognition at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
A Passion for Engineering
From a young age, Montelongo was captivated by mechanical systems and coding. His enthusiasm evolved into a serious interest in engineering, particularly when he recognized the pressing issue of train derailments. Data from the Federal Railroad Administration shows that the U.S. experienced 1,301 train derailments last year, with some resulting in significant property damage and hazardous spills.
The problem became even more personal for Montelongo after the East Palestine, Ohio derailment in February 2023, which released harmful chemicals and forced the evacuation of residents. At the time, Montelongo was interning at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, focusing on railway safety. The incident sparked intense discussions among his peers and mentors, deepening his desire to understand the factors that contribute to such dangerous accidents.
The Catalyst for Innovation
Montelongo was initially shocked by the Ohio derailment. However, it led him to investigate the components of train suspension systems more closely. While observing the train tracks near his home, he noticed a significant difference between new, robust springs and older, rusted ones that had deteriorated over time. This observation prompted him to explore how these aging components might impact the stability of trains, setting the stage for his experimental project.
Designing the Experiment
Having started coding at the age of 8, Montelongo was well-prepared to tackle the technical challenges of his project. He built an accelerometer to measure vibrations on the tracks, creating three different sets of model railroad tracks equipped with distinct types of springs: new, midlife, and worn-out. This arrangement allowed him to mimic real-world suspension systems effectively.
Running a model train over each set of tracks, he used the accelerometer to gather data on vibration and bounce. To further enhance his experiment, Montelongo attached weights to the train to simulate the effects of unevenly distributed cargo. His findings were striking: worn-out springs led to excessive bouncing and instability, significantly increasing the risk of derailment, especially under uneven loads. “The worn-out springs were really bouncy and shaky,” Montelongo noted, “which caused a lot of derailments.”
Recognition and Accomplishments
Montelongo’s interdisciplinary approach to his project caught the attention of the competition judges. “He integrated mechanical engineering with coding and specialized tools,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science, which sponsors the Junior Innovators Challenge. “It’s this integration of skills that has brought him success.” His project also addressed a pressing national concern, especially in light of recent derailments linked to failing components like wheel bearings.
As a standout finalist among 30 middle school participants, Montelongo received the Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award, showcasing his talents in various areas including coding, environmental research, and more.
Dreams of Space Exploration
Montelongo’s success has only fueled his ambitions for the future. “I really enjoy designing and coding,” he expressed, “and what I want to do is design spaceships that go to space.” With aspirations of working for NASA or SpaceX, he continues to nurture his passion through creative outlets, such as building virtual rocketships in mobile games.
