Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and experience as it relates to introducing new trains?
Andy Martlew (AM): I’m the Traction & Rolling Stock Development Engineer at Direct Rail Services. In the last seven years, I’ve been the lead engineer on the introduction of two new classes of freight locomotive (Class 68 & Class 88) and two new designs of freight wagon, dealing with design, build, type testing, authorisation and introduction into service. In previous roles I’ve also been involved in the introduction of new vehicles at depot level -training, tooling, spares and competency.
Q: What are the main engineering challenges concerning new train introduction and what are the most common issues you hear from colleagues?
AM: Time and time again I hear that network compatibility is a ‘challenge’, however my experience is otherwise and I’m looking forward to sharing my views on this at the seminar.
Q: What are the most exciting opportunities arising from the delivery of new trains?
AM: A chance to improve vehicle performance in terms of availability and reliability, to further increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of rail freight operations to make the use of rail freight more attractive to UK businesses.
Q: What developments are you anticipating over the course of the next 5 years?
AM: De-carbonisation presents some interesting challenges for rolling stock, especially for rail freight. The introduction of new vehicle types incorporating new/novel technology will present some ‘interesting’ challenges.
Q: What presentations or topics are you looking forward to hearing more about and discussing at the seminar?
AM: I’m passionate about making the process for the introduction of new vehicles as simple and straightforward as possible and I’m looking forward to hearing ideas on how this can be achieved.
Q: Why do you feel it is important for engineers and other industry professionals to join this seminar?
AM: New trains are a vital part of an up to date, modern UK rail network. We must make the process for the introduction of new trains simple and seamless if rail, as a transport mode, is to remain competitive. Introducing new trains is about as exciting as it gets in the rolling stock world. It is vital that we illustrate to young engineers how rewarding this can be to encourage them to start/continue a career in the UK rail industry.
The Improving New Train Introduction seminar will be taking place on 4 November 2019 at One Birdcage Walk in London.
Join this event to:
- Address challenges for each rail stakeholder as new trains are introduced, and old trains cascaded
- Join interactive discussions with other industry experts to express your views on the introduction of new trains
- Receive updates on the status of projects going ahead and future new train plans from companies directly involved in implementation
- Ask key questions specific to your project needs during the Q&A sessions following each presentation
- Meet and network with other industry experts during the event networking breaks
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/newtrains.