RailStaff September 2013

RailStaff

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:34 Page 1

Issue 190 / September 2013

stobartrail.com

www.railstaff.co.uk

© Jonathan webb

THE MOST POPULAR PUBLICATION IN THE UK RAIL INDUSTRY

Winner.

Rail Team of the Year.

Rail Concerto Boosts Economy

oil man to head network Rail

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engineers at war army rail engineers in Iraq resurrect its defunct railway.

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the rail industry has generated work worth more than £3.2bn for businesses across britain over the last year as a result of continuing investment in capacity enhancement and expansion, says network Rail. Longer trains and more capacity can’t happen quick enough. an entire orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, plus choirs and supporters, recently took the train to London to play at the Proms. the musicians wanted to be sure of reaching the capital safely and on time. Staff at Virgin trains sped them on their way.

Continued on PaGe 4

helping to build the nation

McGinley Support Services provides the industry with the staff and resources to design, build and maintain Britain's rail infrastructure.

Visitors go Forth the public will eventually have access to Scotland’s Forth bridge.

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For information please call:

0845 543 5953 or visit: www.mcginley.co.uk

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comment

Contact us:

Publisher:

Paul O’Connor

Editor:

Andy Milne

Production and design:

Adam O’Connor

Senior Reporter:

Jonathan Webb

Writer:

Nigel Wordsworth

Track Safety:

Colin Wheeler

Pictures:

Colin Garratt

Advertising:

Asif Ahmed Craig Smith Paul Curtis

Contact Email Addresses News: news@rail-media.com Pictures: pictures@rail-media.com Adverts: adverts@rail-media.com Subscriptions: pat@rail-media.com

Contact Details RailStaff Publications Ltd Rail Media House, Samson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FP. Tel: 01530 56 00 26 Web: www.railstaff.co.uk Email: hello@rail-media.com Printed by Pensord.

RailStaff is published by RailStaff Publications Limited.

A Rail Media Publication.

SPecIaL FocUS

Economic freedom to flourish Pragmatists argue that britain cannot afford foreign adventures “High speed railways, trams and freight lines will achieve more than bombs and bullets…”

and where property rights are protected. We enjoy a press freedom unrivalled anywhere else including the United States. ` Britain, if it is to continue to affirm such freedoms, needs to be united and economically strong.

High speed railways, trams and

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freight lines will achieve more than bombs and bullets ever can.

Infrastructure may lack the glory and bombast of war but it gives people the economic freedom to flourish. Inevitable sometimes, war is never the right answer. The paths of glory lead but to the grave.

© mILePoSt 92 1⁄2 | RaILPhotoLIbRaRy.com

RailStaff

the parliamentary vote against british intervention in Syria marks the departure of the UK from the centre stage of world politics.

In future new economic giants like Brazil, China and India will write the sad litany of mankind’s failings in world affairs.

Put simply, the British public has no further appetite for armed intervention overseas. The loss of civilian life in Afghanistan and Iraq has dismayed the British.

Seeing young men die or return home disfigured in wars, where we have no real objective is likewise sickening.

Pragmatists argue that Britain cannot afford foreign adventures.

The global economic recession hit credit-addicted Britain particularly hard. A bloated welfare state and denuded armed forces underpin public misgivings.

The Coalition Government was formed to deal with the recession, to restore confidence in the economy and reform the banks.

The Cameron-Osborne team has performed credibly in this. In its decision to invest in railways and other infrastructure projects can be found the genesis of a better way forward.

Britain has long represented the free world. A place where the police cannot throw you in jail without the sentence of a judge; where the government of the day can be criticised, debated and indeed out-voted in parliament

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RailStaff awards 2013 Review In november’s RailStaff

challenge for Ironman andy

The Fall and Rise of Britain’s Railways

the RailStaff awards started in 2007 with an aim at recognising the great work that the people who work in the industry do. as publishers of RailStaff, we saw great achievements, courage and bravery from rail staff in every edition. yet nobody was saying ‘thanks’ or ‘well done’. 2012 saw over 1,000 people in attendance, 1,200 nominations and 32,000 votes.

andy competes in Dartmoor’s horseman Ironman, one of the toughest races in the world, a 2.4 mile swim, a 108 mile cycle, and a marathon across Dartmoor.

Part 5: Sectorisation (Passenger) continues this eight part series outlining the turbulent events which led up to the privatisation of british Rail in 1993.

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concerto for railway success continues britain’s booming railway is proving good business for the UK. More than a third of the £3.2 billion spent last year went to small and medium enterprises - SMEs. Figures released in a report by Network Rail show continuing investment in the rail industry has sustained over 90,000 full-time jobs nationally over and above the 34,000 people directly employed by Network Rail. This in turns boosts taxes paid, reduces benefits payments and stimulates local economies.

Says Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, ‘Investing in infrastructure has a

direct effect on the economy, creating jobs, and giving Britain the infrastructure we need to build a stronger economy and fairer society.

‘This report is excellent in highlighting the opportunities for small and medium sized businesses that come with infrastructure investment. That is why we have set out £100bn of investment in infrastructure over the next Parliament, including supporting

the largest programme of investment in rail since the Victorian era.

‘I’m very glad to see that Network Rail are doing their bit to drive sustainable and balanced economic growth across the UK.’ In the last four years, Network Rail has generated £17.3bn of work for its supply chain. 6.2bn of this has gone to small and medium-sized businesses.

Says Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail Infrastructure Projects, ‘The rail industry is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to our national, economic and social well-being.

‘Across Britain, investment in a bigger, better railway has provided a massive boost to hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes, supporting sustainable economic growth and jobs.’

oil man to head network Rail mark carne of Royal Dutch Shell will be exploring britain’s railways this autumn as he prepares for his new job as chief executive of network Rail.

Carne replaces Sir David Higgins and takes up his new role on 6th January 2014. Originally from Cornwall, Mark Carne was formerly executive vice president in the Middle East and North Africa for Royal Dutch Shell. He takes over formally on 1st April 2014.

As executive vice president for Shell in the Middle East and North Africa, Mark was responsible for Shell’s operations in some of the world’s most notorious trouble spots. Despite this he placed particular emphasis on developing local staff and businesses.

Before his latest job at Shell, Mark Carne was executive vice president and managing director for BG Group in Europe and Central Asia following a 21-year period spent in a variety of roles with Shell. These included 4

responsibility for Shell’s oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. He was also managing director for Brunei Shell Petroleum. Earlier in his career Carne helped to lead the company’s response to the disaster on the Occidental-operated Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea. Says Network Rail’s chairman, Richard Parry Jones, ‘Through his work with Shell and BG Group in very testing and difficult environments, Mark Carne has shown that he has the necessary skill and global experience to build on, and develop further, what Network Rail has already achieved in meeting these challenges under the leadership of David Higgins.

We thank Sir David for all he has done for the company.’

Mr Carne, 54, studied engineering at Exeter University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Reflecting his strong Cornish roots he is an Independent Governor of Falmouth University. He is married with three children. www.railstaff.co.uk

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King’s cross official opening the extensively modernised area around King’s cross will be officially re-opened on 26th September.

In August Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, laid one of the final paving stones on the new King’s Cross Square. Sir David Higgins, Network Rail’s chief executive, joined the mayor to congratulate teams hard at work on the final touches to the project.

Contractors, J. Murphy & Sons, are currently working on the last phase of civil engineering works to complete King’s Cross Square. The Square is the final part of the £550m King’s Cross station redevelopment, which saw a brand new concourse open last year offering rail passengers three-and-a-half times more space than the 1970s concourse that it replaced.

Says Boris Johnson, ‘The incredible regeneration of King’s Cross continues apace.

Network Rail is renovating this historic location with ingenuity and flair and this wonderful new square will be the perfect gateway to almost 70 acres of new public spaces, businesses and homes for Londoners, setting a new standard that we should aspire

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to for all future station redevelopment.’

David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, added, ‘The new square will be a stunning entrance to the King’s Cross area. It has led to more than £2.2bn of private investment transforming the area into an exciting centre for business, knowledge and the arts of which the capital can be proud. If ever proof were needed that investment in rail provides a catalyst for wider economic growth, this is it.’

“Network Rail is renovating this historic location with ingenuity and flair…” boRIS JohnSon, mayoR oF LonDon

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critical biomass hard working designers at Lloyd’s Register Rail UK and w h Davis have developed a new biomass wagon, one of the largest of its kind.

Says Richard Gibney, Professional Head of Traction and Rolling Stock, Lloyd’s Register Rail UK, ‘This is the sort of project that designers relish. An opportunity to return to an existing design and re-imagine the entire concept, taking advantage of what we have learnt from the performance of the current model, removing some of the inefficiencies and delivering a truly optimised design.’

The wagon will transport biomass from the ports of Tyne, Hull and Immingham to Drax Power Station, near Selby, for use in generating low carbon, renewable electricity.

At 18.9m long with top doors stretching 18.2m and bottom doors of 3.7m, the supersize wagon has a

Katherine names high speed train britain’s best-ever female rower has promised her mum a ride on a train named after her.

Katherine Grainger unveiled her train during a visit to St Pancras International station.

Says Southeastern’s engineering director, Wayne Jenner, ‘Southeastern’s high speed service played an important part in the success of the London 2012 Games, and to honour this we’ve named the fleet of trains after some of Britain’s greatestever Olympians. We took the train naming to an employee vote, and Katherine was a clear choice.’

A delighted Dr Grainger said, ‘It’s crazy! I love it! It’s all so surreal. I can’t wait to take my mum for a trip on my train. Thank you to Southeastern, this is a huge honour.’

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capacity of 116 cubic metres allowing a biomass load weighing 71.6 tonnes. Its volume is almost 30 per cent bigger than any freight wagon currently used in the UK. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, at York’s National Railway Museum Peter Emery, Drax’s production director said, ‘Our transformation to become one of Europe’s largest renewable generators through the use of sustainable biomass means we need new, bigger and better rail wagons.

‘We need to keep the biomass dry, move more of it and speed up the process of delivery. The finished product is an industryleading design and fulfils all the criteria we set. We may be launching it in a museum but this wagon is no museum piece and will not be surpassed for many years to come.’

Vehicle manufacturers WH Davis met the design specification by working to a measurement tolerance of 5mm, the highest

possible and half that normally associated with wagon manufacturing.

Ian Whelpton, sales and marketing director of WH Davis said, ‘This has been one of the most challenging fabrications we have undertaken, but by working with the wagon designers from the beginning, we have been able to manufacture the required innovations and achieve the significantly increased cubic capacity.’

nine day wonder network Rail is using a nine day planned blockade to replace ten miles of track on the cross-border wrexham-Shrewsbury railway.

The £10.5m project involves realigning the railway and strengthening the 165-year old Cefn Viaduct. Improvements and waterproofing works will preserve the grade II listed viaduct for future generations.

Says Mark Langman, route managing director, Network Rail Wales, ‘This latest investment in the future of the railways across Wales and the border counties of England forms a key part of our modernisation plans to bring the railway across the region into the 21st century.’

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youth power helps with overheads a scheme to help address the skills issues facing the overhead Line sector is underway after the carillion Rail/SPL Powerlines partnership recruited its first group of trainees.

Twenty-four trainees, split across two groups at the specialist training facilities in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and Coatbridge, east of Glasgow, will undergo a year-long training programme to arm them with the skills and qualifications required to work on the railway network.

Network Rail is planning a £2 billion programme of investment in electrification between 2014 and 2019 as it seeks to expand capacity across the rail network. Carillion Rail, working in partnership with SPL Powerlines, is part of a framework panel of tier 1 contractors bidding to help deliver.

Industry analysts estimate that, by 2016, the rail electrification sector will need upwards of 2,000 skilled linemen, which is 10 times the current capacity.

The partnership is committed to helping overcome this challenge and has invested in training facilities that will help increase the number of skilled linemen available to the industry.

The facilities in Doncaster and Coatbridge, in addition to the partnership’s other operations in Crewe, Milton Keynes and Bishopbriggs, are centres of excellence for the industry and feature specialist training spans, which replicate OHL installation and maintenance operations.

The trainees, who were recruited locally, will undertake an initial three-stage training programme, which will lead, ultimately, to them being able to work on Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) without supervision.

Over the period of the training the group will work towards qualifications from industry body Overhead Line Equipment Competency (OLEC) at level 1, 2 and 8

Trainee Adam Robertson, Carillion Rail’s Andy Hunter, SPL Powerlines’ Kenny Dobbie and trainee Joe McGowan.

3. Modules include Personal Track Safety (PTS), manual handling and harness use through to working on OLE under supervision.

centres of excellence Once the main body of the training programme is complete after a year the trainees will be placed on an OLEC3 course, which, once passed and after a period of mentoring and assessment they will be able to work unsupported on OLE projects.

Mark Davies, Managing Director for Carillion Rail, said, ‘Addressing the skills challenges facing the sector are vital if the industry is to meet the scale of Network Rail’s electrification programme. In addition to supporting the growth of Carillion Rail and SPL Powerlines workforces, the skills development we are offering, and the investment the two organisations have made in training resources, will offer wider benefits to the electrification sector.’

Gerhard Ehringer, CEO SPL Powerlines Group, said, ‘Welcoming this intake of trainees is a significant step forward for our industry’s skills requirements.

Network Rail’s electrification programme marks a significant new chapter for this sector, but it is essential that contractors can

call upon a pool of skilled workers.

‘Through the creation of our centres of excellence we can arm new entrants to the industry with relevant skills and qualifications that will allow them to play an essential role in the improvement of the UK rail network.’

“Welcoming this intake of trainees is a significant step forward for our industry’s skills requirements…”

Life Saver Praised Jack miller, a guard with c2c has been praised for saving a man’s life at London’s Limehouse station.

Mr Miller, 24, formerly worked as a cardio ward assistant at Southend Hospital. When the 48 year old man collapsed Jack Miller sprung in to action.

Says Jack, ‘I was doing some overtime and a passenger came down and said someone had collapsed. We got up on the platform and everyone was surrounding the chap. I noticed he had stopped breathing and was going into arrest, so I quickly rolled him over and showed a passenger how to do chest compressions while I opened his airway.’

Other railway staff kept the crowds back and called for an ambulance as Jack Miller and a paramedic managed to get the

man breathing again.

Brett Cooper, c2c manager said, ‘Since Jack joined us in October 2011, he’s always been willing to go that extra mile for our customers. With his experience working in a hospital cardio ward and his calmness under pressure, he was the ideal person to be on the scene. Everyone at c2c is very proud of him, and I know his family is, too.’

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PeoPLe newS

Railway bishop at Settle

Legendary mainline steam driver, Don clarke, has stepped down from the footplate after a railway career spanning five decades.

Don started on the railway in August 1964, working at Nine Elm sheds, and qualified as a driver in 1971. For his final driving turn, Don drove a former Nine Elms engine 35028 Clan Line on the British Pullman. He was rostered with his fireman son, James, who has followed his father onto the railway to become a diesel driver.

Speaking to RailStaff’s Jonathan

Webb, Don said, ‘I’ll miss driving steam on the mainline, but I’ll not miss the shift work associated with diesels, 49 years of shift work is enough for anyone.’

Upon his return with Clan Line, a locomotive he fired many times when at Nine Elms, to London Victoria on 3 August Don was mobbed by passengers wanting his autograph and their photograph taken with him next to the locomotive. Everyone at Nine Elms wished Don every success in his retirement.

Purbeck success for Dorset driver a former Virgin trains driver has been credited with helping boost passenger numbers on the Swanage Railway.

Loadings soared by 6.6 per cent during Richard Jones’ first four months as general manager of the Swanage Railway. Jones was previously general manager of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall and is a life long railway supporter.

The Swanage job on the Isle of Purbeck marks a return to Dorset for the 53-year-old father of two who was a mathematics advisor with Dorset County Council for two years before he started a new career as a Virgin Trains driver and train manager.

Before his move to Dorset, and after graduating in 1982, Richard was a teacher at schools in Cheshire, Somerset and Devon. ‘I am

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full of admiration for all those who have worked tirelessly over the last 40 years or so to develop the Swanage Railway and ensure it has achieved the success it so richly deserves.

‘The challenge for the future is to continue achieving, improving and developing over the next 40 plus years. My vision for the future, shared by many, is for the Swanage Railway to continue to consolidate and enhance its position as one of the country’s premier and most respected heritage railways through recreating a typical 1950s Southern branch line for the local community and visitors to Purbeck to benefit from and enjoy,’ says Richard.

Connections with main line services at Wareham are planned from 2015.

august team Graduates a team of new train conductors has completed training with Greater anglia.

The team was presented with certificates by Peter Lensink, Greater Anglia’s Operations Director, at a graduation ceremony in Norwich.

Trainee conductors undergo a 16week training programme where they learn all the operational, commercial and customer service requirements of the job.

Says Peter Lensink, Greater Anglia’s Operations Director, ‘I am pleased to welcome our newly graduated conductors to the conductors’ team and I should like to wish them every success in their new careers.’

© anDRew Pm wRIGht

© Jonathan webb

the Settle and carlisle Railway had a surprise visit recently from the Right Reverend Graham Dow, who was until recently the bishop of carlisle.

A life long rail supporter, Graham Dow has, since his retirement, become a hard working trustee of the SettleCarlisle Railway Trust. His predecessor as Bishop of Carlisle, Ian Harland, was also a trustee.

The bishop and his family took the opportunity to see the restored water tower at the station when they came to Settle to see and photograph the Cumbrian Mountain Express racing through Settle hauled by the steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland. Graham Dow was kind enough to bless the water tower.

the five decade Don

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Join the Rail alliance now Rail alliance membership starts from just £500 per year

Summer Success where did the summer go? For us at the Rail alliance it has really flown by.

The Network Rail Plant Show in July was a great success. On the back of that we have launched two major programs for the autumn and beyond: HiTech Rail with the University of Birmingham and the Testing Voucher Scheme in a major collaboration with the Enabling Innovation Team.

In parallel with the latter we are also busy conducting a major study for the EIT in to the barriers for entry in to the rail market, both for existing and new players. We are keen to hear from you on this subject so please contact us on info@railalliance.co.uk with your views.

Awards at the ICC on 5th October where Colin Flack will once again be looking after proceedings.

Later in the month, in partnership with Coventry University and supported by Rail Media Group we are delighted to be running a two day conference on Rail Interiors. This ground breaking new event will take a good look at the opportunities available to companies large and small.

We are also delighted to be one of the sponsors of RVE 2013 in Derby on 3rd October. Our new member spotlight competition this month has been won by Erico, a new French member who are looking for partners here in the UK.

Busy program of events Over the coming months the Rail Alliance has a busy program of events and shows. The highlight without doubt will be the RailStaff

log on to www.railalliance.co.uk email info@railalliance.co.uk or call 01789 720026.

eRIco: electrical Railway Improvement company eRIco is a worldwide company founded in 1903 manufacturing rail connections and accessories to provide the railway industry with reliable solutions for reduced maintenance.

Well-known as a rail specialist thanks to some flagship products such as ERICONTACT (single and double contacts for rail web connection) and tools for rail-drilling machines, we also produce exothermic welding CADWELD and CADDY clips for cable management.

The main purpose of our systems is to achieve the best permanent electrical rail connection such as rail joint bonding, signal bonding or earthing connection continuity. Customers include SNCF, Deutsche Bahn and Infrabel as well as major contractors.

Here is a resume of the rail products we provide : Rail contacts - ERICONTACTS - offering a very high quality connection to the rail web with a very low contact resistance.

Welded studs for manganese crossings with CADWELD: reliable anticorrosive electrical rail connection on track crossing.

CADDY clips for cable management: cable fixation clips and reheating elements to install along the rail, under the rail base, on the rail web or on the concrete sleepers.

Earthing bonds for bridges and tunnels: prefabricated connections to encase in concrete.

For more information on eRIco products, please feel free to contact Guillaume Rey, Regional Sales manager, europe: grey@erico.com or phone: +33 (0)477361805.

new members alan Dick communications (Key supplier to the UK Rail signalling and synergy upgrade program working with major Tier One suppliers. Having worked with Network Rail for over 10 years, they have an unrivalled understanding of the FTN and GSM-R network. The business has delivered major integration, upgrade, spares management and first line maintenance programs for Network Rail as well as for major operators such as Vodaphone, Airwave and T-Mobile.) www.alandickcomms.com ballast tools (UK) Ltd (Major supplier of tools and equipment for the maintenance of rail track and permanent way since 1990) www.btukltd.com 10

Purcell (Leading Architects and Historic Building Consultants) www.purcelluk.com Rail order Ltd (Rail Order Ltd specialises in the supply of traction and rolling stock, spares, in house repair and assembly, train presentation materials and equipment to the UK rail industry. Clients include train operators, maintainers and infrastructure companies. Recently acquired by Alan Dick Communications, they now benefit from 56,000 sq.ft. of advanced facilities.) www.rail-order.co.uk hydrapower Dynamics Ltd (Hydrapower lead the field in hose & tube manipulation/pipe assembly manufacture up to 90mm diameter

covering a wide range of materials, supplied throughout the world to many train builders, operators and suppliers. Also supplying & maintaining a wide range of Finnpower end crimping & hose cutting machinery) www.hydrapower-dynamics.com aqua (Manufacturer of rail track drainage systems & signaling ancillary products) www.aquafab.co.uk Quality consultancy & Inspection Group Ltd (Providers of support to the Aerospace, Automotive, Rail & Power generation sectors with warehousing, inspection, product sequencing & distribution of customer supplied product) www.qci-group.com

the-labelling-company.com (Specialist suppliers of industrial labeling and signage for heavy industry sectors often in hostile working environments including Oil & Gas, Rail, Steel and Nuclear.

UK Agent for Rebo bv., established in the Netherlands in 1976 and recognized as a leading manufacturer of heavy duty industrial labeling and sign systems) www.the-labelling-company.com costain Ltd (One of the UK’s leading engineering solutions providers, delivering integrated consulting, project delivery and operations and maintenance services to major blue-chip customers in Rail and other targeted market sectors) www.costain.com www.railstaff.co.uk

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© ShUtteRStocK.com

RaIL aLLIance newS

hitech Rail Project • Condition Monitoring • Software and Data Processing • Energy Saving • Non-destructive Testing • Traffic Management • Geotechnics • New Components • New product or process Introduction another major venture for the Rail alliance this autumn is the launch of the £2.3m european Regional Development Fund (eRDF) hitech Rail project where we are strategic partners to the University of birmingham.

This program will extend over the next three years helping local companies develop and demonstrate new concepts. HiTech Rail will draw on the internationally leading railway expertise of the University of

Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education and our in depth knowledge of the sector.

We are particularly interested in working with companies who are based in the West Midlands and who have interests in:

For those companies who are not eligible under this program they may be supported through the Testing Voucher Scheme or a number of other funding programs that the Rail Alliance are working with. As ever just call or email us info@railalliance.co.uk

Rail alliance testing Voucher Scheme working in partnership with the enabling Innovation team (eIt) the Rail alliance has been selected to host this exciting new scheme.

The Rail Alliance Testing Voucher Scheme gives up to five days subsidised access to the Rail Alliance proving ground facility at our Long Marston site near Stratford on Avon in Warwickshire, home of the Network Rail Track Plant Exhibition.

Depending on individual requirements this may include test loop and infrastructure, traction, rolling stock and trials staff time. The rolling stock and track is available for the fitment of trial or new context products. Destructive as well as non-destructive testing is permissible.

There are very few restrictions on this activity which can be conducted 24/7 although this may attract an additional cost if out of normal working hours. The site has a workshop facility and competent staff are available for a variety of tasks such as fitting, fabricating etc. A rolling stock engineer is available for assisting with tests.

This scheme is open to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) as well as Universities and Colleges. www.railstaff.co.uk

Benefits

Process

Enable the practical development, trialling and demonstration of innovative or new solutions for the rail market.

Open to qualifying SMEs and Academic/Research bodies.

The site will be made available on a day rate typically between £150 and £200 (depending on the details of the requirement) for up to five days subsidised support. Further activity beyond this is available but will be outside of the scheme.

Applications should be made direct to railtest@railalliance.co.uk with EIT Scheme in the subject line. All that is required is a brief outline of the proposal and a member of the team will then contact you to discuss the details and to make a firm booking.

Applicants will be encouraged to either attend one of the monthly briefing days or if that is not possible, to arrange a visit to the site to better understand its capabilities.

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RaIL aLLIance newS

RaIL InteRIoRS: the InSIDe StoRy WANTED: Innovative rail interior solutions to transform the rail customer’s experience Design and technology have a vital role to play in improving the railway’s performance and delivering a better travelling experience for passengers. We can only do this if our approach is grounded in the best research and innovation available to us.

Step-change in rail

are you an existing supplier to the railways or would you like to be?

The Rail Alliance and Rail Media Group, in collaboration with Coventry University, are proud to offer you the opportunity to help shape the rail sector of the future.

Rail Interiors: The Inside Story will take place at Coventry University on 24th and 25th October 2013. For the chance to explore the latest thinking on rail interiors and showcase your innovation, read on…

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Opportunities in rail There is currently a multi billion pound pool of existing and future opportunities in rail, supported by the government and the rail industry. These opportunities will be essential elements in the delivery of the railway of the 21st century.

By setting in place a 30-year vision for the rail sector, the Rail Technical Strategy, published in 2012, demonstrates that railways have a bright and exciting future.

Rail Interiors: The Inside Story will help you get onboard with this step-change in rail. Register now to: Explore new materials and technologies that could improve the design of next generation trains Gain exposure to 1st tier rail companies Showcase your research, capabilities and innovative products and services Network with other key players in the rail sector including customers and suppliers Benefit from financial support opportunities Hear from leading industry experts Amongst other exciting areas, the event will cover the following: Design; Ergonomics; Comfort; Materials; Manufacturing; Rail safety; Rail customer experience.

Rail Interiors: The Inside Story is already attracting interest from delegates, so register now to avoid disappointment.

There are a number of sponsorship/exhibiting opportunities available, which will enable forward-thinking businesses to expose their services and skill sets to an audience of delegates who are ready to bring the railway sector into the modern era.

To register interest contact sbeer@coventry.ac.uk We look forward to seeing you on 24th October. www.railstaff.co.uk

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Engineers at War

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Ian Hammond, Senior Project Engineer, Network Rail, and Territorial Army Captain.

It’s 10 years since army rail engineers went into Iraq to resurrect its defunct railway. Ian hammond, network Rail Senior Project engineer and territorial army captain, recalls a tough job, reports andrew Robbins.

Captain Ian Hammond, of the Royal Engineers’ 170 Infrastructure Support Engineer Group, looked around him approvingly from the Territorial Army (TA) recruiting stand at the National Track Plant Show.

“There’s a real buzz about the rail industry these days, and it’s been great walking around; seeing the latest technology and meeting old colleagues,” said the army reservist, whose day job with Network Rail involves developing safer working systems as part of the National Electrification Safety Improvement Programme.

Mission to Iraq A decade earlier, Ian was one of the specialist rail engineers sent into the chaotic aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The team’s task was to get the long-defunct rail line between the southern cities of Basra and Umm Qasr – Iraq’s only deep water port – back up and running.

“I’ve been in the TA for 25 years.

It was always my aspiration to join the army, but marriage, mortgage and career made the TA the next best option,” said Ian. Along with the other TA engineers, Ian was called up to join the 64 Works Group of the Royal Engineers, working alongside United States rail operator personnel and, in time, Iraqi locals.

Umm Qasr to Basra

Civilian hands

“Our job was to reinstate 250km of defunct line, enabling trains to run on it again. Basically, it was the southern end of the Iraqi railway, from Umm Qasr to Basra,” he said.

Although the line had escaped significant damage from the war itself, the area was littered with unexploded ordnance. In addition, decades of neglect and lack of resources had left the infrastructure in a state of dilapidation.

Despite all this, the resourceful Iraqi railway employees had kept the system going – and were keen to help get it operational again.

“Once the war fighting settled down, we found the Iraqi people who’d worked on the railway and gainfully employed them,” said Ian. “In these situations, we get in and try to repair the infrastructure.

Then, very quickly, we transfer it back into civilian hands. That’s the way to stabilise a country.

“If you take it over and run it yourself, it doesn’t work. For us, that meant training the Iraqis so they could run their own railway after we’d gone.”

Within two weeks of deployment, the engineers had an Iraqi workforce back on the books, and were starting to take over running the railway.

“They were very happy with this arrangement,” recalled Ian. “Railwaymen are railwaymen wherever you go, and the Iraqis were no exception. They were absolutely passionate about their railway, and took a real pride in it.”

Pride and determination The Iraqi’s pride in their railway extended to a fierce determination to protect it and keep it running, www.railstaff.co.uk

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newS

added Ian. “After the war began, the train drivers, for example, were so frightened that people would rob the engines of valuable parts that they camped in the locomotives to make sure they were secure.

“They brought us back to basics as well. These guys had no power tools. They cut rail by hand, using the equivalent of a massive hacksaw, with handles at both ends. They drilled holes for fishplate bolts by hand as well.”

Desert engineering “On top of that, they had simple engineering solutions to deal with the conditions they operated in, such as extreme rail temperatures.

“We tend to worry if rail temperatures get to 40 degrees. Out there, it regularly exceeds 50 – and drops below freezing in the winter.

“The Iraqis didn’t have a breather rail system.

Instead, they inserted ‘noggins’ of rail, of various thicknesses, in the joints between the rails. When the temperature reached a certain point, they took one noggin out and replaced it with another – thinner or thicker, depending on the expansion or contraction involved.”

Power tool legacy Fortunately for Ian and his colleagues, manual working was not necessary.

“We travel with very simple power tools: tampers, disc cutters, rail drills, sleeper drills, impact wrenches – plus the usual hand tools such as sleeper/rail tongs, ballast shovels/forks, spanners, crowbars, and so on.

“If needs be, we can build a railway with them from scratch, as plant may not be available to us.

“One of the last things we did for our Iraqi

colleagues was to negotiate some money for the railway. We secured them about £30,000, so they could get their own motorised tool kit.”

Job done In May 2003, the first passenger service ran on the rebuilt line.

“People were going off to see relatives that they hadn’t seen in years,” said Ian. “As for the railway people, they really didn’t want us to go!”

Army rail capability Today, Ian serves as a part-time reservist with the 507 Specialist Teams Royal Engineers (STRE) Railways unit; part of the wider 170 Infrastructure Group.

The 507 is now the only unit of railway engineers in the regular army or TA with a specialised railway design and construction supervision capability, for all aspects of rail infrastructure and permanent way.

The unit also conducts railway training support for other units, and is able to carry out construction projects with its own resources, and support the Army in its operations worldwide.

Recruiting rail skills “507 STRE recruits from Network Rail and some rail infrastructure contractors,” explained Ian. “We’re adept at building things, project managing and so on. It’s a phenomenal range of

www.railstaff.co.uk

skills.

“We can look at a bare bit of ground, and if someone says: ‘I want a railway from A to B, we can design that and cost it out, down to the last washer.

“Other volunteer STRE units have different infrastructure skills; such as people who can set up and run power systems, drill wells for water, or maintain port facilities.

“Their units recruit people from the wider civilian industries. We’re always looking for good people with the right experience.”

Army life So would Ian recommend a part-time army life to his rail industry colleagues?

“It’s definitely worth it,” he said. “For one thing, you get so many management skills as you go up in rank, and that’s helped me in my role at Network Rail.

“At the National Track Plant Show at Long Marston, we had a lot of contractors coming to our stand. They were looking for top-end people, from sappers right up to officers. That’s says a lot for the way military engineers are regarded.

“If you’re interested in putting your skills to good use in a very different role – and developing your career at the same time – joining the TA’s rail engineers is definitely something worth thinking about.”

For more information about joining a Royal Engineers STRE team, email: 170ENGR-TArecruiting@mod.uk

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Original livery honours Birmingham leader A Midland Metro tram has been repainted in the city’s original blue and cream livery.

Centro, which runs Midland Metro, wanted to mark the return of trams to the city centre, scheduled for 2015, sixty years after they were withdrawn. Veteran councillor, Theresa Stewart, Birmingham‘s first female leader who ran the city council between

1993 and 1999 and was Lord Mayor from 2000-2001, unveiled Tram No 11 – repainted in Birmingham Corporation colours.

The last trams ran in 1953 but will return to the city centre in 2015 when an extension to the Midland Metro from Snow Hill to New Street station is completed.

No 11 is named after the former Labour councillor Theresa Stewart.

As a prominent member of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority Theresa Stewart played a leading role in persuading the John Major government of the early 1990s to give the go-ahead for the Midland Metro line.

Now aged 83 Mrs Stewart said, ‘I am delighted and very flattered to see the Metro named after me in the old corporation colours. I remember very well the meetings in parliament and the campaign to get permission to open the Metro.’

Says Centro chairman John McNicholas, ‘I am delighted that Theresa Stewart has been able to join us. People who remember the trams in their old Birmingham Corporation colours do so with great affection and nostalgia. The fact that trams are once again returning to the streets of the city is a major milestone for public transport in Birmingham.’

Trams first started running in

Birmingham in 1872 when the Birmingham and District Tramways Co. Ltd opened a line from the Birmingham boundary at Hockley Brook, through Handsworth to West Bromwich.

The new £40m Midland Metro fleet is made by CAF of Spain and will form part of the £128 million Midland Metro extension, which is due to open in 2015.

Theresa Stewart on board the tram with John McNicholas, Centro chairman.

Edinburgh Tram boost for local economy tram training New drivers on the Edinburgh tram network have started training.

The news comes at the same time as an announcement regarding an integrated ticketing system with Lothian Buses.

Passengers will be able to purchase a single ticket that can be used on both trams and buses. A report by the city council predicts a profit of £3.7 million over the first 15-years.

The 12 drivers for the soon to open Edinburgh tram network have been undertaking training runs near Edinburgh Airport. Over 350 people applied for the dozen positions. Services for passengers should start next summer. The 16 stop 8.5 mile line will connect Edinburgh Airport with the city centre at Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square.

The 27 trams serving the route will move quietly and quickly with a top speed of 43 mph. Each tram can carry 250 people.

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Expanding Nottingham’s tram system is already benefitting the local economy creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

Using local firms and skilled people from across the East Midlands is one of the scheme’s core commitments.

Says Phil Hewitt, Chief Executive of Tramlink Nottingham, ‘We made a strong commitment to work with local companies wherever possible and I’m delighted our construction partner, the Taylor Woodrow Alstom Joint Venture (TWA), has been able to deliver these positive results so far.

‘It reflects a real willingness to work with the local community on all levels. We’re creating a tram network for the future of Nottingham and we want the local economy to benefit as far as possible whilst we’re building it.

‘The project to expand Nottingham’s tram network has passed a major milestone with over £70 million worth of contracts

The expanding tram system is

directly benefitting Nottingham.

placed with businesses in the East Midlands region. The three-year design and build project, which is extending the network by 17.5 kilometres to Chilwell and Clifton, is now well underway.

City councillor, Jane Urquhart, who runs transport planning at Nottingham City Council, said, ‘The news that local businesses are benefiting from millions of

pounds worth of contracts on the tram extension is not only a tremendous boost for Nottingham businesses but for the wider economic health of the whole region. It is particularly pleasing that this news swiftly follows the recent announcement that the NET contractor is employing nearly 1,000 (staff) 35% of whom come from the city.’ www.railstaff.co.uk

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A group of pupils from Bablake School in Coventry won a Network Rail helicopter trip over the Midlands after winning the Engineering Education Scheme.

Aniruddha Bose, Andrew Haughian, Joshua Rowe and James Tumber won the trip from Network Rail after topping a competition at the Engineering Education Scheme.

Said teacher, Sam Williams, who accompanied the team, ‘This was a memorable and inspiring start to a new term for the group as they pursue their A2 studies. The flying route, which was at 1000 feet to avoid the flight path of fixed wing

planes, took our pupils over Bablake, out to Hinckley and Nuneaton and then south to Kenilworth.’

Sam Williams thanked Programme Director for Track, Network Rail, Steve Featherstone, who organised the flight.

The Engineering Education Scheme is an EDT Programme which links teams of school students and their teacher with local companies to work on scientific, engineering and technological problems. Network Rail takes a keen interest in all schemes designed to promote interest in engineering among young people.

Red light spells ‘crowded’

The idea is to let passengers know which services are the most crowded. Staff at London Midland have already been making this information available to their customers via posters at stations.

Inspired by their example Baker wants to see the practice adopted across England and Wales.

‘Publication of train-by-train crowding information is, in the short term, an important tool for

Transport Minister Norman Baker has urged train companies to publish train crowding information in a simple traffic light system.

www.railstaff.co.uk

Light engine to Loughborough A £450,000 project to renovate the station canopy at Loughborough station on the Great Central Railway, one of the largest station roofs on a heritage railway, has been completed.

Renovating the grade II listed canopy, which dates from around 1898, involved replacing 860 panes of glass and over 1300 dagger boards which surround the edge of the canopy. The work was

coordinated by GCR volunteers, who were also able to refurbish some of the original wooden components, with contractors building the new steelwork and installing the glass.

Known as Loughborough’s ‘Crystal Palace’ the new station roof allows much more natural light onto the platforms and should see the station fit for another century.

allowing passengers to make informed choices about which trains to travel on, and convincing those passengers who can change their travel patterns to do so.’

Several train companies, including Greater Anglia, are already providing more detailed information for passengers but the approach London Midland has taken to keep their passengers

informed is being held up as an example of best practice.

For stations on routes into Birmingham and London the company publishes details of each of their services at the busiest times and colour codes them - red, amber or green - depending on how crowded they are. This gives passengers the choice to alter their travel plans to catch a less crowded train.

© JONATHAN WEBB

© SOPHIE TUMBER

Up up and away

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Animal magic for Hexham station A pet food superstore will form part of an ambitious retail development on the site of the former goods yard at Hexham station in Northumberland.

Network Rail has been granted planning permission for a major redevelopment of the site. The investment will also deliver station improvements for passengers and staff. The scheme will transform the 3.2 acre site and include a 20,000 sq ft Homebase and garden

centre as well as units for Majestic Wines and Pets at Home. Passengers will benefit from new pedestrian and step-free access to the northern platform (platform 1).

Says Stuart Kirkwood, head of development at Network Rail, ‘This scheme is our first direct development, making it a significant one for Network Rail. This new approach enables us to stay in the development cycle for longer and retain

ownership of the property. By developing the site in this way we will earn financial returns which can be fed back to support our railway investment.

‘Schemes such as Hexham will help to reduce public subsidy of the railway, by using commercial proceeds to upgrade stations at no cost to the taxpayer.’ All profits generated from Network Rail’s commercial activity are reinvested in the railway.

Billet-Doux

and communities.’

Other plans include bringing a further platform at Hartlepool back

into use. Grand Central became part of the Arriva group which is owned by Deutsche Bahn in 2011.

A platform for a Smart Ticketing Alliance has been created by VDV KA of Germany, ITSO from the UK, Afimb from France, the EU’s Calypso Networks and UITP. Objectives of the alliance include co-operation between national and regional smart ticketing schemes in order that the foundations may be set to establish interoperability across Europe and elsewhere, cooperation with international bodies to promote interoperability and to agree, develop and publish technical and functional requirements to enable smart ticketing interoperability.

An invitation to join the alliance has been extended to other regional and national ticketing schemes, with full membership offered to national ticketing and regional authorities and operators.

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If Grand Central receives approval to operate services beyond 2016 it plans to replace its HSTs with Class 180 Adelantes.

As an open-access train operator, Grand Central operates under a Track Access Contract approved by the Office of Rail Regulation. The current 28 day consultation period will seek views on the extension of Grand Central’s current contract until 2026.

Says Richard McClean, Managing Director of Grand Central, ‘Over the next few years, we plan to make very significant investments in our train fleet and supporting stations and infrastructure. We are applying to extend our current Track Access Contract for ten years as we want the opportunity to grow and improve our service for Grand Central’s passengers

© JONATHAN WEBB

Adelantes for Grand Central

Keep up to date with the Global Rail Market

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NEWS

Electric lakeland with the biggest programmes of rail electrification ever.’

Current schemes for railway electrification include electrifying Manchester - Liverpool and Manchester - Bolton routes by 2016. If the business case is agreed Network Rail will take forward the project in conjunction with other electrification projects in the north-west.

“I recognise that strong rail links across the country are important drivers in our economic recovery at a national and regional level…”

The company behind the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal plans to significantly expand the site.

Prologis has applied for permission to build DIRFT III which will expand over the nearby former radio mast site near Hilmorton creating over 9,000 jobs.

The rail connected development

will include over 70 hectares of warehousing, covering over 163 hectares of land in addition to a 3.5 hectare HGV parking site.

Daventry opened in 1997. The first intermodal freight train into the site, hauled by an RfD class 47, formed the front page of the first edition of RailStaff.

© JONATHAN WEBB

Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin has announced plans to electrify the Oxenholme – Windermere branch line in Cumbria.

Once the proposed £16m scheme is agreed, more reliable electric trains could link Kendal, Burneside and Staveley directly to Manchester by 2016.

Says Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, ‘This is a key line to one of the most important tourist areas in the UK and I believe the rail industry has a role in making sure more people can travel comfortably to enjoy the beautiful lakes.

‘I recognise that strong rail links across the country are important drivers in our economic recovery at a national and regional level.

That is why we are pushing ahead

Third Edition for Expanding Daventry

Visitors go Forth

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The public will eventually have access to Scotland’s Forth Bridge, says Network Rail.

Plans have been put forward for a visitor centre and viewing platform linked by a lift in North Queensferry, and a smaller base to coordinate guided walks to the top of the south tower in South Queensferry.

Says David Simpson, route managing director, Network Rail Scotland, ‘After 10 years spent restoring the bridge to its full glory, and in advance of the application for world heritage listing, these plans will offer the public the chance to visit the bridge and see it ‘close-up’ for the first time. We are hugely excited by these proposals and believe that they have the potential to be developed into an important new visitor attraction for Scotland.’

.com

www.railstaff.co.uk

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Magic on the

British Pullman

The British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, departs throughout the year from London Victoria, offering a host of journeys to some of Britain’s most famous historic cities, castles, country houses and sporting events. Prices start from £205 per person. For more information and reservations on any of these trips, please call 0845 077 2222 or visit: www.orient-express.com/uktrains

Asif Ahmed reports The Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) holds a special affection in the mind of both railway insiders and outsiders. To travel in this iconic train represents an essential tick on life’s to-do list and the opportunity presented to RailStaff to experience a journey on its sister train, British Pullman, was irresistible.

The luxury service presents a rail travel experience of a different vintage. Trains regularly leave London destined for some of Europe’s major cities, including, among others, Paris, Budapest and, of course, Venice.

In the UK, the British Pullman and Northern Belle trains embark on classic

20

tours of the British countryside and for this journey we followed a circular tour through suburban London and the Surrey hills.

Passengers sat waiting for the train’s arrival at London Victoria are welcomed by onboard staff and a brass band in the station’s authentic 1920’s reception, before being shown to their reserved seats or private carriage.

A big attraction of the journey is the steam haulage in the shape of Clan Line.

Its immaculate presentation and running was a testament to the members of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society who get to travel in the locos own support coach.

Each Pullman car interior has its own distinct marquetry providing the backdrop to the five-course meal, with the main

course timed to coincide with a layover at Shalford when the loco makes a stop for water.

The present day VSOE was launched in the early 1980s, several years after the operator of the original Orient Express, Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, withdrew the service, blaming the rise of high-speed trains and air travel for its decline.

American businessman James Sherwood purchased two of the vintage cars at an auction in Monte Carlo and set about reviving the iconic service.

Sherwood eventually tracked down 35 Pullman carriages and began an intense period of refurbishment to try and realise his vision to create a train service the equal of any five-star hotel.

VSOE operations and maintenance is

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FEATURE

carried out at Stewarts Lane depot and like many railway operations, the presentation of the train requires many hours of dedicated maintenance by a highly-skilled team of engineers and craftsmen.

Currently the train is operating 10 Pullman carriages with a support car at either end. Interestingly the external dimensions of each car differs according to the service that it originally worked in BR and pre-BR times. The 11th operational carriage “Ione” is in the process of an extensive restoration – the start of what is expected to be a rolling programme to keep all of the carriages in top condition.

Externally, the Pullman cars are maintained to a very high standard although any attack by lineside vegetation is keenly felt by the more experienced VSOE staff.

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In an increasingly bland world, it isn’t surprising that this truly unique and beautiful train attracts envious looks from the regular rail passengers at all the stations en route.

Modern technology and real-time information now means that the train is well photographed and filmed by enthusiasts as would never have been possible in the past.

The five-hour journey is over all too quickly and the usual rush for the exit is replaced by passengers who are reluctant to leave.

Victoria provides the traveller a final opportunity to take one last photo of their personal carriage and loco and their proof of a “to-do” having been well and truly ticked.

With thanks to Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE)

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industry leaders group

HS2: the wider network, the wider benefits Conference sponsored by:

Conference supported by:

Think Tank, Birmingham Science Museum, Curzon Street, birmingham, b4 7xg.

Thursday 19 September 2013

On September 19th, at Curzon Street Birmingham, Greengauge 21 is holding the one must-attend conference on HS2 for 2013. At this crucial stage, we are taking the opportunity to answer the key questions that still surround HS2.

Our aim for the day is simple: to transform any lingering perception that HS2 is of limited, narrow benefit. It isn’t: its beneficial effects extend right across the national rail network. Its impact on the economies of all of the cities and regions it serves will be highly beneficial – both locally, and ultimately, to the national economy and exchequer.

We will hear from a leading independent economist why the north of Britain should be better linked to London and the south east.

On the day, we will be showcasing Network Rail’s new research into HS2’s impacts on the wider network, presenting findings for the first time in a public arena.

The day will be attended by key decision makers from both the private and public sectors.

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We will learn from HS2 Ltd about the new results from its leading edge work examining how the project will impact on city and regional economies, moving beyond the confines of traditional transport benefit cost appraisal. Again, this will be the first opportunity to discuss and debate this work in a public arena.

The conference is being sponsored by the HSR Industry Leaders Group – a group of private sector businesses that want to see HS2 develop and flourish.

Make sure you are there!

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why attend?

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:44 Page 22

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Recognising the people who keep the UK rail industry moving.

RailStaff Awards AWARDS PARTY: 5th OCTOBER, BIRMINGHAM

WWW.RAILSTAFFAWARDS.COM

Award Winning Rail Staff stage International Rescue The railway in Britain exerts a force for good way beyond its immediate stations, depots and lines.

After years of apologising for soaking up public subsidy, rail chiefs are rolling out figures demonstrating the positive economic impact made by railways and the people who work on them both at home and abroad. This exuberance will underscore this year’s RailStaff Awards on 5th October at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Substantial investment The growth of the railway directly benefits the places it serves. Figures from Nottingham attest to substantial investment in local firms and new jobs as the tram network is expanded. The phenomena is equally apparent in Scotland as new projects and upgrades gather pace.

Network Rail points out that local firms around the network increasingly benefit. Even more important is the effect railway workers have on their surroundings.

Staff generate business spending money, buying houses, bringing up children and engaging in the myriad economic activities that make up modern life. Better pay and more investment will only increase the phenomena.

The railway is an economic dynamo with its people providing the energy.

It is not only in Britain that railway staff have this effect.

Railway engineers serve in the territorial army and have rebuilt railways in Iraq as Andrew Robbins describes in his highly readable article.

Rail tutors from Britain are even now in Moscow helping Russian Railways senior staff beef up skills as the huge rail network seeks to become more cohesive and provide better value for money.

Many will raise a wry smile that while our lords and masters in Moscow, London and Washington wrangle over foreign affairs fellow railway men and women are quietly getting on with sharing knowledge and building a better and safer railway. This overseas involvement is nothing new.

Network Rail Consulting was launched earlier this year to trade our skills abroad. In its hey day British Rail had an international consulting arm, Transmark, part of the British Rail Research Division. Railway engineers from these shores built railways across India, Argentina, Canada and the United States. Network Rail Consulting is already helping Amtrak’s bid to improve high density passenger railways in New England.

The railway in any country is a labour intensive organisation.

Consumers deal directly with suppliers. Boarding a train you get to see the driver in the cab, the guard in the carriage and railway staff on the platforms and in the

ticket office. Survey after survey says the public values this personal touch. This is in marked contrast to other vast organisations like telecoms or energy suppliers where getting through to a real human being is something of a triumph.

Bodyguard Workwear backs Customer Service

Energise local economies If the rail industry is to continue to energise local economies, improve international relations and increase usage of railways here and abroad its number one product, the staff, needs encouragement and support.

This is traditionally a low wage industry and although much has changed now it still suffers from its people being undervalued. The RailStaff Awards is an industry wide attempt to put that right.

Successive leaders of Network Rail and major train companies like Virgin and FirstGroup have backed the RailStaff Awards and spelt out the value of celebrating the excellence of the people on the shop floor – the driver, track workers, signallers, cleaners, ticket clerks, planners and possession managers.

It is always a long list but there is place for everyone at the RailStaff Awards. Put bluntly it is a chance for the industry to say thanks to the 1000s of people who, modest and self effacing, make it the success it is. Make sure you can be there by booking a table now – there are still a few places left.

PAGE 25

Navartis backs Project Manager of the Year PAGE 27

Green Light for Westermo PAGE 29

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:44 Page 24

r Charity David Maidment Award fo

FINALISTS Eddie Martin

Helen Rylands

PROUD TO SPONSOR

Sara Hollies

Christopher Emmett

THE DAVID MAIDMENT AWARD

Stefan Chybowski

Hannah Shackcloth

FOR CHARITY AT THIS YEAR’S

Scott Wardrop

David Pike

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

Eddie Michel

Sanderstead Station

Andy Ridout

Anthony Tuohy

Geoff Powell

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24

www.railstaffawards.com

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:44 Page 25

Bodyguard Workwear tailors RailStaff’s Outstanding Customer Service Award Top quality Manufacturer & Supplier of PPE and Safety Clothing to the rail industry, Bodyguard Workwear Ltd, is sponsoring the Outstanding Customer Service Award at this year’s RailStaff Awards.

Says Tom O’Connor of the Rail Media Group, ‘Railways have one of the closest consumer–supplier relationships of any industry.

Passengers see staff on trains and stations and many realise there’s an army of unsung heroes out there ensuring their trains run safely and on time.

‘The railway is a labour-intensive, high-skill operation and is safety critical. Safety is the responsibility of us all. The industry attaches great importance to the quality of Personal Protective Equipment. Top quality safety clothing is a staff safety imperative on the railway.

We are therefore thrilled that

Bodyguard Workwear is backing the award that recognises the people at the heart of our industry and the suppliers who work in all weathers round the clock to ensure our customers speed by in comfort and safety.’

Rail staff up and down the network and on major projects like Crossrail use safety clothing and equipment supplied by Bodyguard Workwear.

Says Kamal Basra, Managing Director, Bodyguard Workwear, ‘So many of the winners of those nominated for the RailStaff Awards will be wearing our clothes and using our PPE, that’s why we decided to get involved. We are supplying the very people who maintain the railway, drive the trains, renew track and signalling – these are the staff the RailStaff Awards salutes.

‘Looking after the customer –

quite literally making him and her safe – is at the core of what we do at Bodyguard Workwear. I wish everyone who has been nominated every success at the RailStaff Awards and in their career in the new rail industry.’

Bodyguard Workwear was been established in 1975 and is now one of the leading distributors of Safety Clothing and PPE. Over the years Bodyguard Workwear has worked with some of the largest Construction, Petrochemicals, Utilities and Transport companies in Britain.

Bodyguard Workwear prides itself on looking after all customers individually from the largest contractors to the sole trader. Each customer is important.

Says Kamal Basra, ‘We pride ourselves on excellent customer service; we are also holders of ISO: 9001 certificate for quality

assurance.

Having been established for over 35 years, we have gained a thorough understanding of safety clothing. From the exact fabric and materials which are required for construction of garments, to the demands which need to be met for the ultimate wearer. The company has been at the forefront of technical and Innovative design development in the safety clothing industry.’

All Bodyguard Workwear Rail Specification Clothing meets the stringent testing required for GO/RT3279 and this allows our customers to get on with their businesses with complete peace of mind and reassurance from a first class quality supply partner.

Outstanding Customer Service Debs Stockdale

FINALISTS

Ashley Cosker Rehana Khawaja

Ian Clee Bhavesh Tailor

Gillian Mitchell

Waterloo Custom er Service Assistanc e Team Paul Dowlman

Tom Manning

Richelle Walsh

Mel Tosh

Liza Kopper and St eve Baker at Kings Cr oss Station Craig Young Chris Lay Andy Phillips

PROUD TO SPONSOR The Outstanding Customer Service Award

Southern Assiste d Travel Team Graham Matthews Fred Tarimo Paul Blackie Andrew Jackson

www.bodyguardworkwear.co.uk www.railstaffawards.com

25

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:44 Page 26

Year Graduate / Apprentice of the

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Penny Gilg

Zoe Smithurst

Singh Corin

Bryony Govan

Robert Liddle

Luke Rawcliffe

Daniel Russell

Amy Footer

Maria Kemp

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FINALISTS Annette Gevaert Paul Bassett Julie Davis Cassandra Sutton Carl Hewitt Steve Byford Kissore Kher Joe Harris John Hockenhull Mark Haslam

26

Carl Painter Danny Coppin Josie Borg Mohammed Mayet Gemma Newby Phil James Stephen Townley Chris Peers Stephen Bradley Keith Hills

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:45 Page 27

Navartis focuses on Project Manager of the Year Leading project focused recruitment company, Navartis, is backing the Project Manager of the Year at the RailStaff Awards 2013.

As the scramble continues to attract new people to the rail industry Navartis is taking the lead in supplying quality professionals to Europe’s fastest growing railway network.

Says Tom O’Connor of the Rail Media Group, ‘Every edition of RailStaff and the rail engineer carries extensive reporting of major projects being progressed in almost every area of the railways.

The Project Manager of the Year is a hugely important award as we seek to shine a light on the immense skill and hard work that goes into leading major projects.

In the rail industry major projects are regularly delivered on time and on budget. This point

needs to be emphasised again and again as we argue the case for High Speed 2 and more railways to cope with growing demand.

Navartis brings great expertise to the rail industry and it is hugely encouraging to see them backing this important award.’

The rail industry is increasingly turning to proven professional recruitment specialists like Navartis to close the skills gap.

Railways need more engineers, technicians and management professionals.

Says Jim Sloan, Director, Navartis, ‘The rail industry in the UK presents a real opportunity for businesses and motivated professionals. Projects like Crossrail, Great Western Electrification, the Northern Hub are proof of an industry on a confident, upward, curve. Our job

is to aid progress through the supply of the people needed to design, build, maintain and upgrade the railways throughout Britain.

Project management is a tough and demanding skill. We think it right to honour the men and women taking the decisions that deliver the new railway on the ground. All of us at Navartis are looking forward to the RailStaff Awards and to meeting both winners and staff as together we celebrate the success story that is the new rail industry.’

Navartis is a specialist project focussed technical recruitment company which works closely with clients, consultancies and contractors to meet high demand in securing highly skilled technical and management professionals within the International Railway Industry, Global Transportation, Civil Engineering and Utility

Industries.

Highly trained and industry focussed recruitment teams at Navartis provide a flexible tailored recruitment service in order to identify and recruit high calibre professionals. Capitalising partnerships with international candidate and client networks, Navartis recruitment experts are well positioned to proactively fulfil the rail industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals across all disciplines.

e Year Project Manager of th

FINALISTS Graham Parker

Jeremy Spence

Richard Cooper

Robert Huggins

Kate Barnes

John McCulloch

Sara Borland

Gary Lawson

Geoff Brison

Mark Bennett

Phil McKenna

Heidi Sly

Nick Hilton

Philip De Silva

Proud to sponsor Project Manager of the Year

Paul Marshall Technical Recruitment Specialist t. 01302 556 674 www.railstaffawards.com

www.navartis.co.uk 27

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:45 Page 28

The Transp Transport port Fund Benevolent Fun nd is sponsor proud to spon nsor the Station S Staff of the Yearr award aw ward again this yyear. ear ear.

Station Staff of the Year

FINALISTS

Anthony Steel Mustafa Eray

With the help of the TOCs, Network Rail and d other employers throughout througho out the public transport indus industry stry we now have over 40,000 members. mem mbers.

For just ÂŁ1 a week a var variety riety of benefits are available to you you, u, your partner and dependent ch children. hildren.

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e-mail help@tbf.or help@tbf.org.uk rg.uk www.tbf.org.uk www.tbf.orrg.uk

Badreddine Ayad

Fiona Healy

Stephen Sharp

Lindsey Hudson

John Woodhouse

Jose Moscoso-Rey Corrina Stebbings Paul Mitchell

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June Savage

Transport Benevolentt Fund

Damian Plumb

Crewe Station Te am Birmingham International Station Stockport Station Staff

The Transport Benevolent Fund (known as TBF) is a registered gistered charity in England and Wales (1058032) 032) and in Scotland (S (SC040013) SC040013)

Rail Engineer of the Year

FINALISTS

28

Steve King

Fiona Reilly

Chris White

Paul Ramsey

Darren Walsh

Tara Scott

Lukasz Kusior

Paul Tomblin

Mark Lindahl

Colin Mcateer

Robert Kay

Peter Musgrave

Bogdan-Victor Mazalu-Dragu

Stuart Coombes

PROUD TO O SPONSOR Rail Engineer o of the Year 2013

Morson Group operates through two main subsidiaries, Morson International and Morson Projects. Morson International is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No1 Technical Recruiter and provides specialist engineering and technical personnel. Morson Projects provides outsourced engineering and project management design services. To date, Morson Group has presence is 57 office locations across the globe.

Stephen Schofield T:: Manchester 0161 707 1516 T

T: T: London 0207 633 2040

W:: www www.morson.com W .morson.com

E: rail@morson.com www.railstaffawards.com

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:45 Page 29

FT Transformers Backs Train Driver of the Year FT Transformers is sponsoring the Train Driver of the Year award at the RailStaff Awards 2013. The move caps a busy and successful year for FT Transformers which gained Network Rail approval for its new Class 2 transformer this summer.

FT Transformers manufactures signalling transformers which can reduce voltages from 650v to 110v ac. The challenge with railway signalling was to produce a Class 2 hybrid transformer which incorporated zero inrush and was housed in a protective casing that gives total safety. Inrush means the huge upsurge in current when a transformer is first switched on.

The development challenge FT had was to make a transformer with zero inrush. The team at FT Transformers involved skilled inhouse designers headed by Managing Director, Richard Bradley who oversaw the whole project

from start to finish. High inrush has been a major problem on signalling transformers, especially the old legacy models. Drawings were produced and manufacturing the new range of transformers began. Transformers were despatched for testing to ERA Technology and passed with flying colours. Network Rail quickly realised the potential of the new range and sent in auditors to FT which was found to be fully compliant.

Says Bob Wright, Chief Executive FT Transformers, ‘Initially Network Rail was a little sceptical of our achievements and required further rigorous testing. FT satisfied all tests and zero inrush is now a welcome reality for Network Rail.

The next major task was to get PADS approval which we have now achieved. Our work for the rail industry will help make it safer and more reliable for passengers

and staff alike. That’s why we’re backing Train Driver of the Year.

This category goes right to the heart of the industry and we are delighted to be taking a major role at the RailStaff Awards. The driver symbolises the many men and women, who together make up this dynamic and successful industry.’

Says Tom O’Connor, of the Rail Media Group, ‘Drivers will always speak of the importance of railway safety with a conviction that comes from being responsible for the train loads of people under their care. Companies like FT Transformers help them in their jobs. We are very pleased to welcome FT Transformers to the RailStaff Awards.’

FT Transformers was founded in 1937 by a former radio engineer, Harry Forrest. FT Transformers supplied transformers to the London Underground ahead of the

2012 Olympics. Long experience has seen the company developing a transformer for the first cardiograph machine, helping with Frank Whittle’s pioneering development of the jet engine and supplying electronic equipment for the Barcelona Olympics.

Says Bob, ‘We have long been involved in new electronic technologies that keep people healthy and mobile. Being involved with railways is an essential part of this.’

S

D PA O PR

AP

FINALISTS

James Robertson Andy Thompson Darryl Redmond Dave Hansford Sean Roberts Tony Ilesanmi John Ingham

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David House

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Train Driver of the Year Nick Hardy Andy Wareham Mandy Passmore Ersan Sokmen Gary Dobkin Adam Osborne-Hall Shelley Hancock

APPROVED REPLACEMENT FOR LEGACY TRANSFORMERS. NO MORE SHOCKS WITH OUR PROTECTIVE COATING. > ZERO INRUSH > INSULATED TO 20,000V - Self healing type properties > FULL CERTIFICATION CLASS II > HYBRID TRANSFORMERS

CLASS II HYBRID * 250VA * 500VA * 1000VA * 1400VA * 2000VA

The only complete range of transformers to comply to extreme ends in safety and performance

Proud to sponsor Train Driver of the year 2013 T. 0121 451 3204 www.railstaffawards.com

sales@ft-transformers.co.uk 29

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:45 Page 30

Signalling & Telecommunications David Rayner

FINALISTS

Richard Bradley Network Rail IP Signalling Innovations Group Robert Jones Jason Maggs Ian Puckrin Paul Dowlman

Paul Grayston Edinburgh IECC Signaller, SSM & MOM Team Chris Hodges Philip De Silva Stephen Schofield Anthony Afonso Nicholas Wellingt on

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FINALISTS Paul Bramble

Philip Hannaford

John Matheson

Stephen Parker

Wayne Clay

Tracey Young

Rods De Faria

Dave Warren

Giles Tidmarsh

Mark Shepherd

John Jebson

Les Kenward

Chris Roberts

Scott Brown

Peter Angell

Proud Sponsors of the Rail Safety Person of the Year 2013 With a reputation built on safely delivering multi-faceted projects we continue to provide a service of exceptional value to all of our clients.

Bridgeway Consulting’s diverse portfolio of services ensures our clients continue to benefit from our ‘one stop shop’ service offering. We know that the quality of our people ensures that we provide a quality service and this is why we are pleased to sponsor the Rail Safety Person of the Year in the 2013 Railstaff Awards.

Engineering the future...

0115 919 1111 | enquiries@bridgeway-consulting.co.uk

www.bridgeway-consulting.co.uk 30

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 31

Rail Person of the Year

Rail Team of the Year

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

Amey Asset Perform ance Centre Team

Mark Hardeman

Michelle Harper

Liam Furnis

Colin Waite

Pete Donnelly

Richard Constable

Richard Atkins Beach Boys Consultancy Serv ices Team Learning &amp; De velopment Team

John Hibbert

Philip Dubery

Fenchurch Street & Responsible Person s

Tony Paul

Carl Duke

Jon Bertozzi

Anna Holly

Larry Heyman

Paul Atherton

Mario De Luca

London Undergroun d Stations Operation s Te

am Oxford Circus Grou p Duty Managers UTC Project Team Moorfields Station Staff Network Solutions

Birmingham New St Service Delivery Ce reet ntre Gateway (Phase 1) Wembley Event Vo Switchover Team lunteers Communications Tw Ne twork Rail and Sa itter Team maritans Programme Deliver Union Learning y Team Representatives Ne Clapham Junction wcastle Staff and Management Alex Pinfold Dave Birch & Kay Hamson Southern Assisted Travel Team Every Journey Ma tters Team

Network Rail isNetwork proud Rail to sponsor is proud the RailStaff Awards 2013 to sponsor the RailStaff Awards 2011 From pioneering investment and development projects, to innovations that make everyday It’s your hard work – the individuals and teams services faster, smarter andwithin saferour – we industry – that’sbelieve helping in us build a better railway for Britain. the recognising and celebrating From pioneeringindividuals investment and development projects, and teams that are enabling to innovations that everyday services smarter themake transformation of faster, our network. and safer, we believe in recognising the excellence that’s enabling the transformation of our network.

That’s why we’re very proud to once

That’s why we’re very proud to once again sponsor this year’s again sponsor the RailStaff Awards.

RailStaff Awards.

Helping Britain run better A better railwaynetworkrail.co.uk for

a better Britain networkrail.co.uk www.railstaffawards.com

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 32

Rail Infrastructure Team

FINALISTS Anglia Switches & Crossings Team Track Access & Isolations Team

helping to build the nation

SI/GI Team

Experts IN support services for infrastructure markets McGinley Support Services are pleased to be sponsoring

Rail Infrastructure Team of the Year at the Railstaff Awards 2013

Track Design Team Infrastructure Projects Network Solutions

Hitchin Alliance

Track Renewals Crewe S&C Collaboration

Reading Maintenance Delivery Unit

Banbury Technical Team

Reading PWAY

Network Rail National Track Plant Exhibition and Innovation Showcase Team

Hatfield Recovery Team

0845 543 5953

www.mcginley.co.uk

Lifetime Achievement Award

FINALISTS

Steve Diksa

Peter Daw

Nigel Stockdale

Mike Sowden

Les Thorington

Paul Dowlman

Peter Illes

John Aplin

Helen Roberts

John Murphy

Keith Harding

Chris Ireland

David Carter

Vince Wragg

Chris Twigg

Peter Felton

Proud sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the RailStaff Awards

www.firstgroup.com 32

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 33

ard Samaritans Lifesaver Aw

FINALISTS Whatever you’ve done.

Whatever life’s done to you.

Call Samaritans.

No pressure.

No judgement.

We’re here for you. ŵĞ͘ ŶLJ Ɵ

08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org *

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Sadak Ali

Louise Mitchell

Gina Mills

Kevin Waring

Anthony Tuohy Chris Jones, Kirk Taylor, Clive Ellaway, Kumar Hirani & Customer Communications & Guy Davies Security Centre Information Dave PC West, Sue PC Team Waterloo East Caldwell & PC Stephen Pritchard Clive Pentelow Jack Miller Adam Osborne-Hall Team A York Station Terry Sanders and Dave Gibbs Dean Cole Steve Mew

Gareth Shelley

Vincent Kondas

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London Underground

London Underground proud to sponsor the 2013 RailStaff Awards At London Underground we recognise that our people are

work for us that will help us achieve the success of

critical to achieving our vision of a world class Tube for a

delivering an upgraded network while carrying record

world class city. So for the third year running, we are

numbers of passengers.

delighted to be an associate sponsor of the RailStaff

2013 is a big year as we step up the modernisation of the

Awards. These awards recognise and reward the brilliant

Tube to ensure it remains the engine room of the UK

work, dedication and commitment of individuals and teams

economy, helping to create thousands of jobs across the

from across the rail industry.

country. So it is fitting that our sponsorship of the

At London Underground we’re firm believers in continuous

RailStaff Awards will help to focus on excellence across

improvement and development... and it’s the people who

the rail industry.

MAYOR OF LONDON

www.railstaffawards.com

Transport for London

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 34

Recruiter / HR Person or Team

FINALISTS Andy Ridout Lisa Brackner Amanda Hopkins Laura Fletcher Nigel Sweeney Chris Scott

TfL Strategic Resourcing

Trainer / Training Team of the Year

FINALISTS Monique Choudhuri Emma Rudge Craig Lawrence

Mark Craft

Kees van der Wiele

Amanda Gleaves

Mark Cawdron

Sarah Gatland Oiver Behrendt

Customer Experience Training Team Merseyrail Learning and Development Team

Helen Reynolds

Birmingham New Street Gateway (Phase 1) Station Communications Team

Paul Haynes

Rob Dawber

Mandy Passmore

Scott Cullen

Gary Lavers

Tim Lavington

The Rail Alliance are proud to be associate sponsors of The RailStaff Awards 2013

34

www.railstaffawards.com

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 06/09/2013 09:18 Page 35

Railcare rescue Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Limited has acquired the rail vehicle component and overhaul business of Railcare.

Knorr-Bremse will be taking over the Railcare operational sites at both Springburn in Glasgow and at Wolverton near Milton Keynes. Railcare will become part of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Limited.

Says Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse in the UK, ‘Railcare currently has many skilled and experienced individuals working at both its sites, in vehicle overhaul and repair but also in specialist incident repair and logistics.

‘We believe that with the support of Knorr-Bremse, both in terms of solid financial investment and in process and management experience and support, we will, together with the existing team, be able to create a strong, new company.

Signal transfer The August Bank Holiday weekend saw five signal boxes closed between Bescot and Rugeley with control passing to the West Midlands Signalling Centre.

This will enable passengers and freight operators to enjoy a more reliable service, especially over the Cannock line - hitherto a haven for manual signalling and absolute block working.

Of the five signal boxes Bescot Down Tower and Walsall were power boxes, with entrance-exit panels, from the 1960s in stark contrast with Hednesford on the Cannock line which dated from 1877 and still contained its original 38 lever frame right up to the end.

Other boxes closed during the blockade were Bloxwich and Brereton.

The use of absolute block north

The World’s

Best Safety

© JONATHAN WEBB

NEWS

A London Midland service passes Hednesford signal box just days before it closed.

of Bloxwich had long been a point of frustration with operators along the line as slow moving coal trains could often mean passenger services being held at the Bloxwich intermediate home signal waiting for the freight to clear Hednesford.

Passive provision for 75 mph running has been provided in terms of signal spacing, but this is not scheduled to commence until the line is electrified in around

2017 when further infrastructure works, such as closing Bloxwich level crossing, are carried out.

Abolishing the manual signal boxes on the Cannock route sees the end of main line manual signalling in the West Midlands, although there is still Tyseley carriage sidings, which dates from 1949, with its 30 lever frame. The nearest section of AB worked route is now in Worcestershire.

...take Safety to Site

Message Board?

...is now on the

Back of your Hand.

www.railstaff.co.uk

BodyGuard Workwear Ltd Adams Street, Birmingham, B7 4LS Tel. 0121 359 8880 www.bodyguardworkwear.co.uk

35

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 36

NEWS

Colas team wins BS11000 Colas Rail’s jointly delivered Track Renewals business has achieved BS 11000 certification for Collaborative Business Relationships.

Says Richard Watts, Operations Manager, Colas Rail, ‘Track Renewals joins Colas Rail Projects in securing BS 11000, which is fast becoming a prerequisite for rail sector contracts. It provides the industry with a strategic framework for developing contractual relationships which deliver improved levels of performance and cost efficiencies throughout the supply chain.’

BS 11000 certification is seen as official recognition of the way Track Renewals has always done business. ‘In addition to cementing the way we already operate in terms of building successful collaborative business relations, this accreditation

provides a springboard to the future for Colas Rail and the UK rail industry as a whole,’ continues Watts.

With core competencies in the design, build and management of track renewal projects, Colas Rail’s jointly delivered Track Renewals business is now among the top performing contractors in this demanding sector of the UK’s rail infrastructure. This expertise is reflected in a proven track record in delivering projects safely, on time, on budget and to outstanding standards of quality and value.

RailNewcastle: summer school success NewRail, based at the Newcastle University, ran a successful intensive summer school on rail and logistics which drew an international audience.

For 20 days NewRail scholars worked with 68 students and 20 professors from three continents, 19 institutions and 14 nationalities.

13 research groups were formed to develop 13 different rail related research short term projects. These were then presented back to the entire summer school.

Topics such as Railway Capacity, Sustainability, Reliability, Typical Rail Vehicles, Unconventional Rail Systems, Safety and Security, Intermodal Transport and ITS, Crashworthiness and ICTs were discussed and scrutinised in detail.

Group working and presentation skills were a key component to the success of the Summer School. A combination of learning methods,

including lectures, project-based learning, technical visits and thematic seminars were used giving students an array of skills enabling them to pursue a career in railways and logistics.

NewRail is a dedicated railway research centre at Newcastle University.

Waterloo Sunshine Longer platforms, longer trains, better signalling and increased power supplies at Waterloo are among proposals put forward by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance.

More improvements at London Waterloo will see the remaining four platforms (21-24) of the Waterloo International Terminal back into use.

Work is already underway to bring Platform 20 of the former International Terminal back into service from spring 2014.

In addition the alliance wants to progress procurement of more than 135 additional carriages which will run in 10-car formation on the suburban routes of the network. This procurement process has now started and depending on the proposal selected, the first additional trains could be delivered as early as 2016.

Says Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, ‘Britain needs a strong economy if it wants to compete globally and effective transport links are absolutely key to that. This is why the Government has embarked on one of the biggest programmes of rail modernisation ever.

36

‘It’s also vital to cost-effectively create additional capacity at Waterloo - the capital’s busiest railway station - making the proposals from South West Trains and Network Rail doubly important.’

Plans are already in place to deliver capacity for an additional 23,000 extra peak-time passengers per day through the roll-out of an additional 108 carriages by the end of 2014.

These carriages, secured through the

Government’s High Level Output Specification programme, will provide longer trains on key peak-time services.

Work has already taken place on the lengthening of platforms at over 60 stations to enable 10-car trains to operate on key routes.

The new trains could be based at Wimbledon Depot, where capacity is being freed up by upgrading Class 455s which will reduce the time they stay in depot for maintenance. www.railstaff.co.uk

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:48 Page 37

Engineering a National High Speed Rail Network REF Technical Seminar Monday 21 October 2013 Registration 8.30 am, Seminar Opens 9.15 am and Closing Speech 4.30 pm One Great George Street, Westminster, SW1P 3AA

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 38

NEWS

Electric Avenue UK Power Networks Services has recently completed the installation of 60 Electric Vehicle charge posts at 12 London Underground car parks across the capital.

Says Michael Clark of UK Power Network Services, ‘These new public charge points are among hundreds we are monitoring in London to help us design smarter ways to support electric vehicle expansion, without overloading the electricity network.

‘By monitoring the habits of EV users at these new charge points we will strengthen our understanding of the peaks likely to occur on our electricity network.

We are exploring ‘smart’ solutions to manage those peaks, without incurring the cost and disruption of digging up the road to lay new cables, supporting take-up of low

carbon technologies which can deliver cleaner air for the capital.’

The charge posts can power up two vehicles simultaneously at either fast (7kw) or rapid (22kw) rates. The new charge points will

help make car travel in London greener and will enable London’s power distributor to plan for the future impact which large clusters of rapid charging points will have on the capital’s electricity network.

Tom Birch – Innovator and Inspiration The untimely death of Tom Birch at age 58 has saddened many within the rail operations community.

From a humble start as a box boy at Heaton Norris, Tom progressed his career to a very senior level and was a much respected figure in operating circles.

After a period as Assistant Controller at Manchester in 1973, he was selected for the Traffic Management Training Scheme and had a number of junior management roles following that.

He became Area Operations Manager first at Orpington and then at St Pancras. A spell in the Regional Operations group at Swindon was followed by posts in the freight sector, first as Area Manager Welsh Freight and then Operations Director Transrail Freight.

After privatisation, Tom became Operations Safety Manager for EWS and then Chief Controller for the GTRM/Carillion company. For a short period he worked at both Network Rail HQ and LNE Zone but was appointed Operations Director (Projects) for Chiltern Railways.

He became heavily involved with the Evergreen 3 project to create a much improved service from Marylebone to Birmingham. Latterly he was working with the Arriva Franchise Bid team.

An inspiration Tom was involved at the outset in setting up the Institution of Railway Operators and had been a Board Member and a Member of the Midlands Area Council. When the time came for the IRO to chair the Railway Engineers Forum, Tom was the logical choice.

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He was responsible for a number of innovations before having to step down in early 2012. As one younger member of the REF said, ‘He was an inspiration to younger members and encouraged them to implement and achieve ideas.’

Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2012 and put up a tremendous fight to beat the disease. After initial hope that he was winning, he deteriorated rapidly in late July and died on the 8th August. His funeral was held at Mugginton Church near Derby.

First bulk installation of rapid electric vehicle charge points in London: Michael Clark, Low Carbon London programme director, and Steve Lewis, business development manager for London Underground.

Moscow mission for rail tutors Railway tutors from Anglia Ruskin University will soon be teaching Russian Railways personnel in Moscow.

Anglia Ruskin University and Knowledge Associates Cambridge Ltd have signed a deal to provide training for managers at the railway’s Corporate University in Shcherbinka, near Moscow.

Russian Railways has over one million staff and nearly 150 associated companies in areas as diverse as freight transport, passenger traffic, logistics, production and engineering.

The partnership will see academics from Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School work together with experts from Russian Railways’ Corporate University to develop a joint learning programme for senior executives, covering project management, cost and revenue control, risk management and innovation skills. www.railstaff.co.uk

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 39

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 40

SAFETY CENTRAL IS IMPROVING! Sentinel 2, September briefings and the need to listen how and that in leadership it is not what you say, it is what you do that counts.

I agree. As an example of what can go wrong he cites the practice of rewarding people for completing work in reduced time during possessions since this often has the unintended consequence of convincing staff that safety is merely a second priority. He concludes by admitting that looking back on his working life he remembers every fatality and serious accident.

SAFETY Colin Wheeler colin@rail-media.com

Firstly I must thank the Construction Manager working with Network Rail who took the time and trouble to contact me by e-mail and thank me for writing about the near fatal accident at Poole last month.

I know of many rail workers in the past who have been involved in near misses at some time during their working lives but those who are struck by a train and survive are very few.

I welcome the overdue addition to Network Rail’s Safety Central website of a series of “Lessons Learnt” PDF bulletins and a video of the Near Miss at Newtown (titled as a Close Call but the difference is perhaps best argued over by safety professionals).

There are ten items so far with the most recent one relating to a January 2013 incident. I now hope that their next step will be adding factual descriptions of incidents and accidents whilst investigations are still progressing. I recommend reading them.

Sentinel 2 for all The major event for September is the roll out of Sentinel 2 which began internally for Network Rail in July. I remember the old original orange cardboard PTS (Personal Track Safety) cards that were done away with after a few misguided fools began selling forged ones in pubs!

The successful efforts of the NCCA (National Competency

Delegation and empowerment to those on site?

Control Agency run by Capita has served the industry well for 14 years) needs to be acknowledged as having solved the problems of forged cards and out of date competences. They will all be phased out by the end of this year.

The time had come to start using smartcard and smartphone technology. Sentinel 2 has been live using this technology for a couple of months, based on Network Rail’s Saltley Delivery Unit near Birmingham. The new smart cards have competences printed on them but can be updated without a new card being issued.

The currency of competences can be checked by most hand held devices and via the web. The introduction of Sentinel 2 is accompanied by changes in the sponsorship arrangements with a “sharing of costs cross the supply chain.”

Basically the old days when an individual could work for an

unlimited number of employers at any one time have ended and now a lead sponsor plus up to two others are the sensible limit. Drugs and alcohol testing results will be fed directly to Saltley by testing companies and only Network Rail will be able to suspend a cardholder. Individuals will be able to access information about themselves using “My Sentinel”.

Safety Leadership - “it’s what you do that counts” Non-Executive Network Rail Board Member Malcolm Brinded who is from the oil and gas industry, has posted an interesting video on Safety Central.

After commenting that safety has a positive effect on business, he adds that in the real world people feel there is a trade-off between safety and performance.

He stresses the importance of selecting safe working contractors before saying that the need is for commitment founded on know-

Face to face briefings of Level Crossing Assistants (LXA), Engineering Supervisors (ES) and Persons in Charge of Possessions (PICOP) are to be completed and recorded with Sentinel by the end of September. Two sets of slides are available on the website.

One set relates to a collision occurred between a Stoneblower and a Ballast Regulator within a worksite at Arley on August 10th last year. The message it gave me was that there was confusion over the speed at which these machines are allowed to travel within worksites. Nowadays worksites are very much longer than was the practice years ago.

The rules suggest a maximum speed of 5 mph unless specified otherwise by the ES or PICOP when up to a maximum of 40 mph may be allowed. However, some have already commented that Network Rail’s Handbook 9 suggests that movements within a possession can be authorised at up to linespeed. Four people were injured in

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 41

HEALTH & SAFETY

the collision but thankfully only one needed hospital treatment.

I suggest rule interpretation is not significant. More important to my mind is whether the staff on site including supervisors/ managers felt they were following rules and consequently did not themselves assume responsibility for planning and controlling the work on the night? (a) Cab view of the washed out embankment and

Ufton Level Crossing

(b) the leading vehicle stopped over the washout.

The second briefing relates to a near miss between a car and a train at Ufton Automatic Half Barrier Level Crossing on 4th September 2011. An error by the signalman meant that the appointed LXA had not been told to stop all road traffic and lower the barriers manually to allow a train to pass safely over the crossing.

The message from the briefing is a reinforcement of the fact that flags and lamps should not be removed when possession is given up whilst crossings are still under local control. Both briefings are clearly worth doing but why has it taken so long, in the case of Ufton almost two years?

Images courtesy of NIR

Embankment washed out The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its report into an incident that occurred in Northern Ireland at Knockmore on 28th June last year.

Additional passenger trains were running to the Irish Open Golf Tournament at Portrush.

At 07-06 am a Belfast to Portrush train ran onto a ten metre long section of unsupported track due to an embankment washout as a result of very heavy rain and flooding. The driver applied the emergency brake but was unable to stop his train before the leading bogie reached the unsupported rails at the washout.

He contacted the Controller for permission to reverse his train but

they were unable to grant permission. Being aware that the embankment was still failing he took the decision to reverse back which he accomplished without further incident. The RAIB report condones his actions.

The nearby Coca Cola Bottling Plant was flooded by 7-45 pm the previous evening and video footage confirmed that the embankment was breached by 9.50 pm. It is estimated that 150 tonnes of embankment was washed away.

The report is critical of the lack of engagement between Northern Ireland Railways and the Rivers Agency especially in relation to Brokerstone Stream, a designated watercourse arising in the White Mountain area and running for 4.4 km through eleven separate culverts totalling 3.2 km in length but varying between 2 and 880 metres individually. They also criticised the lack of any weather preparedness procedure and the delay in reporting the incident to the RAIB.

remains. It is all too easy for custom and practice to bring in poor practices which result in accidents. Acceptance of the norm can easily result in a tragedy.

The Class 730 high speed train accident in Spain at Santiago de Compostela in which 79 people lost their lives and many more were injured is a case in point.

Recent reports suggest that “driver error and the lack of working ETCS equipment were primary causes”.

I also understand that the rules on the use of mobile telephones by drivers may well be tightened for the future and there is a proposal that “conventional fixed signalling be installed giving maximum permitted speeds with Asfa Balises to limit speeds on the approach to sharp curves”.

Was anyone listening to the drivers of Class 730s before the accident? I find it difficult to believe that they had no concerns.

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September challenge for Ironman Andy

The race can take between 12 and 16 hours depending on fitness and luck on the day. Afterwards there will be a recovery period followed by a celebratory BBQ for athletes to share stories and a few beers to ease the sore legs.

Supportive family

Andy Ridout, managing director of advance-TRS, competes in Dartmoor’s Horseman Ironman on 14th September.

One of the toughest races in the world, the Horseman will see Andy plough through a 2.4 mile swim, a 108 mile cycle followed by a marathon across Dartmoor’s high country. Andy will raise around £10,000 for Railway Children, the charity that helps street children across the UK, India and Africa.

‘It has been an emotional twelve months. The training has definitely been tough with many obstacles along the way,’ says Andy, who will celebrate his 41st birthday two days after completing the race.

‘I entered the race for two reasons; to raise money for a very worthwhile charity and for the physical challenge. I met with Dave Ellis of Railway Children who really impressed me. I wanted to do something beyond the norm to help him raise awareness as well as a decent amount of money.

‘I have to say the fundraising has been the biggest challenge. I know the economy is tight but £10 goes a long way for a homeless child. I personally don’t like asking for donations so have waited four years since my last Ironman event to approach people again. I am very grateful to everyone who has donated and would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

Competing in a race of this magnitude requires a huge amount of motivation, focus and 42

commitment. Ridout exudes determination and a clear determination to keep going no matter what, a quality reflected throughout his 16 year recruitment career.

Excitement and apprehension ‘I am really looking forward to the race. It has been a long hard road getting to this point and I’m filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. A lot of my dedication to training is led by fear of pain during the race. The event is won and lost in the year leading up to it, not on the day. If you don’t train hard enough it’s over before you’ve begun.’

Ridout has spent the best part of a year spinning off for 100 mile bike rides, running marathonlength routes and ploughing up and down cold lakes with a vigorous routine of early morning swims.

‘I swing from panic that I haven’t done enough training, to assured confidence when I complete a good session,’ he says.

Eight weeks ago Andy suffered an injury that he feared could put an end to his chances of competing. ‘On the 50th mile of a bike ride I suddenly felt as though a spike had been pressed into my left knee. Needless to say I was forced to stop.

Unfortunately I was diagnosed with a strained Vastus Medialis oblique muscle, an issue that is often caused by having your bike seat too high, as well as worn bike

cleats. With a few weeks to go until the race, at what should have been the optimum period of my training I was forced to slow down.

After investing highly in physiotherapy as well as acupuncture I am very relieved to say that the problem has gone.’

The day of the Ironman will be a long one. For Andy it will begin at 5am with a wholesome breakfast of porridge and bananas, followed by a race briefing at 5.30am, bike check in and back pack checks.

Every participant must carry fuel, a foil blanket, a first aid kit, a whistle and a torch. Once checks are complete it’s into the water for a 7am start.

‘My hope for the day is simply to complete the race without injury or mechanical issues,’ says Andy.

‘That will be a great achievement.

If I can finish the marathon at the end without having to walk a great deal I will be delighted. I hate walking during a marathon but with this being cross country and hilly I am sure it will be required at some points.’

A support team is critical Without re-fuelling and water intervals, participants cannot complete the event. The Horseman is officially an unsupported race. As a result each athlete is allowed one private supporter who will be required to drive across Dartmoor’s hilly landscape ensuring refreshments are available when required. Andy has enlisted the support of his loyal brother.

Andy admits that his journey to the Ironman has been a long road, evoking many dilemmas along the way; ‘I have had to invest heavily in planning my life in order to balance family, work and training commitments. I haven’t always got it right but have learnt a great deal along the way. I am lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive family and have learned that balance is the key to a full life.’

‘I have to say I feel fantastic in my health and body. Exercise gives you a clear mind and energy to approach each day and its challenges. I truly believe that with focus and dedication everyone can achieve their goals if they truly aspire to meet them.’

‘The whole experience has been life changing for me; I just hope the same can be said for the children who are struggling to survive beside the railways.’

Andy is looking forward to the birth of his and Vicky’s baby, due on 14th November. ‘My partner, Vicky, has been a rock for twelve months and she is long overdue some attention. I guess the other exciting thought is a lie in! I have booked the Monday after the Horseman off work as it’s my birthday and will be having a very well-earned rest…’

Andy will be announcing his fundraising grand total on 10th October at the annual dinner at the Roundhouse event where he will be presenting a cheque to Railway Children!

Adds RailStaff editor, Andy Milne, ‘All of us here wish Andy every success on Dartmoor and will be rooting for him. People like Andy Ridout are an inspiration to us all.

Do please follow the link below and spare a thought for him on Saturday 14th September.’

There is still time to support Andy and help him reach his £10,000 target. To do so you can visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyRidout or TEXT Rail99 followed by £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.

See www.advancerailwayjobs.com www.railstaff.co.uk

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 43

Robbery Staff Remembered The Reverend Richard Cook led a special service of remembrance for the victims of the Great Train Robbery on 8th August 2013, 50 years after the event - at Crewe Station.

Former Crewe-based driver Jack Mills, who was coshed during the robbery, was remembered, along with his fireman David Whitby.

The memorial service was held in their former booking on point at Crewe.

Railway chaplain, Richard Cook, spoke of the train crew’s bravery in attempting to defend their train and how he, Cook, as a former guard, worked mail train 1M44 on numerous occasions during his railway career. He also asked that those present forgive the robbers by saying that forgiveness, but never forgetting what they did, ‘sets us free and stops them having a hold over us.’

The Reverend Cook illustrated

his point by quoting from Matthew’s Gospel chapter 5. ‘You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ The service was attended by relatives of Jack Mills and David Whitby and current station staff.

Driver Mills joined the railway in 1919, becoming a driver in 1942. He was driving the Glasgow to London Euston Royal Mail when it was stopped by the robbers who had tampered with Leighton Buzzard’s intermediate up home and distant signals, at Sears Crossing on 8th August, 1963.

Despite sustaining five head wounds he was forced to drive locomotive D326 (later to become 40126) a short distance to Bridego Bridge after the retired train driver brought along by the robbers was unable to blow off the vacuum

© JONATHAN WEBB

NEWS

brakes, following the uncoupling of the first two carriages from the rest of the train.

Jack Mills, who lived at the now demolished 35 Newdigate Street in Crewe with his wife Florence, was off work for several months. When he went back to work he was put on shunting duties. He died of leukaemia on 4th February 1970.

Mills never returned to main line working - a point often overlooked by those seeking to romanticise the robbery.

David Whitby, also from Crewe,

was badly traumatised by the assault and subsequent rough treatment. Whitby never fully recovered. He returned to work as a secondman but died aged 34 from a heart attack.

Jack’s son John Mills, speaking about his father some years after the robbery, said, ‘He got shingles, what the doctor said was delayed shock coming out. His right hand shook, it never stopped until the day he died and he started to sway.

From that day he went downhill, he was not my dad of old.’

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 44

NEWS

Rail boost for Scottish business

Rannoch Moor deal sealed GB Railfreight is buying a further eight Class 66 locomotives from Electro-Motive Diesel Inc in the US. The new locomotives will be delivered by Chicago-based Electro-Motive in August 2014. The agreement was signed by Paul Denton, senior vice president of international sales at Progress Rail/EMD, and John Smith, MD of GB Railfreight, at Rannoch Station on the West Highland Railway whilst they took a break from GB Railfreight’s service to Fort William

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and further enhancements to the Highland Mainline.

David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, echoed Sturgeon’s pro-rail stance saying, ‘The rail industry is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to our national, economic and social well-being. In Scotland, rail is enjoying a level of popularity and patronage unmatched at any other time in the post-war years.

‘The network is also benefitting from significant and sustained levels of investment too, with the new Airdrie-Bathgate line completed in 2010, the Paisley Canal line electrified last year and work on the Borders

and EGIP projects currently underway.

‘However, railways don’t just move people and freight, they also connect homes and workplaces, businesses with markets, create jobs, stimulate trade and support the growth of a balanced economy.’

In the last four years, Network Rail has generated £17.3bn of work for its supply chain in Britain, of which £6.2bn has been with small and medium-sized businesses, a 22% increase on the previous four years. Planned enhancements and renewals expenditure between 2014 and 2019 is approximately £25bn, with 99% of this work to be undertaken by UKbased companies.

© JONATHAN WEBB

Businesses in Scotland are benefiting from railway investment.

According to new figures released by Network Rail around 40 percent, £63m, of the money spent on enhancing and expanding the Scottish rail network in 2012/13 went to Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises, while £91m was spent with larger companies and corporations.

Investment in Scottish rail projects sustained over 4,300 jobs across the country, in addition to over 2,100 staff directly employed by Network Rail Scotland. Says Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, ‘Investment in Scotland’s railways is a key priority for the Scottish Government and we are committed to improving and extending the network, building new stations, and doing everything possible to keep fares down.

‘As a result of our investment, passenger numbers are increasing to record levels and today figures from Network Rail show that targeted investment can also support highly skilled jobs and growth right across Scotland.’

Major rail projects include the EdinburghGlasgow Improvement Programme, the Borders Railway, Aberdeen-Inverness rail improvements

New Nottingham Opens

Nottingham station has reopened after a 37 day blockade which saw a new platform created, the area re-signalled with 143 new signals and junctions at Nottingham East, Nottingham West and Mansfield remodelled.

In addition level crossings at Sneinton and Trent have been replaced by footbridges. All signalling is now controlled from two work stations in the East Midlands Control Centre at Derby and this has resulted in the abolition of signal boxes at Trent, Netherfield and Sneinton.

The new platform number 4, has

been created by building out part of the existing platform four which now becomes platform five.

Five becomes six and six becomes seven.

One of the most unusual aspects of this project is the retention of track circuits within the station area, with axle counters being installed elsewhere. There are two reasons for this. First ‘wheel rock’ where during coupling or splitting stock an axle may come to rest over an axle counter head and then move slightly during the shunting operation, causing a right side failure. This could lock up a

large section of the station. The second reason is to mitigate the presence of DC powered tram lines.

There is still much work to be carried out at Nottingham station , which dates from 1904 and was formally known as Nottingham Midland. The next big change comes early next year when the station’s main buildings reopen.

After Nottingham the next big project in the East Midlands is the re-signalling and remodelling of Derby station. There are currently a number of proposals on the table, with the preferred option due to be chosen around October.

The migration of signalling from Derby PSB to the EMCC is scheduled to commence in 2015 and be complete by 2017. www.railstaff.co.uk

190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:49 Page 45

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:53 Page 46

THE FALL AND RISE OF BRITAIN’S RAILWAYS Photographs supplied by Milepost 921⁄2

Part 5: Sectorisation (Passenger) Colin Garratt reports

This year sees the fiftieth anniversary of Richard Beeching’s ‘The Re-Shaping of British Railways’.

2013 also sees the thirtieth anniversary of the Serpell Report.

These two events mirrored the tempestuous undertones of railway policy in the years following World War Two. In this eight part series, Colin Garratt of Milepost 92½ outlines the turbulent events which led up to the privatisation of British Rail in 1993, concluding with an analysis of the current situation and where it might be heading.

Serpell in Context British Rail entered the 1970s under the personable chairmanship of Richard Marsh, a passionate advocate of the Channel Tunnel. The Tory administration, under Edward Heath, generally accepted that there was no financially viable network size for BR. Line and station closures virtually came to an end.

But there was still a battle to fight.The railway was seen as loss making. The residential, commercial and industrial belts of

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the country were being developed around the rapidly expanding road network, a situation which fuelled Lord Donald Stokes, chairman of British Leyland, to constantly argue for ever heavier lorries.

Everyone who was pro-rail needed to speak up in favour of the industry; there were many vested interests determined to destroy it, or at least to cripple it from ever again becoming the nation’s principal form of transport.

In 1974, Harold Wilson’s Labour Party was returned to power and the compelling case for railways continued to be recognised. This was borne out by the introduction two years later, of the world beating High Speed Train which became known as the InterCity 125. It had been designed by British Rail engineers at Derby and a total of 100 trains were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Crewe Works between 1976 and 1982.

Fastest diesel trains in the world These trains had a high revving diesel locomotive at each end. On

test a speed of 143 mph was reached and they were heralded as the fastest diesel trains in the world and put British rail technology into world class again.

These trains also introduced the superb Mk 3 coaches, renowned for their quiet spaciousness and highest degree of comfort – factors which enabled these thousand miles a day trains to capture both the business and leisure markets.

They had all the modernity which BR sought.

The HSTs upgraded both East Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, over which they put Bristol within seventy minutes of Paddington. They later revolutionised services on the Midland Main Line, linking the capital with the shire counties and continue to do so.

The introduction of the HSTs and the electrification of the West Coast Main Line brought a massive www.railstaff.co.uk

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FEATURE

increase in rail travel. These new trains provided the basis for the InterCity marque, which was to become the sixth best known brand in Britain.

A sophisticated advertising campaign for peak time television was accepted on face value and people flocked to the railway – and for peak hour business travellers, the Great British Breakfast too. It was a success story which reverberated around the world and InterCity became one of Europe’s most profitable railways.

Another triumph, this one under the chairmanship of Peter Parker, was the electrification of the southern reaches of the Midland Main Line from Bedford to St Pancras and Farringdon. Under the brand name of Thameslink (Capital Connect today) this railway ran through the heart of London connecting the Midlands with Brighton.

The 100 mph 319 Class EMUs for www.railstaff.co.uk

this service were built in York and had dual voltage capacity for running over the 25 kV ac overhead on the Midland Main Line and the 750v dc third rail of the Southern network.

Margaret Thatcher In 1979 the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher came to power with a large majority. Their manifesto included widespread privatisations of state owned utilities such as telecom, water, gas, electricity and ideally railways and the Post Office. These last two would have been included but there was no clear proposal how this might be done and there were many MPs who regarded these as privatisations too far.

However, BR was directed to dispose of its non-rail interests.

Sealink UK was formed out of the former BR shipping and international services division. The

hotels were disposed of piecemeal and BR’s manufacturing capacity had already been reorganised to create British Rail Engineering Limited.

Also the selling off of huge amounts of railway land created a massive boost for BR’s coffers until the property market collapsed in the 1980s.

Ever keen for good relations with the government, Peter Parker asked David Howell, the Transport Secretary, to outline exactly what the government wanted from the railway and this gave rise to the Serpell Report commissioned in 1982. Parker had seen this as an opportunity to promote a programme of extensive modernisation but 1982 - the year of the report’s production - was bedevilled by strikes on the railway.

Serpell’s report proved to be far from the development programme the railway board had hoped for.

Instead it was an outline of what railway could be sustained for any given amount of tax payers’ money.

The report consisted of a number of optional plans featuring massive fare increases and a reduction of the national route mileage from 10,500 miles to an incredible 1,630 miles. Further

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reductions in costs were proposed by relaxing safety standards and leaving vast areas of the country with no railway at all.

As an example of the severity of this Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Worcestershire and Northumberland would have no railways at all. Only 22 miles of railway would survive in Wales and little more in Scotland.

Leicester and Derby would not be rail connected.

48

Not surprisingly many of the most bizarre aspects of Serpell were leaked to the press, creating widespread damnation before it was published. It created a furore across the nation and became an embarrassment to the government as the contents of the report were arguably treasonable.

The Serpell Report contained elements which were infamously worse than anything Beeching had produced. However, Beeching’s

humbug was implemented whereas Serpell’s was not. His report was consigned to the dustbin where it belonged and great credit goes to David Howell and Norman Fowler in ensuring that it did.

It is against this frighteningly unstable background that Sir Alfred Sherman said, in a memo to Margaret Thatcher, ‘Rail is an anachronism and has been since the pneumatic tyre let alone the

internal combustion engine.’ 1980 saw the deregulation of long distance coaches.

In spite of Sherman, who was obsessive about turning railways into roads, all rail closures had stopped. A milestone occurred in 1991 when British Rail announced that Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle and Carlisle line was dangerous and the route would have to close.

This followed years of running the line down including closing stations and diverting traffic. It was built as part of the Midland Railway’s route from London to Scotland and the 72 mile section from Settle to Carlisle was brilliantly engineered through some of England’s wildest and most majestic terrain.

Its epic grandeur provided picturesque views. It had been a tortuous line to construct and resulted in many deaths but the line was a national heirloom which attracted visitors both from home and overseas.

With Beeching and Serpell in mind, preservation groups got together and ran a massive campaign to save the line. The Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust was formed by local authorities, along with the English Tourist Board. Support came from all over www.railstaff.co.uk

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FEATURE

Britain and in 1989 the government agreed that the line should stay.

Stations were re-opened, engineering work was carried out with great success and today the route is a huge tourist attraction, an important freight artery and a permanent diversionary route for the West Coast Main Line.

Peter Parker stood down as BR chairman in 1983 to be replaced by career railwayman Sir Robert Reid who, within two years had secured authority to electrify the East Coast Main Line linking London with Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This was to be a further triumph with the introduction of 140 mph InterCity 225 trains.

The miners strike of 1985 lost BR an enormous amount of revenue and it marked the decimation of the coal industry and with it a reduction in the railwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core business. With a newly elected Tory government in ofďŹ ce, still under Mrs Thatcher, the question of railway privatisation was inevitably raised.

In 1983 Reid had already broken up the regional structure of British Rail and developed the dramatic concept of Sectorisation. A new, colourful, way of operating the railways was revealed and he prepared a framework for the incredible industry we have today.

Part 6: Sectorisation (Freight)

www.railstaff.co.uk

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URS intensifies search for staff Ian Hay.

Do you want to design a new railway for Scotland? Or do you fancy planning Britain’s next high speed line, modernising the UK’s rail infrastructure or even getting involved in revitalising the railway network of an entire European country?

Staff at leading engineering, construction and technical services company URS have the opportunity to do all that and more. And they need new colleagues to join them. URS is intensifying its search for new staff by hosting a recruitment event in Swindon on 18 September and another in Bristol on 25 September so that potential applicants interested in learning more about the business can meet members of the rail team.

‘We have a very strong pipeline of work,” says URS Director of Rail, Ian Hay. ‘As a result, we aim to recruit about 100 additional permanent staff over the next 12 months in our rail business. We need to fill 40 of these positions by January to bring our rail team to 300 because there is just so much to do.’

Workload for the business was boosted in August when the company was appointed by 50

contractor Dragados SA as lead design consultant for the £563m Bank tube station capacity upgrade project. The job includes creation of a new Northern line southbound running tunnel to create more platform space, interchange tunnels and another station entrance.

The URS integrated design team, which includes Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Dr Sauer & Partners, will deliver a wide range of multidisciplinary services including design management and assurance; civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical and electrical engineering; tunnelling; architecture; pedestrian flow modelling; and planning and environmental services. Staff from URS and Dragados will share an office with client London Underground for the duration of the project.

Job openings across all disciplines The broad range of services URS will deliver at Bank station is just a snapshot of the company’s expertise in rail. The company currently has job openings across all disciplines and particularly in project management, permanent way, signalling, telecoms, bridge engineering, mechanical, electrical

and overhead line electrification.

URS in the UK is part of the giant global URS Corporation. In Scotland, URS is working with contractor BAM Nuttall on Borders Rail. ‘We have been involved with the project from its earliest stages for over a decade,’ says Hay. ‘We provided outline design services and now we are providing detailed design for BAM Nuttall.’

URS now routinely works for contractors under design and build arrangements like Borders, Hay says, and is one of a limited number of consultants that does such a volume of work in this field.

‘Half our rail business is direct with contractors, which means our people can get involved in projects that are physically being built. That is hugely satisfying for them to see as well as great for their CVs. On Borders, for instance, our team of engineers can be out on site in 45 minutes, seeing their work converted into reality.’

‘One of our strengths is our approach to designing for constructability to help contractors win work in the first instance and subsequently deliver efficient design solutions. Once on site we are then able to quickly react to change and respond to the needs of contractors in meeting

“Half our rail business is direct with contractors, which means our people can get involved in projects that are physically being built. That is hugely satisfying for them to see as well as great for their CVs. On Borders, for instance, our team of engineers can be out on site in 45 minutes, seeing their work converted into reality…”

IAN HAY, DIRECTOR OF RAIL, URS

demanding schedules. Of course this brings its own challenges but it is very rewarding.’

Project managers Hay says that while he needs designers who can work well with contractors he is also keen to recruit project managers who can excel in a design and build environment, working directly with contractors and developing good relationships.

‘We are very careful to make sure our employees are doing the jobs they want to do and are best suited for,’ Hay says. With main rail offices in Swindon, Birmingham, York, Nottingham, London and Glasgow, URS has a good variety of bases to choose from.

Major schemes on the books include Crossrail in London, where the company is one of the largest design consultants on the project, having worked on both the preliminary and detailed design phases of the surface routes as well as the underground central section. It gained the necessary expertise working on some of the world’s most modern metros including Athens, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The same level of insight has been brought to the High Speed Two project, where URS holds four contracts with two other designers, Mott MacDonald to provide engineering services and Arup to provide environmental services, both under the framework agreements for Phases One and Two of the project.

URS is also heavily involved in the modernisation of the UK’s existing network. It is a major provider for Network Rail’s switches and crossings renewals www.railstaff.co.uk

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programme and is one of three design firms currently providing detailed integrated permanent way, signalling and multidisciplinary solutions for the national programme. This renewal programme is just one example of the kind of cradle-tograve service that URS has provided to Network Rail for many years.

The company’s success extends to Europe where it is playing a major role in modernising Croatia’s entire rail network. The Croatia Railways programme comprises upgrades and extensions to help the nation’s rail network meet EU requirements.

Through its multidisciplinary design services role URS will double the track on existing lines within Croatia as well as improve its links with other European countries.

‘Working for a leading global brand that is winning a steady stream of major rail projects is proving a big draw for candidates,” Hay says. “The opportunity to take on a meaningful role on a project from day one is another key factor attracting new employees to the company.’ www.railstaff.co.uk

Having a long-term career path with a tailored training and development programme is equally important. ‘URS is committed to developing its staff,’ Hay adds.

For more info see www.ursglobal.com/careers or contact UKRecruitment@urs.com

URS director of rail, Ian Hay, speaks about his career and his in-tray.

When did you join the rail industry?

I originally joined the industry as a British Rail trainee in 1977 before securing a place on its graduate development programme. After becoming a chartered engineer I moved into roads and general infrastructure before going back to the rail industry post privatisation in 1997. I joined Scott Wilson (acquired by URS in 2010) in 1998.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m especially proud of the Trent Valley Four Tracking project that was a key part of the West Coast Route Modernisation Programme.

This major project increased a 20km section of the West Coast Main Line from two tracks to four tracks between Tamworth, Litchfield and Armitage in the Midlands.

We developed this project from cradle-to-grave – from outline design to detailed design and on to site completion – over a 10-year period and I was proud to be involved throughout in my role as the project director. It was great to see this scheme develop from a blank sheet of paper to on-site completion.

What is URS like as an employer?

It is rewarding being part of a global business that has the desire and ambition to be a major player in the rail market. While my team’s focus is very much on the UK at present, we’re excited by the prospect of growing and extending our rail expertise on a more global basis. The opportunities ahead are almost limitless!

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

My biggest challenge is to recruit the staff we need to help us deliver our vision and meet the

“We are very careful to make sure our employees are doing the jobs they want to do and are best suited for…”

IAN HAY, DIRECTOR OF RAIL, URS

opportunities ahead. Winning high-profile projects such as the Bank station capacity upgrade will help us greatly in this.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy the challenge of leading the URS rail team in terms of growing the business to meet with the demands of today and opportunities that lie ahead of us in rail. I am pleased with the progress the team has made in the last 12 to 18 months.

Most rewarding of all is seeing the tangible evidence of our work through the positive relationships we have developed with our clients and partners.

See URS Open Days advert on page 55.

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190 RailStaff September 2013 #266_Layout 1 05/09/2013 22:55 Page 53

CAREERS

“All walks of life.

All focused on getting the job done.”

Maintenance Operatives, Technicians, Team Leaders and Managers Sussex & Croydon A lot of pride and passion goes into keeping the UK’s rail network moving across 20,000 miles of track. As our frontline maintenance teams will tell you, it’s more than a job. It’s an ongoing mission. Join them and see what hard work, expert training and fast-evolving technology can achieve. It’ll make you feel proud.

There are opportunities from entry level to senior management. Some roles need no experience or specific qualifications. Others need a track record of team leadership and extensive engineering expertise. But for every role, you need to be a hard worker and enjoy being part of a team.

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Find out more www.prideofnetworkrail.co.uk

Commercial Manager/ Managing Quantity Surveyor Based in London £60,000 - £68,000 per annum + car allowance and package Our client is a leading contractor within rail projects who, due to a recent and significant expansion is now recruiting heavily to cope with major growth. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an established commercial candidate with a developed Rail and Civils background.

This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to progress their career to the next stage.

Electrical Project Manager – Rail Industry Based in London £350 - £450 per day / Up to £55,000 per annum A rail main contractor is looking to recruit an electrically biased Project Manager to oversee a package of Rail sites in the Kent, Wessex and Sussex areas. In this role you will be expected to deliver all electrical work being carried out in the region including various electrical upgrades and rewiring.

www.railstaff.co.uk

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CAREERS

Career development that’s on the right track

Opportunities in Rail Electrification

Nationwide

Morgan Sindall is recruiting within our Utility Services business. We have contracts nationwide both in progress and due to commence. With permanent and temporary opportunities available, we would like to hear from you if you are experienced within the following roles: • • • • • • • •

Authorised Persons COSS Construction Engineers Crane Controllers Engineering Supervisors Isolation Planners Linesmen (OLEC 2) Machine Controllers MEWP Unimog, TD18 (Dumper)

• Machine Operators MEWP Unimog, TD18 (Dumper) • Nominated Persons • OHL Trainers • PTS • Rail Plant Fitters • Senior Linesmen (OLEC 3) • SSOW Planners

If you hold the correct qualifications with experience in any of the disciplines listed, and want to join our growing team then please send your CV and covering letter to constructingtalent@morgansindall.com quoting US13VW. Alternatively, visit https://constructingtalent.morgansindall.com/Vacancy.aspx and search US13VW to apply directly online We are an equal opportunities employer. No agencies please.

morgansindall.com

Constructing talent

www.trsstaffing.com

Technical Sales Engineer Nationwide

Rail and Infrastructure Vacancies TRS Staffing Solutions are international engineering recruitment specialists. We recruit for major National and International projects for leading National Rail organisations, main contractors and consultancies. Currently we have vacancies for the following:

As the market leader in the supply of

Signal Design Project Engineer (Signalling & Telecoms)

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London - £350 - 500/day Mainline Project Experience, IRSE Licence or relevant signalling experience

London, Swindon & Midlands £40-50K or £300 – 400/day Experience of Network Rail projects, Primavera experience essential

Cost Engineers

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London, Manchester, Warrington & York - £40 - 60K or £350 - 450/day Rail experience including station, platform & bridge designs

Regional- £35 - 55K or £250 - 400/day Experience on rail Civils works – Bridge refurbishments, embankments and Earthworks

Apply with your CV to Gill Stafford, EAO Ltd., Highland House,

control panels and pushbuttons, we are looking for a Technical Sales

You will be visiting customers across the country, supporting their needs, providing technical solutions and commercial proposals, assisted by our expert team. With an Electro and Mechanical qualification – minimum to Level 3 and a good knowledge of the UK rail market; CAD experience an advantage.

Albert Drive, Burgess Hill. RH15 9TN gill.stafford@eao.com Closing date for applications 20 September 2013

Please send your CV or if you’d prefer to discuss a role in more detail and in confidence, please contact one of our specialist consultants on

+44 (0)20 7419 5800 or email rail@trsstaffing.com

Rail, Infrastructure & Construction 54

www.eao.com www.railstaff.co.uk

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