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Railtex – previewing exhibitors T-Z

Driving Operation Efficiency
Telent Technology Services
Stand L31

Telent has over 30 years’ experience in delivering and maintaining railway station and operational communication systems. The company’s system engineering, design, project installation and maintenance teams are always seeking ways to drive operational efficiencies and reduces costs whilst striving for better safety.

At Railtex, Telent will be demonstrating its in-house developed and proven maintenance and station management tools Arbitex, MICA and TRAMMS.

Arbitex is a remote CCTV-monitoring platform that has reduced maintenance costs and increased asset reliability. Already in operation for TfL, it is currently being implemented as part of Telent’s major-stations CCTV contract with Network Rail.

MICA is Telent’s station and asset management system that has been deployed across London Underground, at Reading and London Bridge stations and on Thameslink. It enhances communication, SCADA and building management subsystems, integrating CCTV, public address systems, passenger information displays, help points, fire and intrusion detection systems and more.

Telent’s Transportation Maintenance Management System (TRAMMS) is an end-end maintenance management system that is designed to allow the monitoring and measurement of fault levels and trends across a wide range of assets in many environments. Through a single pane of glass TRAMMS allows open access to live information on faults: from reporting, through diagnosis and repair, allocation and management of field engineers and management information.

Condition-based maintenance
Televic Rail
Stand F47

Televic Rail will be introducing the latest version of its Cosamira condition-based maintenance technology, already in operational use across the globe.

Cosamira 3 offers an even greater level of capability from more memory, increased measurement options and faster processing for real time, fully powered, continuous monitoring of bearings, motors, rail track, gearboxes and brakes. When combined with the Televic desktop software package and the Telvic Rail global support from offices in Europe, North America and Asia. Cosanira 3 now provides for the most comprehensive condition-based maintenance solution available.

With over twenty-five years of real time SIL-rated bogie monitoring experience, this latest version of Cosamira builds on Televic’s knowledge to provide train operators with the ability to get a continuous view of the fleet status, using predictive analytics to ensure the full life of a component is achieved for maximum cost effectiveness by anticipating problems, optimising maintenance schedules and reducing downtime and cost.

Passenger comfort specialist
Train Bits & More
Stand Q17

Train Bits & More (TBM) has provided value added passenger comfort services to train operating companies since 2009 and is a trusted partner across the UK rail network. At Railtex, the team will promote toilet tank overhauls, seat cover cleaning, grab pole refurbishment and a range of other carriage fitting and upgrade options that improve the journey experience for travellers.

From its Crewe-based workshop, or at depots utilising mobile units, seating is cleaned and assessed for damage, refurbished and repaired, before being returned to customers – usually within 48 hours. TBM has cleaned over 300,000 seat covers, helping to maintain hygienic carriage environments and prolong the life of seat fabrics.

Toilet systems are serviced and storage tanks emptied, with free tank assessments being offered. TBM also offers a range of partner services, including electrical sockets and USB charge points for carriage interiors where a bespoke solution is required to retro-fit vehicles.

Heavy duty lifts for rail vehicle maintenance
TotalKare HDWS
Stand L81

TotalKare, the UK’s leading provider of heavy-duty vehicle lifting solutions, is taking its expertise into the rail sector after signing an exciting deal with Emanuel, harnessing the expertise of the Italian-based manufacturer to expand into the sector by introducing railway lifting jacks to train operators.

Available in a range of lifting capacities from 5,500 – 50,000kg, the lifting jacks can be configured in sets of 4 to 128 and are supplied to meet Machine Directive 2006/42/CE and approved to European EN1493.

Easily customised, the jacks can lift any rolling stock, from wagons and carriages through to complete trains, providing a safe, flexible and comfortable position for repair & maintenance operatives.

“We’ve been working with Emanuel for five years, supplying its products into the bus and coach and commercial vehicle sectors,” explained David Hall, managing director of TotalKare. “The rail sector has similar requirements in terms of providing a safe and fast means of keeping rolling stock operational.”

TotalKare’s partnership with Emanuel will be showcased for the first time at Railtex, where visitors to the Birmingham NEC event can see railway lifting jacks on display at their L81 stand.

Alberto Manzini of Emanuel added his support: “We have an excellent relationship with TotalKare based on transparency, understanding and a mutual desire to deliver the best possible customer service to our clients.

“We have a range of products that are in demand and flexible enough to meet the unique needs of train operators across the globe.”

Aerospace-quality composites for rail
TRB Lightweight Structures
Stand J31

TRB Lightweight Structures is a Tier 1 supplier to both UK and European train builders, providing high-quality, lightweight solutions that include passenger doors, detrainment doors, composite door leaves, catering modules, bike storage areas, universal access toilet modules, structural partitions, train manager offices, and magazine racks.

The use of lightweight advanced composites in the aerospace and defence industries has delivered significant performance improvements. Now they’re being used on rolling stock to bring the same benefits to the UK’s tracks

The major long-term benefits from aerospace-strength composites have driven leading manufacturers, such as Airbus and Boeing, to design and build the latest commercial aircraft – the A380 and B787 Dreamliner – with more than 50 percent of their structural parts made from advanced composites.

The composite system primarily specified for commercial aircraft is a honeycomb prepreg composite laminate produced in an autoclave. This material is extensively used for interior applications including side-walls, ceiling and floor panels, galleys, toilets and partition walls as well as for exterior applications, such as wing sections, flaps, ailerons, antenna radomes, access panels and doors.

Rail is poised to make the same sorts of gains in operating efficiency, performance and lifecycle cost benefits by using advanced technology composite materials for the next generation of high-performance trains, which need to be lighter, faster, more energy efficient and cheaper to maintain.

To meet these new materials needs, TRB Lightweight Structures has increased its composites design and manufacturing facilities, added certifications and hiring more people, so that TRB is now able to help rail vehicle manufacturers take advantage of the significant benefits gained from using advanced composites.

TRB is not driven merely by profits, at the heart of the business is the desire to have a positive impact on the environment. Reducing weight in the rail industry by using composite materials will ultimately lead to a reduction in energy consumption, which is why TRB is in the composites industry.

However, TRB Lightweight Structures does not want to stop there. It is also looking to develop, source and use sustainable materials where possible.

One such discovery is a revolutionary new ‘Bio’ composite pre-impregnated system that combines high strength fabrics with a bio-based resin system. Extracted from the natural waste bi-product obtained from the manufacture of sugar, this resin is non-toxic and does not use volatile organic solvents. It can produce an extremely light and hard-wearing composite assembly capable of meeting GM/RT 2100 rev 5 combined with exceptional fire resistance to EN45545-HL3 (BS 6853 Category 1A).

Another material TRB has used in the construction of some of its lightweight solutions is a foam made from 100 per cent post-consumer PET. This enables TRB to offer a real green alternative to standard PET foams and other foam core materials currently used in railway applications and highlights its ambition is to lead the way with a bio, non-toxic alternatives to the carcinogenic materials currently in the market.

Multi-disciplinary solutions
TSP Projects
Stand R40

TSP Projects is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary solutions business that provides a full range of services from consultancy, design and engineering to on-site project management. Its headquarters is in York with offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Reading and Bristol, as well as a brand-new office in Toronto, Canada.

With over 420 staff across the country, TSP Projects has a portfolio of award-winning work. The company’s sectors include rail, energy, aviation, security and construction, with multiple disciplines such as architecture, geotechnical, track and more. High-profile projects include the redevelopment of King’s Cross station, Reading station area redevelopment, the Thameslink programme and ‘Energy from Waste’ facilities in Cardiff, Leeds, Staffordshire, Suffolk and Oxfordshire. Modular platform extension projects include West Drayton and Langley station, amongst many others.

TSP Projects is dedicated to working in close partnership with clients, delivering high quality, innovative and responsive solutions to meet individual requirements.

Cutting-edge auxiliary power units
Turbo Power Systems
Stand F40

Turbo Power Systems (TPS) will have two of its cutting-edge auxiliary power units (APU) on its stand at Railtex.

One of TSP’s recent innovations – its ultra-efficient APU developed for London Underground – will be on display. This lightweight and compact unit is built with a natural cooling system to improve energy savings and reduce maintenance requirements. The APU uses cutting-edge SiC technology for increased efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.

Also showcased will be one of TSP’s flagship projects, its innovative APU for Monorail. This APU has been designed, tested and validated for monorail platform, while it brings a modular approach to component placement for efficient maintenance and minimal downtime.

To book an appointment to meet us with TSP during the event, or for further enquiries, please contact Ioana Briciu from the marketing team on [email protected].

TSP looks forward to meeting you!

Bringing technology to the railway
Unipart Rail
Stand L41

Unipart Rail will be showcasing services and technology from across its businesses, demonstrating its capabilities in supply chain solutions and showing new innovations in train safety, power control, signalling, transit and storage, rail plant, train presentation and condition-based maintenance.

With expert teams on hand, visitors will be able to discuss how the innovations work and interface with rail systems. An Augmented Reality model train will also be on the stand so they can see how some of the larger products work.

For visitors with an operational, supply chain or financial background, Unipart will be bringing its Virtual Reality Experience where they can experience (and interact with) the transformation of a depot using specialist skills. The supply chain has a significant impact on costs, operational risk and on-time delivery of infrastructure and rolling stock, whether it’s new-build or maintenance activities.

Unipart’s collaboration with its customers across the industry has mitigated risk, improved performance and delivered cost optimisation to the supply chain and materials management, including adding value through:

  • Safety improvements
  • Cost optimisation
  • Risk mitigation
  • Innovative products and services
  • Performance enhancement
  • More digital technology
  • Focus on CSR

And finally, the Condition Based Supply Chain will be at the heart of Unipart’s stand = its vision for to deliver the future supply chain for the rail industry.

Cable condition-monitoring and fault-finding
Viper Innovations
Stand Q60

Viper Innovations is showcasing CableGuardian, winner of the 2018 Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Intelligent Systems Innovation Award, at Railtex 2019.

CableGuardian is a comprehensive cable condition-monitoring and fault-finding system, which monitors insulation and conductor health within a signalling power supply network. The system consists of sensor units, distributed across principal power supply-points and functional supply-points, communicating via a secure internet connection to the cloud-hosted CableGuardian data storage and analytics system.

Developed in collaboration with Network Rail, CableGuardian provides monitoring at the level of detail required, breaking away from the traditional limitations of insulation monitoring devices which offer only a single resistance measurement for the complete network or, at best, feeder level monitoring.

CableGuardian is the only system that offers Tier One adherence to the Network Rail Insulation Monitoring Device standard NR/L2/SIGELP/27725, which recommends monitoring of feeders at a cable section level.

Power packs and diesel engines
Voith
Stand J51

Voith components and systems for rail vehicles provide efficiencies at higher speeds and improved comfort coupled with maximum reliability.

The company’s service portfolio is customised to client requirements, covering maintenance, system upgrades through to spare parts supply. Additional benefits when partnering with Voith, include knowledge and long-term experience in developing and producing key components.

This year, Voith will showcase the RailPack 500, an energy-efficient component providing maximum power density, designed for new build and refurbishment projects and which is perfectly suited to diesel electric/hybrid applications.

Also being presented for the first time in the United Kingdom, is the Voith Rail Engine, the most advanced and efficient diesel engine of its class on the market. The exhaust after treatment system developed meets the upcoming European Stage V emissions regulations.

Safety for today and tomorrow
Zöllner UK
Stand M69

Zöllner has been developing, producing, and selling automatic warning systems for track worksites since the 90s. If a track vehicle approaches a construction area, the Autoprowa® system warns all people working on the track area with a warning signal that is automatically adjusted for the ambient noise level.

The Mobile Radio Warning System (MRWS) warns personnel working on track worksites reliably from approaching rail vehicles. It makes use of the latest, innovative radio technology: optimised audibility, safety, and reliability as well as high availability and flexibility.

All radio components are in bidirectional contact with each other, thereby ensuring optimal communication. The modules of the system can be combined and thus allow for efficient operation in every situation.

Zöllner UK provides equipment sales as well as technical support training, a hotline, servicing, repair and recalibration.

Lots to see and do

We have, of course, only listed some of the exhibitors that will be at Railtex. There will be many things for visitors to see, some of them unusual, many of them interesting and all of them with experts on hand to talk about them.

As is described elsewhere, Rail Engineer will be arranging the Technical Seminar programme. In addition, the Knowledge Hub, organised by the Railway Industry Association (RIA), will present a programme of talks on opportunities for the supply chain, the Rail Sector Deal, diversity and Rail Baltica (Tuesday), equal opportunities and working with academia (Wednesday) and decarbonisation, innovation and HS2 (Thursday).

RIA will also be running the Future Focus Conference on Wednesday 15 May, covering the key challenges and opportunities the UK rail will face in the coming years.

So there will be plenty to see and do at Railtex.  Come and see us on stand C60 and start there!

BACK TO MAIN ARTICLE

Exhibitor previews: A – C

Exhibitor previews: D – G

Exhibitor previews: H – M

Exhibitor previews: N – S

Railtex: previewing exhibitors N-S

Start your intelligent journey
Nomad Digital
Stand B17

Nomad is a leading provider of passenger and fleet-management solutions. The integration of Nomad’s solutions into the on-train environment improves levels of passenger satisfaction, connectivity, journey information and entertainment whilst increasing operational efficiency.

Reliable connectivity has become an ‘expected norm’ – being constantly connected is simply expected. Intelligent technology is all around us covering all aspects of our everyday lives and the perception is: “Why should it stop when we step on to a train?’

The intelligent journey – a shared and secure network infrastructure allowing on-board devices to communicate with each other, and with the outside world. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the driving force behind Nomad’s cutting-edge technology, and its ground-breaking vision from 2007 remains even more relevant today. Now, the opportunity is not just to connect the passengers, but an even wider base of stakeholders as this plays a valuable role in enriching passenger experience.

Lightweight and precise test set
Omicron Electronics UK
Stand J45

Omicron’s CMC 430 ultra-portable protection test set and calibrator is, at just 8.7kg, the lightest and most precise protection test set in the world. Thanks to its robust design – including edge protection – it is ideally suited to portable applications, even when subjected to harsh ambient conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Key features:

  • Light and ultra-portable (8.7 kg / 19.2 lbs)
  • Precise test signals for protection testing and device calibration
  • Robust design with shock absorbing edge protection
  • All terminals on front side
  • Testing static, numerical and communication-based protection schemes (IEC 61850)
  • Three powerful 100 W current amplifiers (for example burden measurement)
  • Six voltages for testing synchro-check and bay control systems with six voltage inputs

To help users keep pace with the increasingly complex requirements of protection systems, four new packages with optional add-ons are offered – Essential, Standard, Enhanced and Complete.

Full range of project services
OSL Rail
Stand Q81

OSL, as one of the UK’s leading rail systems suppliers, shall be exhibiting at this year’s Railtex as it presents a great opportunity to meet with existing and new clients from the UK and overseas.

This is OSL’s second time at Railtex, building upon the success of previously exhibiting in 2017, and this year the company has taken additional floorspace to accommodate specific events and accommodate clients and partners from across the UK and Europe expected to visit the stand.

Over the last year OSL has developed its business and strengthened its management and engineering team throughout the UK and, at this year’s exhibition, the OSL senior leadership team shall be in attendance, providing an opportunity to meet and explore how highly skilled teams can support other businesses and projects.

As the rail sector prepares to deliver transformational changes to the UK rail infrastructure in coming years, visitors should meet with OSL and find out more about its expertise in signalling (including SSI, CBI, CBTC ERTMS, level crossings) HV and LV Power, Telecoms and OLE (light, heavy and high speed rail) at stand Q81, adjacent to the RIA Knowledge Hub. There, they can see for themselves why working with OSL could benefit their organisation and clients by accessing OSL’s full range of services from surveying, design, installation, testing and commissioning on projects of all sizes and complexity.

Peli shines again
Peli Products (UK)
Stand R46

Peli Producs UK returns to Railtex 2019 to launch the innovative Peli™ 9600 LED lighting system. This linkable system of work area lighting extends the range of maintenance free portable lighting solutions.

Sales manager David Smith and the Peli team on stand R46 will demonstrate the 9600’s powerful output, which is designed to illuminate long stretches of rail track and tunnels without the hassles of conventional heavyweight lighting towers. At least twice as efficient as fluorescent alternatives, the Peli 9600 can provide double the distance of illuminated work area from the same model of generator.

Engineered with side and end bracket attachment points, plus a stand system that can extend up to 3 metres, the Peli 9600 can be mounted to fences, hang overhead or stand on its own. An inter-locking stacking system with a small footprint keeps multiple units safe and secure in transit or storage. Built with tough Polycarbonate recessed lenses and internal shock supports, the Peli 9600 features a durable waterproof design and is built to survive rough terrain and adverse weather.

The full range of Peli portable trackside lights will also be on display, many of which now feature an ‘intelligent control’ panel. Intelligent control adjusts the light output according to the length of light duration required, providing a real-time display. These rugged units are easy and quick to set up. The range includes models which use a rechargeable and interchangeable battery. With an extra battery, which is available as an accessory, users can double the run time.

Superior overhead line tensioning system
Pfisterer
Stand L67

Pfisterer offers innovative connectors and systems for the electrification of high-speed, commuter and light-rail systems, including Tensorex® C+, droppers, catenary fittings, Insulators and more. Its in-house technology is developed for the production of safe and reliable materials and products.

The overhead contact lines of railways and tramways are exposed to variations in temperature – both from the day/night cycle and from seasonal changes. It is necessary to constantly and reliably compensate for the resulting expansion and contraction of the contact wire to guarantee efficient train services. As a full-service provider in the field of rail infrastructure, Pfisterer has developed Tensorex C+, an innovative solution, superior to conventional weight-based tensioning systems. The product is a proven design, used in rail applications throughout Europe and is the specified solution for all UK enhancement projects. Tensorex C+ carries full PADS approval for renewals on existing MK1 and MK3 equipment.

New enhanced-resin cable joint
Prysmian Group
Stand P51

Prysmian UK is set to reveal its new extended range of PADS-approved, RPJ-enhanced resin cable joint kits for signalling power circuits at Railtex 2019.

Comprehensively tested to comply with electrical and environmental standards required by Network Rail, applications include new class II installations, SIN 119 remedial works, the copper-elimination programme, and for general maintenance, repairs and life extensions.

This latest technology innovation from Prysmian UK improves the reliability of the rail network, making life easier for specifiers through to installers since the joints are fully tested as a complete kit, meaning they’re extremely robust, with highly searching JEM resin that fully encapsulates the exposed cores, preventing moisture ingress and also providing excellent impact resistance and environmental protection.

Prysmian will also be showcasing its full rail portfolio including its power distribution and specialist industrial cables along with the established range of Flexo moulded rail products and the Connecta modular cable system.

Intelligent technology
R2P
Stand D45

R2P develops and supplies intelligent technology systems with the highest quality standards for the transport sector, including industry-leading on-train CCTV, driver-only operation (DOO) systems, automatic passenger-counting, passenger-information systems, on-train Wi-Fi, tracking and fleet management with real-time data transfer, as well as solutions for fixed infrastructure such as platforms and stations.

Customers benefit directly from R2P’s ideas, with perfectly optimised solutions that require minimal hardware – meaning the economic and ecological benefits are maximised. After the acquisition of Open Access in 2018, R2P has strengthened its position as one-stop-provider for the rail industry.

R2P will introduce its new portfolio at Railtex. An exciting global technology company providing solutions for the transport sector, R2P combines the flexibility and creativity of a small company with the reach and stability of a large organisation with subsidiaries in Denmark, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, Brazil and the Czech Republic.

Supporting the industry and its people
Rail Media
Stand C60

Rail Media will, as usual, be heavily involved in Railtex 2019.

Rail Engineer, the magazine written for rail engineers by rail engineers, will be hosting the technical seminar programme. In addition, some of the publication’s expert writers will be at the show on all three days, so whether you have a good idea for a story or want to discuss promoting your company, come along to stand C60.

RailStaff – the industry’s most popular ‘read’ that covers the extraordinary achievements of its people as well as the latest developments in health, safety and training – will also be on the stand, so it is well worth a visit, particularly if you have some good news to share!

RailwayPeople.com, the industry’s biggest and most productive job board, will be powering Railtex’s own Recruitment Wall, so you can see the recruitment team there – stand C65.

Rail Events staff will also be on hand to discuss industry conferences and awards that are very different from the formal gathering at Railtex. The Partnership Awards, at which Network Rail will recognise the excellence of its supply chain, Rail Summits on Safety and BIM & Technology, RailWorx, where civil and systems engineering companies can show off their latest ideas outdoors and working, and the RailStaff Awards, the only industry awards evening that celebrates the industry’s people and champions, will all be represented, so drop in to find out more.

Matching skills with opportunities
Recruitment Wall
Stand C65

Recruitment and retention are key concerns for companies throughout the rail industry supply chain. As Network Rail’s Control Period 6 gets underway, the existing skill shortage, coupled with demands for experienced staff from other industries, will put more emphasis than ever on the challenges of finding – and keeping – the skills that companies rely on to deliver projects on time and on budget..

Powered by RailwayPeople.com, the rail industry’s leading online job board, the Railtex Recruitment Wall gives exhibitors the chance to promote their vacancies to the wider Rail Industry and provides a central focus for those looking for new career opportunities with market-leading employers.

Whether you are a candidate, a recruiter, an employment agency, involved in labour supply or just want to see what’s out there, check out the Recruitment Wall on stand C65.

Power conversion products
Relec Electronics
Stand D37

Relec Electronics, the expert in the requirements of sourcing power and display technology for trainborne and trackside applications, will be showcasing power conversion products which meet the requirements of EN50155 / EN50121 and RIA12. These include:

  • DC/DC converters from 5W to 1000W for trainborne applications;
  • DC/AC inverters from 250W to 6kW for trainborne and trackside applications;
  • AC/DC converters and chargers from 1W to 3kW for trackside applications.

Relec will also be exhibiting a range of TFT displays and touchscreen technologies, from 3.5” to 15”, suitable for applications ranging from driver cab equipment through to passenger information systems. Relec considers every aspect and detail when selecting the perfect rail display solution, be it poor visibility, direct sunlight, perfect colour balance, multiple viewing angles, high reliability or extended life.

Relec prides itself on helping design engineers choose the right product for their application and its engineers will be at the show to talk visitors through any requirements they might have.

RRAPs and anti-trespass panels
Rosehill Rail
Stand J30

Rosehill Rail, the leading global provider of level crossing systems, will be showcasing its range of modular rail crossing solutions, including its innovative Interlocking RRAP system, along with the latest version of its anti-trespass panels.

The Interlocking RRAP system has been designed specifically to accommodate irregular sleeper spacing, making it ideal for permanent, semi-permanent and temporary road/rail access points. A heavy-duty solution, the Interlocking RRAP system is ideal for getting RRVs and other heavy machinery onto and off the track, again and again.

Customers using the system are able to install a 10.8-metre road/rail access point in less than 90 minutes, minimising possession times and significantly reducing costs compared to traditional concrete and other modular systems.

Utilised by rail authorities and operators worldwide, Rosehill Rail’s anti-trespass panels are a highly effective physical and visual deterrent to trespassers attempting to access the track or prohibited areas.

Approved by rail authorities worldwide, Rosehill Rail’s anti-trespass panels have been an integral part of the global rail industry’s approach to reducing risk for many years. The new conical design ensures the same all-round performance to deter trespassing but delivers even greater strength and durability, extending the products’ lifetime.

Elevated troughing – versatile and cost effective
Scott Parnell
Stand J36

Scott Parnell’s Arcosystem six-metre GRP elevated trough route is quickly becoming the sector’s trough route of choice. Saving up to 75 per cent on post installation, and readily available ex-stock, Arcosystem is reducing programming times significantly. With no loose components, the route is as easy to install as 1-2-3.

Versatile enough that it can be installed as an elevated route, wall mounted route, on embankments and across abutments, it is the answer to every design and installation scenario, working with the existing infrastructure rather than against it.

And the future of Arco doesn’t end there. Soon to be released, Size Zero offers the perfect solution to the installation of fibre optic cables on sites with minimal room for new trough route. Visit Scott Parnell on Stand J36 to see this brilliant innovation for yourself.

 Also, on display will be Touchsafe™ GRP fencing, the ONLY palisade fencing to be made with ZERO metal components.

Safety-critical and control solutions
Sella Controls
Stand K66

Sella Controls is a premier supplier of safety-critical and control solutions to the UK Rail industry. Celebrating 45 years in business, Sella Controls will be providing an insight into its range of Network Rail approved Tracklink®-based products and technologies.

These provide solutions for electrification including traction power SCADA, substation RTU and remote-control devices, mobile and on-board solutions for door control including ASDO/CSDE as well as regenerative braking and overspeed protection applications.

In addition, Sella Controls will also be providing an overview of its safety PLC-based level crossing controllers and depot control solutions, its range of services and capabilities for SISS Telecommunications and its rail services and support.

As well as Sella Controls’ own experts, representatives from key industry technology partners will be available for discussions on stand K66.

Shaping Connected Mobility
Siemens Mobility
Stand D51/E51

Siemens Mobility, in line with its focus on digitalisation and vision of shaping connected mobility, will be highlighting its market-leading capability in the development and delivery of rail vehicles, equipment and infrastructure proven in mainline and metro applications worldwide. Siemens Mobility enables transport operators to not only benefit from intelligent trains and infrastructure, but also to deliver an enhanced passenger experience and increase value over the lifecycle of their assets.

Visitors will be able to experience the benefits of digital rail technology through an automatic train operation (ATO) rail simulator and applications that the company has developed in this area. There will also be displays of the low-cost, digital-ready technology deployed for the first time on the North Wales Coast upgrade programme. Solutions developed for smart ticketing, passenger information systems, passenger flow and station information systems will also be presented

Siemens Mobility’s latest high-speed train, the Velaro Novo, will be on display alongside a showcase of its metro and commuter rail capabilities. Maintenance solutions including Railigent digital technology, MRX Technologies, upgrade and retrofit capabilities and a ‘virtual depot’ will also be shown.

Rail electrification will be a particular focus, covering the complete spectrum of requirements for AC and DC electrified railways, and a particular focus on a static frequency converter interactive exhibit will be presented, along with a Sicat Master simulation that can help engineer overhead line systems.

Finally, there will be an ‘innovation station’ for visitors to explore. This area will showcase some of the research projects and plans that are in development plus concept products for level crossings will sit alongside new grab handles, best practice across equality diversity and inclusion, careers and education.

Advanced contact technology
Stäubli Electrical Connectors
Stand V57

Stäubli Electrical Connectors is a recognised specialist in advanced contact technology and sophisticated solutions, with a product portfolio ranging from miniature to high-power connectors for power transmission, test and measurement, transportation and many other industries. The core of all Stäubli electrical connectors is its unique Multilam contact technology.

Among the Stäubli products serving the rail industry is the CT-HE range of modular CombiTac connectors. Designed for connecting battery packs used on rolling stock and other rail applications, they can be configured with or without signal contacts.

A typical configuration has two 12mm-diameter power contacts and twelve 1.6mm signal contacts for monitoring battery parameters such as temperature. Various sizes of power contacts can accept a wide range of cable cross-sections, and a make first/break last pilot contact can also be included.

The panel mount connectors are ideal for use with rackable, slide-in battery packs where blind connection is necessary. This is helped by alignment tolerances of 3° and +/- 1 mm through standard CombiTac guiding end pieces.

Another modular connector designed for rail applications is the MPC. Rated at 3,600V and up to 700A, it can be used for connecting transformers, traction motors, inverters and batteries, as well as for inter-carriage power links.

Up to 15 single pole power contacts can be housed in the connector, with up to five joined side by side in up to three layers. Linear versions can be used to produce flat connectors suitable for under-floor mounting.

BACK TO MAIN ARTICLE

Exhibitor previews: A – C

Exhibitor previews: D – G

Exhibitor previews: H – M

Exhibitor previews: T – Z

Railtex: previewing exhibitors H-M

New modular deterrent system
Hird Group
Stand R61

Hird Rail Development has been an integral part of the rail industry for over 60 years. Always at the forefront of new rail technologies, HRD supplies leading-edge rail infrastructure products and services to rail operators and contractors worldwide.

Railtex 2019 will see the official UK launch of the PRISMA modular deterrent system, an effective solution to the problem of undesired and unauthorised rail access. These innovative anti-trespass panels slot together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, covering any specified area for in-track or off-track deployment.

Hird believes in championing excellence and recognises the crucial role engineering plays in shaping the world’s rail future. Its team will be on hand throughout the show to demonstrate a wide range of track-related products including: TTS Green Trough, Railtec CBX equipment, Railpro end post repair kits and Lankhorst polymer sleepers and bearers.

Innovative trains, digital solutions and signalling
Hitachi Rail
Stand J11

Hitachi Rail is having a busy year, with new rolling stock being delivered across the UK network and beyond.

Alongside new trains, innovative digital solutions and signalling technologies are making the railways more efficient – and all of this will be on display at Railtex 2019.

Visit Hitachi Rail on stand J11 to experience its global capability and hear about the projects that are improving passenger experience around the world.

Hitachi will also be showcasing some of its exciting IoT developments, harnessing the power of Big Data to support operational and user-driven decision making, and the company’s recruitment team will be on hand to discuss careers across the business.

There will also be a range of interactive experiences and competitions throughout the event to showcase how Hitachi will continue to innovate and deliver industry-leading technology for the railways of the future.

Lithium-ion batteries for rail applications
Hoppecke Industrial Batteries
Stand F60

Hoppecke Industrial Batteries will showcase its development of lithium-ion battery technology and underline its credentials in sustainable energy solutions for the rail sector at Railtex 2019.

A world leader in the integration of battery systems for rail, Hoppecke’s energy solutions offer high levels of operational flexibility and maximum safety, irrespective of the conditions, even during times of peak demand.

On stand F60, Hoppecke will demonstrate the benefits of its lithium-ion batteries, characterised by high energy and power density, a high cycle life for both full and partial cycles and extremely low self-discharge.

Partnering with Vivarail, Hoppecke was instrumental in the launch of the UK’s first battery-powered passenger train, designing and integrating batteries to power the Class 230 trains. Vivarail also utilises Hoppecke’s ground-breaking Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which stores electrical energy and then, when the train comes into a station, pumps 1MW of energy in just eight minutes – providing sufficient power for a 65-mile range.

Reliable quality with full support
Huesker
Stand Q57

Huesker realises that rail projects pose a wide variety of challenges, making engineering know-how, cost awareness and, above all, experience, key prerequisites for the design, installation and maintenance of today’s railway network.

The demands placed on railway embankments, for example, on base courses and neighbouring structures, are sometimes extreme – high dynamic loads, subsoils with very low bearing capacity, environmental protection, spatial constraints, noise control and many more. Yet, whatever the requirements, Huesker not only delivers reliable product quality, it also offers a full range of support services meeting the most rigorous standards.

The company’s experience is built on countless rail projects implemented worldwide and its credentials are underlined by a decade-long partnership with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, as a reliable supplier of HPQ. (manufacturer-related product qualification) compliant products.

Huesker service begins with providing the customer with initial advice and ends with supporting the realisation of the project on site.

Revolutionary Bolting
Hytorc
Stand T10

Hytorc is the world’s largest and leading manufacturer of industrial bolting systems, boasting a superior line of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric torque and tension tooling. The company’s ongoing mission is to make its customers’ jobs as safe and hassle-free as possible.

Hytorc’s rail specialists guarantee to deliver safe, controlled and precise bolting solutions to solve issues experienced throughout the sector with significant improvements in operator safety, speed, accuracy and ease of use.

The ground-breaking 36-volt Lithium Series Battery Torque Gun – a Network Rail approved product – is the ultimate solution for portability and convenience on industrial bolting jobs. The lightweight design and dual speed capability make this system the go-to choice for industrial maintenance and production environments worldwide. It has been redesigned from the ground up and Hytorc is excited to announce that the next revolution in handheld electric torque tools will be released in 2019 – the Lithium Series II.

When the Lithium Series Battery Gun is combined with the Hytorc Washer™, customers have the ultimate solution for portability and convenience in industrial bolting. Together they are safer, faster and more accurate than all comparable systems.

With offices worldwide, Hytorc offers a 24/7 customer service for all rental, purchase and repair needs.

End-to-end supply solution
International Applications
Stand K80

International Applications is a global supply chain specialist, serving customers in rail, industrial, wood and automotive industries. They offer an end-to-end solution that specialises in process optimisation and supplying a comprehensive portfolio of coatings, consumables and equipment as appointed distributors of Helios Rebrantin, Lagos Sky Trotter and Carlisle.

International Applications’ main objective is to provide solutions for their customers by offering practical expertise and a wide range of support services, from inventory management to waste disposal, that enables customers to focus on their own core competencies.

As a relative newcomer to the rail industry, International Applications has already found success in applying its expertise and optimisation strategies, working closely with major rail service providers.

Non-contact laser measurement
Ixthus Instrumentation
Stand L86

Ixthus Instrumentation is one of the rail sector’s leading suppliers in providing a range of rail measuring gauges for wheel-set maintenance monitoring, wheel diameter, wheel profile, brake disc profile and rail head profiles and cross switch profiles.

Hand-held non-contact laser measuring and data-logging devices are available, as well as a real-time dynamic on-track wheel-geometry monitoring system.

Ixthus Instrumentation also specialises in non-contacting position measurement, using inductive, capacitance, ultrasonic, force and laser technologies, and provides technical support for bespoke design projects, calibration and installation.

Winter meets its match
Kilfrost
Stand Q67

Kilfrost has kept the railways moving over the winter, even though it’s been hard to ignore the onslaught of media stories about the plunging temperatures and their effect on public transport. However, this Railtex exhibitor has been innovating products to keep the rail industry moving for more than eight decades.

Over in the USA, officials in Chicago used flames from gas heaters to melt snow and ice on their railways in a bid to keep trains moving and avoid lengthy passenger delays after temperatures dipped to -30C. But pioneering ways to tackle below-freezing weather started much closer to home.

Kilfrost founder Joseph Halbert launched the very first de-icing product in Northumberland in the 1930s, inspired by the humble snowdrop. Having first used the technology to the advantage of the aviation sector, the company has since applied its expertise to heat transfer fluids, the ground sector and, of course, the railways.

Now there is a whole range of products, covering rolling stock, track and ground and the company is an approved supplier for Network Rail for electrified third rail products, providing de-icing and anti-icing solutions to meet any need. As well as launching new products, the company has focused on expansion across its 80-year history and had reached all corners of the globe by the turn of the century.

Tackling the rail lifecycle with innovative technology
Korec
Stand G40

Korec believes that improving productivity and safety whilst reducing costs can best be achieved by combining an integrated approach with innovative technology. This is all backed up by high quality advice from both the Korec team and Trimble professionals drawing on worldwide expertise.

At Railtex 2019, Korec experts will be available to discuss everything, from surveying thousands of metres of 3D track corridor, to solutions for checking digs against 3D design data whilst keeping ‘boots off ballast’.

Visitors will also be able to find out about using Trimble’s GEDO IMS System for super-efficient surveying of railway lines and documentation of all assets along the track, how to remotely survey sites post-dig for real time comparisons to 3D design data using an SX10 scanning total station, and how an MX9 mobile mapping system on a rail adapted vehicles surveyed 1,900 metres of track in less than ten minutes.

Universal Ethernet services
Lantech
Stand K40

Lantech is an IRIS-certified company that offers a complete family of industrial networking products and solutions that provide for the delivery of universal Ethernet services across various markets and applications.

At Railtex this year, Lantech is going to demonstrate the company’s latest 10G copper/fibre uplinks EN50155 Ethernet Switches. The series is Layer 3 / Layer 3 Lite upgradable with optional R-NAT supported, providing the highest flexibility for on-board and trackside applications.

The company will also be showing its latest multifunction 4G LTE/Wi-Fi VPN routers with up to four SIM cards, two serial ports, six Giga-speed Ethernet ports or four Giga-speed Ethernet ports plus two SPF fibre ports. The routers support advanced function of VPN with L2+ management function built-in.

Track management and performance monitoring
LB Foster Europe
Stand F11

LB Foster Europe returns to Railtex for the first time since 2015 on stand F11. The company is launching its new, end-to-end track management and performance monitoring solutions, integrating conventional rail products with intelligent, always-on, digital technologies to improve performance, deliver cost efficiencies and enhance safety.

Total Rail Management™ combines the company’s comprehensive portfolio of high-performance rail products with market leading onboard and trackside friction management solutions, delivering extended asset life and improved asset performance. Total Rail Monitoring™ creates a smart interface between conventional track products and intelligent, performance monitoring, digital technologies, delivering always-on data that improve asset performance, drive cost efficiencies, enhance safety and assist security.

LB Foster’s configurable, fourth generation Protector® system accurately targets friction modifying material on the appropriate part of the rail. ProtectorIV is designed to apply either gauge face grease or Keltrack® high-performance friction modifier. A new, digital control box with Remote Performance Monitoring (RPM™) capability, provides customers with the ability to monitor and report ProtectorIV uptime, maintenance concerns and refilling requirements, in order to proactively manage the equipment installed on track more efficiently.

A special, bespoke, high capacity ProtectorIV, developed for use on the Crossrail project, accommodates 230+ litres of grease or Keltrack – an increase of nearly 300 per cent on standard ProtectorIV. The modified, modular solution is designed specifically for tunnel applications, with the capability to retro-fit new control boxes with enhanced functionality post installation. The control box module simply unbolts, with no need to uncouple the motor or pump.

New voltage transducer for measuring traction power
LEM
Stand A47

LEM is the market leader in providing innovative and high-quality solutions for measuring electrical parameters. Its core products – current and voltage transducers – are used in a broad range of applications in drives and welding, renewable energies and power supplies, traction, high precision, conventional and green cars and businesses.

The rail industry uses LEM products for on-board energy measurement, propulsion and auxiliary inverters control, track asset monitoring and improving maintenance infrastructures.

At Railtex 2019, LEM is exhibiting its latest voltage transducer for the safe measurement of 1,000VRMS in traction applications. Despite achieving very high levels of isolation, with a safety insulation voltage of 4.2 kV, the DVC 1000-P transducer is really compact, measuring only 37 x 43 x 23.5mm and can be mounted on a printed circuit board. It delivers a great overall accuracy of +/- 1 per cent at +25°C and has an operating range of -40°C to +85°C.

Hydraulic lifting for awkward spaces
Majorlift Hydraulic Equipment
Stand H90

Majorlift will be exhibiting at Railtex for the first time. Well known as manufacturers of hydraulic lifting equipment to the truck/bus and garage industries, the 50-year-old family-owned company is based in a high-tech factory in Gloucestershire. It moved into rail when it was approached by a railway workshop that had problems lifting awkwardly placed equipment under locomotives.

Engineers from Majorlift visited the site and, in conjunction with the customer’s own engineers, designed and built a bespoke product which solved the problem quickly and, most of all, safely.

From this, an opportunity was identified in the market for a lifting product to cope with equipment weighing up to150kgs. By using its expertise in the road haulage industry, it was possible to produce suitable equipment at a competitive price for railway workshops.

As a result, Majorlift hydraulic lifting equipment is now in use in rail workshops in Manchester, Northampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Acton.

Safe, reliable and robust test solutions
Megger
Stand L93

Megger prides itself on the development of safe, reliable and robust test solutions, with low lifetime costs that do not compromise on accuracy of performance.

At Railtex, Megger will be exhibiting a range of products used in the rail industry, including the DET earth testers that measure the resistance of electrodes and earthed equipment.

The DLRO product family will also be on show. These low resistance ohmmeters equip with Microohm resolution for checking connections, high current circuits and circuit breaker contact resistance.

Mechan marks 50 successful years
Mechan
Stand N10

Mechan, the Sheffield-based manufacturer of lifting and handling equipment and a regular exhibitor at Railtex, is celebrating its fiftieth year in the business.

Much has changed in the half century since the depot maintenance specialist was launched, but its commitment to quality, safety and reliability remains unwavering.

A reputation for innovation

Founded in 1969 to serve Sheffield’s dominant steel industry, Mechan found diversification was necessary to survive following the sector’s collapse in the 1980s. Its first set of rail car lifting jacks was launched in 1990 and they are now the company’s most recognisable creation, standing sentry in depots across the world.

Thanks to continued investment in research and development, the firm’s product range has expanded organically to cater for all types of underfloor lifting and handling, bogie workshop equipment and vehicle component removal, including bespoke traversers. It is the only company in the UK that can showcase an ability to design and build these behemoths for any size or weight of vehicle and it currently holds the record for the largest installation in Britain, based at the Port of Felixstowe’s North Rail Terminal. With a capacity of 170 tonnes, the structure is one of a kind, and one of the most advanced traversers ever produced by Mechan.

This commitment to innovation is at the heart of the firm’s continued popularity with depot operators and forms the basis of all its homegrown equipment. Its flagship yellow jacks have revolutionised the way in which bogies, wheelsets and other underfloor components are accessed, offering a reliable, yet flexible, way to lift complete trains without decoupling. This, in turn, has vastly improved servicing times, facilitating much-lauded pitstop style maintenance procedures.

Boasting a design life of at least 25 years – far longer than other lightweight alternatives – Mechan’s jacks will maintain a load even when power is lost and can be modified to suit wide or tall vehicles, moved around as necessary and configured to lift a train of almost any length.

The latest technology and networking expertise combine to create the Megalink control system that is used to synchronise jacks, producing a smooth and safe lift. The theoretical position of every unit in a chain is broadcast at regular intervals, so each one can make speed adjustments so precise they are undetectable to the eye, correcting any height deviations.

Megalink enables just one person to manage a lift, using a remote, full colour touch screen controller that displays useful data about maintenance and servicing and gives the operator a complete overview or the option to focus in on a particular jack, making it easier to diagnose faults.

The most recent addition to Mechan’s range is a cost-effective, lightweight jack, designed specifically for the tram and light rail markets. This smaller version still retains all of the features so revered in its heavier counterparts, but has a different base arrangement and built in assembly for ease of movement around a depot. It can be utilised in sets of almost any length, but has a lower lifting height to cater for the proximity of the car and rail.

The future

Just two years ago, Mechan joined French rail infrastructure group CIM and is now part of a larger conglomerate, CMI. This has accelerated international development and exports now play a more significant role in its development than ever before.

In 2018, the firm completed its first joint project with CIM for the Panama City Metro, delivering twenty 12-tonne lifting jacks, four turntables and 40 vehicle stands for a new depot built in the Nuevo Tocumen area.

Lindsey Mills, Mechan’s sales manager, said: “Since CIM’s takeover, our international development has advanced dramatically and we are receiving enquiries from across the globe. The Panama project was particularly significant, as the Americas were the only continents we had yet to supply.”

Rail experts from its parent groups have joined Mechan’s board, alongside longstanding members of the in-house team. Martin Berry has been promoted to engineering director, bringing a wealth of technical expertise built over 15 years with the firm, and qualified mechanical engineer Andrew Mott from CIM was appointed managing director.

By embracing diversity, Mechan benefits from a range of voices at all levels of the business, offering different perspectives, which ultimately leads to better decision-making and continued innovation. More than a quarter of the company’s staff, and half of the management team, are women, almost double the rail industry standard. A number of them have enjoyed more than a decade of service, with administration manager, Alison Bradshaw, clocking up an impressive 27 years.

This continuity is attributed to Mechan’s recognition of talent and efforts to retain those who make a valuable contribution to its success. Various policies and practises are in place to support flexible working, enabling employees to balance family commitments, such as school runs, with their professional responsibilities.

Mechan has held the internationally-acclaimed Investors in People standard since 2009 and, in its reaccreditation last year, it was described by the assessor has having a “strong purpose and vision to be recognised as the best in the industry.”

It is this pride in its work and keen focus on developing products that meet the changing needs of the rail sector that has seen the firm through every stage in its development. Thanks to its dedicated team, this innovation and drive to succeed will continue long into the future.

Onboard networking and computing solutions
Moxa Europe
Stand E31

Moxa provides a variety of onboard networking and computing solutions that are based on the EN 50155 standard, including wired and wireless devices, computing equipment, and I/O controllers that fulfil requirements for different onboard systems to ensure safe and enjoyable journeys for passengers.

Wireless technologies are frequently used in train-to-ground applications to develop bi-directional communication. Moxa provides WLAN and an onboard communication gateway that can fulfil the system requirements for vital data communication systems such as CBTC. In addition, Moxa solutions can meet the requirements for non-vital data communication such as passenger information systems.

Wayside signalling and telecommunication systems that are used along the trackside require large networks to collect and transmit data back to the control centre. Some systems also have to collect extra data from turnouts and level crossings in order to ensure smooth daily operations. Moxa’s Ethernet switches and programmable controllers are compliant with the wayside EN 50121 standard to meet these requirements.

Recruitment Redefined
MPI
Stand D60

MPI has been sourcing and growing rail personnel across a range of technical roles since 1989, providing support for professional and technical roles alongside its growing trainee scheme.

MPI may be the most established recruitment agency in the rail industry, but it’s never lost that personal touch. The business is all about people – and MPI is proud to have this focus at its core, always spending the time to understand exactly what each client and candidate needs.

With a strong track record of working for signalling, civils, telecommunications, rolling stock, maintenance and construction companies, MPI provides a competent, reliable solution to smooth workload peaks, working with its independent professional head and technical advisors to ensure only competent and experienced candidates are placed.

RISQS approved, with a highly commended competence management system and the ability to deliver fixed price packages of work, MPI is dedicated – at every level – to ensuring that the safety of its candidates and clients is never comprised.

New compact push-pull converters
MTM Power
Stand J03

MTM Power’s PCMD400 has, for years, been a well-proven converter series, especially designed for applications in vehicle and railway technology as well as in rugged industrial markets.

Following a complete redesign of this series, MTM Power® now offers – with the new PCMDS400 series – converters using state-of-the-art technology, which, at the same time, fulfil all the various applicable standards. In addition, the DC/DC converters now offer connection via push-in cage clamp connectors.

The devices operate according to the push-pull principle – the input DC voltage is chopped by two push-pull transistors working at a frequency of approximately 70kHz. With the help of a transformer and a secondary linear choke, a galvanically isolated output voltage of 24V is produced, which is adjusted by pulse-width modulation according to the current mode principle.

Due to their compact design, the new converters are particularly suitable for applications where only space is at a premium.

New powerpacks cut emissions and save fuel
MTU Friedrichshafen
Stand N51

MTU will be displaying its new hybrid powerpack, which meets the stringent EU Stage V emissions requirements and is suitable for both new-build and retrofits, on its stand at Railtex 2019.

The EU Stage V-ready MTU portfolio of drive solutions ranges from powerpacks for DMUs with Series 1800 (315 – 375kW) and Series 1600 (565 – 736kW) engines, to Series 4000 engines for locomotives with a power output of 1,500 – 2,400kW. All MTU drive solutions for EU Stage V will be available in time for the new emissions regulations which come into force in 2021.

The MTU Hybrid PowerPack is an eco-friendly drive system which incorporates an MTU diesel engine plus an electrical machine, which can be used either as an electric motor or generator, and an MTU EnergyPack battery system which stores the energy recovered during braking. The result is a significant decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – by up to 25 percent depending on vehicles and routes.

BACK TO MAIN ARTICLE

Exhibitor previews: A – C

Exhibitor previews: D – G

Exhibitor previews: N – S

Exhibitor previews: T – Z

Railtex – previewing exhibitors D-G

Depot equipment supply and service
Depot Rail
Stand P31

Depot Rail was formed in 2001 as a consultancy business, but quickly developed into a company representing specialist suppliers to train maintenance depots.

Over the years, Depot Rail has developed a portfolio of products and suppliers, all of whom work exclusively with the company in the UK and Irish markets. By choosing the best suppliers in each product group and maintaining long-term relationships, it is able to offer an unrivalled range of products and in-depth expertise on those products. The product range includes rail lifting jacks, rail vehicle shunters, wheelset presses, bogie test machines and much more

A service business has also been developed, and Depot Rail now has a team of fully trained service engineers to carry out routine maintenance work and repairs on all of the equipment that it supplies.

Having grown to be one of the leading suppliers of depot equipment in the UK and Ireland, with a committed and dynamic team of staff, Depot Rail now plans for an exciting future for both itself and its customers.

More than just counting passengers
Dilax Intelcom
Stand B44

DILAX specialises in capturing, managing and analysing passenger flows. The company’s portfolio includes automatic passenger counting (APC), seat management solutions and smart data analytics tools for reporting and predictions.

The new DILAX counting sensor is equipped with stereoscopic camera technology and has an AI-based algorithm for detecting and tracking objects. In addition to classic automatic passenger counting, a distinction between adults and children is possible, as is object detection of items such as wheelchairs and bicycles.

Citisense software is able to manage, aggregate and evaluate a variety of data and doesn’t just count passenger numbers. The newest feature analyses passenger flows in the transport network based on APC data, further data from third-party systems such as ticket transactions, timetable data and Wi-Fi tracking could be included as well.

This data allows the current occupancy level of a vehicle (in real time) to be determined and passed on to passengers, so they can optimise their travel planning.

Relays with a proven track record
Dold Industries
Stand N55

Dold is a leading ISO 9001-approved European manufacturer of measuring relays, timers and interface relays for industrial, safety and railway applications, with a hard-earned reputation for service, product reliability and performance.

Currently, many train manufacturers and maintainers worldwide specify, install and rely on Dold relay products. As a direct result, many products in its range comply with current UK rolling stock requirements for EMC, voltage & transients, temperature and shock and vibration.

As Dold is the designer and manufacturer of its products – internal relays, enclosures and PCB assemblies – it can offer cost-effective and flexible technical solutions to replace many of the old and discontinued relays and timers still found in service on UK rolling stock.

Dold is currently offering innovative solutions to train maintenance depots for HV switchgear interlocking and trapped key interlock access and is involved in major European and international signalling projects for positive guided PCB relays.

Ruggedised railway communication platform
Elma Electronic UK
Stand C16

Elma Electronic will have on display its latest ruggedised and modular computing system with optional memory expansion and communication interface.

The system can be equipped with three Eurocards (100x160mm) and an optional three or two-slot backplane. In addition, there is the option to use an integrated wide-input range power supply covering the railway battery voltages from 14.4 to 154VDC.

The CPCI-serial standard is widely accepted, so the modular concept allows the configuration of custom solutions very quickly, and a broad range of CPCI-serial CPU cards, from Atom to Xeon-Processors, are available off-the-shelf.

The scalability and availability of many CPCI-serial cards makes this system ideal for data monitoring and analysis or for passenger information systems on trains. In addition, CPCI-serial carrier boards for PMC, XMC and PCIe-modules allow the integration of Wi-Fi, GPS, GSM, GSM-R and custom interfaces.

Stored energy solutions for rail
EnerSys
Stand R60

EnerSys® is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications and an experienced supplier to the rail industry. It offers cost-effective systems for many rolling stock applications.

Using its experience, skills and knowledge, EnerSys plans, manages and successfully delivers the complete energy solution project. Its products have a background of 100 years of accumulated expertise in the rail industry, from project planning, design and engineering to carrying out installation and monitoring of turnkey solutions of energy systems to many rail customers.

Designed with railway applications in mind
Finder
Stand A51

Finder’s European-manufactured components, including relays, timers, monitoring and level control products, are assembled to withstand higher railway-specific technical demands including: wider operating ranges, higher shock and vibration resistance, operation of wider ranges of temperature and humidity, and fire resistance of the relay’s constituent parts.

As a result, Finder products are suitable for a range of railway applications including door, light and air-conditioning systems, signal control and traffic management.

In addition, Finder relays, sockets and accessories are manufactured using specific insulting materials, which satisfy the requirement R26 of fire protection by standard EN 45545-2:2013 for product category EL10.

The products’ vibration and shock resistance meet EN 61373 for Category 1, Class B products while their temperature and humidity resistance comply with EN 50155 standard, TX class or T1 class.

Passenger and driver seats
FISA Fabbrica Italiana Sedili Autoferroviari
Stand H45

FISA was founded in the north-east of Italy, near the border with Austria and Slovenia, back in 1960, specialising in design and production of seats for public transport vehicles on road and rail. The factory covers about 10,000 square metres and employs approximately 100 people.

Today, as it has for the past 10 years, railway passenger seats, along with locomotive driver seats, represent 90 per cent of production. The company is a leader of this field in Italy and is steadily increasing its presence in the markets of the European Union, with a particular focus on the emerging markets of Eastern Europe.

With an order book that is constantly growing, FISA is now the alternative passenger and driver seat supplier dedicated to the UK market. The recently established FISA Seating System Ltd, combined with UK companies which are already established in the industry, gives FISA the advantage of local supply and after-sales product service, which is considered paramount in this ever-demanding market.

Cable protection solutions
Flexicon
Stand P44

Flexicon will be showcasing its extensive range of cable protection solutions for rail, exhibited using a series of dynamic displays demonstrating product fire performance, system security, integrity and quality assurance.

Among the systems on display will be Flexicon’s new, extended FPAX range of in-line dividers, developed specifically for the rail industry. These nylon (PA66) moulded fittings are an ideal solution for dividing or combining conduit systems in-line, offering a flexible cable protection solution for wiring systems while maintaining system integrity.

Flexicon’s new range of easy-fit abrasion rings will also be showcased on the stand. Suitable for applications where abrasion or mechanical wear of non-metallic conduit could be a potential hazard, abrasion rings offer a further level of protection where conduit may come into contact with other objects or surfaces through movement or vibration. The abrasion ring’s two-piece design ensures it can be applied retrospectively anywhere along the conduit.

Reliable hydraulics reduce operating costs
Flotec
Stand D66

Flotec provides a range of services and products to the rail industry for the maintenance and overhaul of fleets of traction and rolling stock. Its key focus is delivering cost savings and long-term engineering solutions.

Almost any hydraulic requirement can be met through Flotec, which can usually find the perfect hydraulic solution for any application. These may include a reduction of fleet operating costs, improving and monitoring fleet reliability or enhancing cooling systems.

Services include supplying reliable engineering support to rolling stock leasing companies, train operating companies, and track plant machinery operators. Improvements can be made through hydrostatic hose optimisation, choosing the best hose and connector solutions and by initiating a hose management programme, complete with hose tagging and roll-stamping.

Site surveys and condition assessments are supported by comprehensive quality and safety training and the use of a fully kitted-out mobile workshop.

Innovative wayside sensors provide real-time information
Frauscher Sensor Technology
Stand G37

Frauscher will present its new SENSiS system as the highlight of its Railtex display.

“With a newly developed sensor, which works as an intelligent device on the track, this system sets new standards,” said Elaine Baker, managing director of Frauscher UK

“Evaluation of the sensor signal takes place in the sensor – directly on the rail. Using a dedicated bus system, digitised data is transferred directly from the SENSiS Detection Point SDP to the SENSiS Processing Unit SPU in the indoor location.

“The possibility of building ring architectures enables immense savings by reducing the cabling required. In addition, the sensor is able to collect information on temperature and vibration. In the overall package, this system opens up completely new possibilities and represents the latest generation of track vacancy detection against the backdrop of an increasing digitalisation of the railway industry.”

FTS: All trains and infrastructure at a glance

With the further development of Frauscher Tracking Solutions FTS, the company will present more highlights at this year’s Railtex. For improved train tracking, the focus was on accuracy and reliability in the detection of a train’s front and rear, travelling speed and direction.

“This enables an accurate and continuous calculation of the arrival time at a specific point. Various applications, such as passenger information or platform announcements, can thus be optimised. The ongoing information on train position and speed profiles enables more efficient traffic management. The type, year of construction and origin of the track vehicles do not affect their detectability,” Baker explained.

Additionally, the further-developed FTS provides railway operators and service companies with an interface that maps the condition of track and infrastructure in real time. She said: “Changes in the condition of various components – track, track bed, sleepers, wheels and more – are detected and displayed on a user interface in a clear form for the first time. Thereby, FTS supports condition-based maintenance strategies based on predictive and preventive approaches.”

Proven axle counter

The company’s well proven Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC will be on display at Railtex. This modern axle counter provides flexible interfaces and high modularity. It allows for individual solutions to be developed in close collaboration with the customer according to project specific requirements.

The FAdC is already recognised by the UK market with numerous projects completed and underway. Additionally, innovative functionalities, such as Supervisor Track Sections STS and Counting Head Control CHC are already available with this system.

Wheel Sensor RSR110 enables individual solutions

The establishment of inductive wheel sensors in different regions and railway segments around the globe means that new areas of use are constantly being discovered. Due to its open, analogue interface, the Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR110 can easily and quickly be integrated into any infrastructure. Evaluation of the sensor signal can be realised by the system integrator or operator themselves.

Baker highlighted the benefits which arise from this flexibility: “This allows for the tailored realisation of wheel detection-based applications, such as weighing, lubrication, imaging and others.”

This sensor is available in two system variants – the RSR110d contains two sensor systems, the RSR110s has one sensor system. This enables the economic realisation of even more applications in different areas, such as depots or yards. To provide support if required, Frauscher has developed a Wheel Signal Converter (WSC), which converts the analogue signal into a digital signal and creates the corresponding interface.

At stand number G37, visitors can discuss their requirements with Frauscher experts directly to find out how these innovative solutions can help them to track more with less.

‘SMART’ depot equipment addresses availability issues
Garrandale
Stand N31

Garrandale Rail will be showcasing a new generation of intelligent ‘SMART’ depot equipment for sustainable and cost saving technologies.

This new range, including carriage wash systems, fuelling and AdBlue stations, controlled emission toilets and lubricating and monitoring systems, can be fitted with the latest in predict and prevent technology. It has been specifically designed to address infrastructure availability issues on the rail network.

With robotic technology sure to play a critical role in the future of train servicing, Garrandale is working, as part of a consortium, to develop practical, working robotic systems for essential routine functions such as fuelling, waste removal, tanking, screen wash and visual damage inspection and reporting.

Joining Garrandale on its stand will be a project team from Cranfield University’s Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D), with whom the Derby-based company is working closely to develop a Safe Waste System for use of rolling stock.

Rail-approved panel and box builds
Gem Cable Solutions
Stand V41

Gem Cable Solutions arrives at Railtex with a proven track record of over 20 years in the rail industry. Initially, Gem worked in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent on the Fixed Telecoms Network (FTN) project, supplying all the required coaxial, data and fibre-optic cable assemblies. Branching out, Gem has expanded its offerings, so customers can now benefit from customised rail-approved panel and box builds, coupled with the simplicity of a one stop shop, for all their consumable items.

Gem Cable Solutions is RISQS approved, ensuring that customers can be confident in the quality of its UK manufactured bespoke cable assemblies, looms, and harnesses. The experienced workforce can quickly and effectively engineer customised solutions, delivering it against an agreed timetable, collaborating with design, overseeing manufacture, and upholding company standards beyond delivery with RISQS, ISO9001:2015, JOSCAR and IPC-A620 certification.

Stainless steel slope stabilisation for coastal areas
Geobrugg
Stand L84

Geobrugg’s geo-hazard protection solutions can help protect both assets and infrastructure.

The global leader in the supply of high-tensile steel wire safety nets and meshes, many years of experience and intensive collaboration with universities and research institutes make Geobrugg a reliable partner when it comes to protection and safety solutions.

From slope stabilisation mesh, the TECCO® system, through to its range of rockfall and landslide barriers, Geobrugg can provide protection from all geo-hazards.

One example is the use of the stainless steel TECCO system in the protection of the Cambrian rock cutting campaign on the coastline in mid-Wales. This highly corrosive environment led to an in-depth life-cycle-cost assessment.

Although initial material costs are higher for stainless steel mesh, plates and anchor bar, this was more than outweighed by the increase in effective design life and so was specified by the Network Rail design delivery team from Bristol and contractor Alun Griffiths.

Signal sighting, driver briefings and BIM
Gioconda
Stand U57

Gioconda was established in the UK in 2006, specifically to develop desktop signal sighting tools for the UK rail market.

The award of two Network Rail framework contracts helped to establish the business as a primary source for UK signal sighting and driver briefing. Since then, Gioconda has worked on some of the biggest and smallest projects in the UK and prides itself on the quality, accuracy and efficiency of its services.

In 2013, the company took the active decision to look for international projects and the first project was delivered to Australia in 2015.

Now in its 14th year, many of Gioconda’s models and services from the last few years will be on display – for signal sighting, driver briefing, asset survey and BIM. There will also be a new and improved signal sighting competition “STOP THE TRAIN”, where visitors could win a fabulous desktop Live Departure Board (www.ukdepartureboards.co.uk).

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Exhibitor previews: A – C

Exhibitor previews: H – M

Exhibitor previews: N – S

Exhibitor previews: T – Z

Railtex – previewing exhibitors A-C

Technology solutions and services
ADComms – a Panasonic company
Stand D81

ADComms, a Panasonic company, delivers innovative technology solutions and services to owners and operators of mission critical infrastructure.

With extensive experience in the telecommunications and networks markets, ADComms works with clients to develop intelligent connected solutions that solve operational challenges. The company innovates, designs and builds telecoms, network, energy and train-borne technology solutions while providing a dedicated customer service. Its maintenance organisation supports its solutions post deployment, to ensure reliability and extended operational life.

ADComms will be showcasing its on-board train technology, control room management systems, track to train connectivity, infrastructure services, traction & rolling stock, train presentation & workshop consumables.

Talented individuals for complex assignments
Advanced Resource Managers (ARM)
Stand D86

Advanced Resource Managers (ARM) works with some of the biggest consultancies, best-known contractors and busiest local authorities in the UK. Considered true experts within the industry, ARM’s rail consultants possess a combined 25 years’ experience and specialise in permanent, contract and fixed term placements across a broad of range skillsets for this very niche sector. Buzzing with activity, there are many job opportunities in rail right now.

ARM is proud to work with a broad range of businesses across a number of sub-sectors within rail and infrastructure. It supplies talented professionals to customers who work in multiple disciplines and have delivered complex assignments for some of the industry’s leading specialist companies, including client organisations, design consultancies, cost engineers and contractors, based both in the UK and around the world.

With a strong reputation in these markets, based around delivery of some highly successful packages of work, ARM often sources candidates with extremely hard-to-find skills. This isn’t confined only to the UK either; the international division is fast picking up speed.

Sectors in which ARM operates include:

•           Highways, Traffic & Transportation
•           Electrification
•           Civils
•           Signalling & Telecoms
•           Systems
•           Rolling Stock
•           Commercial & Supply Chain
•           Utilities.

Total Solutions service for railway cables
AEI Cables
Stand G16

AEI Cables will be showing why Network Rail its specialist cables for a range of signalling needs across its infrastructure – meeting the highest standards of rail accreditations.

These cables will provide power for train protection warning systems, playing an essential part in ensuring the smooth running and reliability of the rail network.

They ensure the transmission of signals and a continuous power supply across all trackside signalling equipment, with a voltage rating from 650-1100V and an operating temperature range from -25 to 85 degrees, complete with insulation including Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH).

AEI Cables provides a Total Solutions service for rail from one source for infrastructure, signalling, rolling stock and power supply, meeting the latest LUL (London Underground Limited), EN, Railway Industry Association and other relevant national and international standards, the service includes technical advice, design and supply.D

Sustainable Mobility
Alstom Transport UK
Stand S41

Alstom, as a promoter of sustainable mobility, develops and markets systems, equipment and services for the transport sector, offering a complete range of solutions (from high-speed trains to metros, tramways and e-buses), passenger solutions, customised services (maintenance, modernisation), infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility solutions.

Highlights of Alstom’s exhibition this year include a new hydrogen train for the UK market. Codenamed ‘Breeze’, this will be a conversion of existing Class 321 trains, reengineered by Alstom and Eversholt Rail to create a clean, green train for the modern age.

Alstom’s Widnes modernisation facility is the most advanced in the country. The main modernisation hall in Widnes is so large that it rivals the size of the deck of the UK’s flagship new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

One of the UK’s most successful electrification businesses, Alstom has recently played a key role in delivering Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa.

At the last Railtex, in 2017, Alstom unveiled its Clever cantilever which has a unique design. With fewer connections, the cantilever is easier and quicker to install.

The Digital Railway will be delivered using products such as Alstom’s world-renowned Atlas ERTMS family. Atlas offers a complete system for optimal efficiency and complete safety, delivering a number of benefits like improved line capacity (high-density, higher speed) and service reliability as well as compatibility with energy-saving driving profiles.

Lightweight headwalls
Aqua Fabrications
Stand P11

Aqua Fabrications manufactures and supplies quality on/off drainage systems and cable management for the rail network. From geotextiles to catch-pits to UTX chambers, Aqua’s experience, coupled with unrivalled service, provides clients with a reliable and trustworthy supplier.

At Railtex, Aqua will be promoting its new and innovative Belvedere headwall. This unique product can be installed instead of concrete and, due to its low weight, its can be manhandled into place instead of requiring a crane to lift it. Such an advantage results in cost and time benefits for the client and health and safety issues for its employees.

Spectacular rail branding
Aura Graphics
Stand M64

Aura Graphics’ rail branding, refurbishment and presentation services offer comprehensive, flexible project solutions that work with customers’ needs every step of the way to enhance, safeguard, and maintain rail rolling stock.

With everything from exterior branding to interior repaints taken care of, Aura’s commitment to supreme quality keeps trains looking first class – inside and out.

At Railtex 2019, Aura Graphics is are very excited to announce that it will be showcasing a host of new products and services, including a spectacular new product that promotes sustainability and reduces carbon footprint, but also comes with increased fire accreditation that far outweighs any product in its class in the rail market.

To understand more about the launch of this product, visit stand M64 and be the first to see what will be unveiled.

Maintenance-free switch point roller
Austoroll
Stand L91

Austroroll has designed a maintenance-free switch point roller that sets itself apart, due to its impressive robustness, simple assembly and high operational efficiency. It is the only permanent flexible switch point roller in the world with a five-year warranty.

Installed in the spaces between sleepers, the device dispenses entirely with the slide plate lubrication that turnouts normally require. It dramatically reduces point failures, and can cut the switching forces that point drives must exert by as much as 60 per cent, saving over 20 litres per year of lubricants per set of points.

With sales of well over 220,00 since its introduction in 1992, the system has been successfully used by most of Europe’s railway companies for many years. Austroroll has performed well at temperatures of over 80 degrees in the Australian outback and has coped equally well with the gruelling conditions of the Brazilian rainforest.

High-performance carpets with aesthetic prowess
Axminster Carpets
Stand B16

Axminster Carpets draws on its experience across the transport sector to service the largest rail operators with the most precise requirements, now accounting for the majority of all woven train carpet.

Bespoke refurbishment projects include South Western Railway, ScotRail, Northern and the prestigious Belmond British Pullman – a glamourous, vintage train which invites each passenger to travel back to the Golden Age of rail travel, the roaring 20s.

An Axminster carpet combines high performance with aesthetic prowess and ecological responsibility – renewable, biodegradable and sustainable. Beautiful to live with, work with and travel with!

With exceptional quality and capability credentials, Axminster Carpets have established themselves as a market leader, offering the very best in the industry since 1755.

Improved signalling fault location systems
Bender UK
Stand H91

Bender UK is showcasing its improved RS4 signalling fault location systems. Previous variants of the device, the RS2 and RS3, are proven in use by Network Rail – monitoring and relaying vital information on the status of power supplies.

The new RS4 is designed to comply with standard NR/L2/SIGELP/27725. Variants of the RS4 will accommodate Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 requirements. Delivering improved fault location at higher insulation resistance levels ensures even earlier warning of electrical failure – increasing the engineer time to arrange and implement repair and maintenance plans.

Bender condition monitoring solutions will be also be displayed on stand H91, as well as a working RS4 demonstration to allow exhibitors a first-hand experience of the advanced equipment in use.

‘One-stop’ partner for enclosures and safety switches
Bernstein
Stand W36

Bernstein is a specialist manufacturer of enclosures, safety switches, limit switches and sensors. With local and worldwide value-added capabilities, Bernstein is the perfect ‘one-stop’ solutions partner.

With expert knowledge in the field of contact and non-contact detection of solids, liquids (including people), plus protection solutions for the most delicate customer products, Bernstein produces products that operate in the harshest of environments. These are especially suited for use within the rail industry, providing solutions for longstanding application requirements, trackside or train borne. Applications include dual door monitoring, TPWS, WSP, HADB, platform screen doors and blind spot safety sensors.

Bernstein continues to be a partner to all leading rail companies, being a safety critically approved supplier to Siemens and Bombardier with heavy involvement on the Crossrail project. See below link to follow an overview of our product supply to the rail industry.

Innovative research and design concepts
Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE)
Stand G60

The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) will be showcasing some of the latest innovations in the sector, from fundamental university-based research to more developed concepts that are ready to take to market.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss their research needs and ideas with the team and to see how the BCRRE, at the University of Birmingham, could support their businesses.

A key part of the BCRRE stand will be to showcase DIGI-RAIL, an ERDF-funded project designed to help SMEs in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Coventry and Warwickshire (CWLEP) areas get access to world-class expertise to develop in the rail industry.

Alongside BCRRE, the Rail Alliance will be providing information on its exciting new offering for the wider industry, so visitors can find out how to become part of the new Rail Alliance community and the benefits and options available to community participants and partners.

Specialised identification solutions
Brady
Stand U16

Brady, a global identification solutions specialist, has developed a comprehensive identification offer specifically for rail vehicle manufacturers. These are engineered to make sure they are compliant and resistant against the challenges faced by the industry.

Extensive research capabilities enable Brady to continuously evolve and adapt products to new norms and regulations, such as EN-45545. Designed for easy application, Brady’s rail vehicle identification solutions are printable on-site using Brady printers.

The ‘Identification Solutions in Rail Vehicle Manufacturing’ book summarises Brady’s expertise and capabilities and shows identification solutions that can be part of sustainable, flexible and timesaving technologies in rail vehicle manufacturing.

Amongst the latest products released by Brady, the B-348 Mass Transit Tag complies with minimal smoke and halogen emission requirements of the strictest underground norms for mass transit vehicles. Printable both on-site and in the field, the tag is a practical solution for mass transit manufacturers to identify thick cables and cable bundles.

The new BradyPrinter M611 Mobile Printer announces a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of identification. Now even the most complex labels can be designed in the field using only a smartphone and Brady’s free Express app before printing on reliable, industrial grade label materials with the BradyPrinter M611

For more-demanding applications, the BradyPrinter i3300 Industrial Label Printer is a completely hassle free, easy to use PC-based printer that can print a full range of safety and facility labels and signs as well as die cut labels for wire identification, product identification and laboratory identification.

Premium rail solutions
British Steel
Stand R50

British will be present at Stand R50, promoting its wide range of premium steel products and associated services, designed to help the industry build stronger railways.

In addition, British Steel is delighted to once again be the official Railtex ‘On-Track’ sponsor, supplying 30 metres of rail track, and demonstrating some of our award-winning products:

  • HP335 – designed for improved wear and RCF resistance
  • Zinoco® – the most durable system available to combat rail corrosion – now available in long lengths for bigger corrosion challenges
  • SilentTrack® – tuned rail damper system to help reduce pass-by noise by 3-6dB(A)

The Rail Technologies team will be carrying out track-monitoring activities in the official ‘On-Track with British Steel’ area, and will be available to answer any questions on the latest developments in track condition assessment.

British Steel will also be promoting its range of structural sections, designed to enhance any additional railway requirements, from bridges to stations to electrification.

Marketing manager Daniel Pyke will be taking the floor at the Rail Engineer seminar theatre on Thursday 14 May at 11.50am with his paper on ‘Rail track – real performance’. Open to all, the technical seminar will take place on stand D61.

Industrial safety interlocking systems
Castell Safety International
Stand E03

Castell Safety International has been at the forefront of trapped key interlocking (TKI) since 1922 when the company’s founder, James Harry Castell, designed the first interlocking systems to protect people and assets during the electrification of London.

Today, Castell Safety International designs and manufactures the world’s widest range of industrial safety interlocking systems, ensuring that industry can operate safely around the world.

Castell has a history in the rail industry of over 90 years around the world, providing robust safety products. This means that the company can ensure processes are enforced and prevent accidents throughout the network, from rolling stock to maintenance depots and from track access protection to power supply interlocking.

Applications for rolling stock, track, power signal control and maintenance depots, combined with high levels of protection through full-body access products, ensure processes cannot be started until personnel are safe.

Rainproof battery tooling for no-fuel sites
Cembre
Stand P17

Cembre will be launching its latest Rainproof Battery Tooling, following on from its award-winning Rainproof Battery Rail Drill.

Visitors will be able to operate the new Rainproof Battery Sleeper Drill (capable of drilling 100+ holes on a single charge) and experience the significantly lower HAVs and noise levels. With features such as built in LED lights to illuminate the work area and a reverse action to retract augers when required, this drill is ideal for “No Fuel Sites”.

Using the same battery platform as the Rail and Sleeper Drill, Cembre will also be introducing a new Rainproof Battery Powered Pump. This has vastly increased capacity and also features Smart Tool Technology.

Along with other tooling for p-way, S&T and electrification, Cembre will also be demonstrating its MG3E thermal printer suitable for a variety of Marking Requirements.

Visit Stand P17 for the latest in a line of Cembre product Innovations.

Unified Audio Platform
Commend UK
Stand B60

Commend is the world leader in integrated audio solutions. Its flexible, cutting edge ‘Unified Audio Platform’, is providing enhanced security, safety and information to people around the globe. Commend solutions are compliant to the highest regulations in the rail industry and seamlessly integrate existing security infrastructure (CCTV, access control, fire alarm, lifts, etc.) into one platform. Intuitive visualisation software allows users to efficiently monitor, manage, plan and respond to any situation, whether it be daily operations or emergency situations, saving customers vast sums of money.

With a 43-strong UK team, Commend can guide customers throughout their projects, including pre-sales technical advice, the design of the system, comprehensive support during the installation and after care with commissioning and maintenance contracts.

Come to stand B60 and discover how the Unified Audio Platform can provide comfort and information as well as protect people and save lives!

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Exhibitor previews: D – G

Exhibitor previews: H – M

Exhibitor previews: N – S

Exhibitor previews: T – Z

Design of new metro train for Montreal unveiled

Design of train for Réseau express métropolitain (REM), Montreal, Canada. (Alstom)

The design for Montreal’s new metro train has been revealed by the Alstom-led consortium Groupe des partenaires pour la mobilité des Montréalais (Groupe PMM).

The new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) trains will carry a livery that was chosen by the public and was inspired by the new Samuel De Champlain bridge – the vehicle’s headlights directly recall the shrouds of the new bridge. The trains feature large windscreens at either end that will give passengers good views of the city as they travel.

Alstom is due to supply 106 two-car trainsets for the driverless light-metro system, which will be 67 kilometres long and include 26 stations.  It is the largest transit project in Quebec since the original Montreal metro was built over 50 years ago and will connect downtown Montreal to the South Shore, the North Shore, the West Island and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

Map of Réseau express métropolitain (REM) neytwork, Montreal, Canada.

The Alstom-led consortium building it was awarded the contract in April 2018, although preparatory work had already commenced in March. The CAN$6.3 billion project will employ around 34,000 people at its peak, and create around 1,000 permanent jobs once the REM starts running.

Services are due to commence over the first, southern section, between Rive-Sud and Central Station, in 2021.

Network Rail announces CP6 spending plans of £42 billion

Network Rail has released its plans for Control Period 6, which starts on 1 April 2019. These show how the company intends to spend over £42 billion over the five years of CP6 (2019-2024) on maintaining and renewing the railway with the aim of increasing reliability and improving performance.

Earlier this year, Network Rail accepted the ‘final determination’, published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), that laid out how much money was being made available and what should be delivered in return. Publication of Network Rail’s delivery plans is the final step in that process and details how that money is to be spent.

The plans have been worked up from a local level, with individual regions benefitting for the first time from their own budgets, designed in collaboration with local people. They focus on making improvements to what matters most to passengers and freight users, targeting punctuality and reliability through better assets, timetables and information, and working much more closely with train operating companies.

Network Rail’s chief executive Andrew Haines said: “Passengers and freight users are at the heart of our plans over the next five years. Performance has been nowhere near good enough and public trust in our industry has declined. This must change.

“Our role is to deliver a railway that people can rely on, with trains that turn up and arrive at their destination on time, and where passengers have confidence they are in safe hands. This is what we must deliver daily and what we will, and should, be held to account for throughout CP6.

“Our plans for the next five years bring us much closer to train operating companies and local decision makers, they cut red tape and make it easier for others to work with us, and most importantly they put a real focus on the users of the railway.”

Network Rail’s eight existing geographical routes. The ninth is non-geographical and covers train and freight operators who work on a national, rather than regional, basis.

These plans are broken down into the existing Network Rail routes and functions. So, there are nine route strategic plans, along with plans for functions such as finance, Group Digital Railway, and infrastructure Projects.

However, chief executive Andrew Haines recently announced that the structure of the company would change, being devolved into five regions and thirteen routes. Infrastructure projects will cease to exist, and Group Digital Railway will be devolved to the regions, when the time is appropriate – a process to be overseen by new managing director Stuart Calvert.

The first phase of this devolution process, the formation of the routes and region, is planned to take place in the summer of 2019, with everything completed by the end of 2020. Therefore, the strategic plans just announced have to be based around the current structure.

It’s not the only change, Network Rail’s plans include improving the public performance measure (PPM) punctuality figures from 85.7 per cent (2018-2019) to 87.5 per cent (2019-2020) and 89.8 per cent (2023-2024). However, recent announcements, which post-date these plans, show that, in future, performance is likely to be measured in terms of actual lateness at all stops on the journey, not just at the terminus – the measure used to calculate PPM today.

The railway isn’t static, so plans have to take account of these changes.

In addition, the £42 billion that has been annpounced forms part of the total government funding available of £53 billion, £48 billion for England and Wales from the Department for Transport, and £5 billion from Transport Scotland. The higher, £53 billion figure also includes funding for enhancements, both committed schemes from CP5 and new projects in CP6.

A high-level summary of Network Rail’s delivery plan can be found here, while detailed plans for each route and function are also online.

Northumberland line could reopen for passengers in 2022

SENRUG charter 2008 at Ashington. Photo by David Naden.
Photo: SENRUG charter 2008 at Ashington. (David Naden) 

Northumberland County Council’s plans to reopen the line from Newcastle upon Tyne to Ashington via Blyth to passenger services by 2022 have taken a step forward with the completion of the Strategic Outline Business Case for the plan.

The plan to bring passenger services back to the Northumberland line will involve upgrading the existing freight line between South East Northumberland and Newcastle Central. A number of new stations will link towns to key areas of employment, training and leisure, and the plan could boost the local economy by up to £70 million.

Prepared by AECOM and SLC Rail, the SOBC outlines the project’s wider economic impacts, such as housing and job opportunities, and includes a number of alternative delivery and funding model options for reinstating the line.

Proposed reopening of the Northumberland line. (Network Rail)

Work will now move on to the next phase of the project, which will include a market engagement exercise intended to secure the best value capital and operating costs for the proposed line and to help attract public and private investment for the scheme. This phase will be delivered by Perfect Circle, a consortium comprising Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, on behalf of Scape Group’s Built Environment Consultancy (BECS) framework. Scape is a public sector organisation dedicated to creating ongoing efficiency and social value via the built environment.

Consortium partner AECOM will continue to work with SLC Rail, providing technical consultancy, business case development, project management and modelling services for the scheme.

Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson said: “The reintroduction of passenger services on the existing freight only line has been an aspiration of the County Council for many years and fits with key local and regional policy in terms of promoting economic growth across South East Northumberland.”

AECOM’s Russell Jackson, head of rail for Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “This scheme is not just about delivering an infrastructure project. By focusing on its broader economic benefits, and through early engagement with stakeholders to explore exciting new delivery options, we’re building a compelling case that will help push this much-needed project forward.

“The private and public sector increasingly need to work together to get key schemes off the ground and we hope this project will be a successful template for how to deliver future rail enhancements.”

SLC managing director Ian Walters agreed: “Government is now strongly encouraging councils to lead rail schemes themselves, with its ‘Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline’ process announced in 2018, and Network Rail’s ‘Open for Business’ initiative supporting this.”

Hitachi plans to run ScotRail Class 385 EMUs beyond the wires

Hitachi are in discussions with the Scottish Government to run a Class 385 variant with underfloor batteries that could either be charged whilst under the wires or whilst stationary at the end of the route.

At a recent presentation given to the IMechE Railway Division in Glasgow, a Hitachi representative advised that it would be relatively straightforward to fit batteries under a Class 385 to enable it to travel for 20 miles beyond the wires under battery power. If required, sufficient batteries could be fitted to extend this range to 60 miles, although this would be a much more complex modification.

This initiative would build on the experience that Hitachi has gained in Japan from its DENCHA trains which were introduced in 2016. These two-car EMUs also operate both on battery power and under the wires. On non-electrified lines they can run for about 25 miles without recharging.

Hitachi’s proposal to operate battery trains in Scotland is at an early stage. However, with their use being recommended by the rail decarbonisation task force and the Scottish Government about to pass new climate change legislation, it may not be long before battery trains are operating in Scotland.

“Radical yet respectful” proposals for Birmingham Moor Street station revealed

Concept image of proposals for Birmingham Moor Street station. (Grimshaw)

Proposals for a “radical yet respectful” transformation to Birmingham Moor Street station have been released.

The existing station building, which dates back to 1914 and is Grade II listed, will be enlarged to more than double the size of the concourse, up from 910 to 2,000 square metres, and to introduce two new platforms to meet growing passenger demand at the station, which is within walking distance of both the existing Birmingham New Street station and HS2’s terminus at Curzon Street.

The remodelling of the station will double the size of the concourse . (Grimshaw)

The new platforms will be used for extra services to and from the East Midlands, Hereford, Worcester and the South West as part of Midlands Connect’s Midlands Rail Hub proposals to increase rail capacity.

Birmingham is adopting a “One Station” strategy, and the new proposals will create seamless links with both Curzon Street and New Street stations. There will be a new transfer deck, with access to every platform and links to a new footbridge taking passengers directly to HS2 services from Curzon Street via a new public square.

In the wider area, there are also several options that will improve pedestrian access between Moor Street and New Street. These include a safe, well-lit and direct route via St Martin’s Queensway; new steps and a ramp at Swan Passage, adjacent to the new Primark development; and a new ramped route from Rotunda Square to New Street Station.

Introducing a second entrance at the south of the station should improve passenger flow, avoid overcrowding and create better access to the revitalised Digbeth area and the proposed £1.5 billion Smithfield development.

A new entrance on the south side will improve passenger flow. (Grimshaw)

Designs for the new proposals were prepared by Grimshaw and Glenn Howells Architects, who also worked together on designs for HS2’s Curzon Street station, based on concepts developed by West Midlands Rail Executive working in collaboration with Transport for West Midlands, Midlands Connect, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Railway and Birmingham City Council.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “We have big plans for transport in the West Midlands and the expansion of Moor Street is a crucial part of that. Our game-changing plans for HS2 and new metro and rail lines are already driving investment, new jobs and apprenticeships as well as bringing communities closer to those work, training and education opportunities.

“This whole area of Birmingham will be revitalised over the next few years as the world’s largest Primark opens, Curzon Street HS2 station is built, and Moor Street is transformed. This vision for Moor Street will not only provide a better experience for commuters but with two extra platforms, it will set the foundation for the future expansion of rail services.”    

Concept image of proposals for Birmingham Moor Street station. (Grimshaw)
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