Railway-News Magazine Issue 2 2022 by a2b Global Media

The latest news & reviews from the industry

Railway-News M

Inside: Rail Live 2022. . . p.6

This was Railtex/Infrarail 2022. . . p.8 Once again Railtex and Infrarail joined forces in the Olympia London. We take a look at how the event went.

ISSUE TW0 2022

FOCUS ON RAILWAY PERFORMANCE WHEELSET MACHINING FOR MAINTENANCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT FFG Werke GmbH | Sales Department Oliver Klier | Mobile: +49 175 722 1360 | oliver.klier@ffg-werke.com

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, The recovery of the rail industry is continuing apace and by the time this magazine is published, the Elizabeth line, London’s new eastwest railway line, will be – barring last minute problems – fully operational, with Transport for London having announced a date of 24 May. Earlier in May two of Britain’s major railway events – Railtex and Infrarail – once again joined forces at the Olympia London, attracting more than 3,700 visitors. You can read all about the event on p.8. Next up in the railway events calendar for the UK is Rail Live, which will take place on 22 and 23 June. This event prides itself on the large number of live plant demonstrations due to its outdoor venue.

years, the 2020 event could not take place. It will be back this year with 3,500m of track on its outdoor display along with its 500m bus display circuit. And that is before the sheer innumerable number of exhibition halls, world premieres and events. You might be able to tell we are quite excited about the return of this juggernaut event. If you too want to have your appetite whetted, why not subscribe to the InnoTrans podcast? It will therefore come as no surprise to you that our third issue this year will focus on InnoTrans, to be published on 5 September. If you want to receive that in your inbox, make sure you’re subscribed to us here. As always, if you want to be featured on our site or in our e-magazine, please get in touch with Andrew Lush at al@ a2bglobalmedia.com or +44 7432 725001. If you enjoy our website and magazine, you might also be interested in our sister sites – BusNews, Future Transport-News and Airport Industry-News. Please enjoy our second issue of 2022! Josephine Cordero Sapién, editor-in-chief

Of course, the biggest outdoor venue of them all is coming up later in the year with the return of InnoTrans! Held in Berlin every two

Meet the Team! ANDREW LUSH

Director al@a2bglobalmedia.com

JOSEPHINE CORDERO SAPIÉN Editor-in-chief jcs@a2bglobalmedia.com

NICOLA BROWN

Head of Sales nb@a2bglobalmedia.com

ZOE GRIFFEY

Design zg@a2bglobalmedia.com

LAURA KINGDOM

Head of Client Accounts lk@a2bglobalmedia.com

BETH GUY

Client Accounts Manager bg@a2bglobalmedia.com

a2b Global Media Ltd The Generator Hub, The Gallery Kings Wharf The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AN Office: +44 (0)1392 580002 Mobile: +44 (0)7432 725001 Email: info@railway-news.com Website: railway-news.com To subscribe to our newsletter, visit railway-news.com/subscribe COVER: ©a2b Global Media Ltd

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Features

p.6 Rail Live 2022 A look at what’s in store at this year’s Rail Live at Long Marston in Warwickshire.

p.8 This Was Railtex / Infrarail Once again Railtex and Infrarail joined forces in the Olympia London. We take a look at how the event went.

p.10 Upcoming Rail Events & Exhibtions p.12 Directory A directory of railway suppliers for track & infrastructure, rolling stock, services and data & monitoring. Read about all the latest innovations and product developments in the rail sector. Track & Infrastructure

p.15

Rolling Stock

p.48

Services

p.105

Data & Monitoring

p.113

CONTENTS

Issue Two 2022

Where: Long Marston Innovation Centre, Warwickshire, UK When: 22-23 June 2022

Rail Live 2022 will take place at the Long Marston Innovation Centre, Warwickshire (UK) from 22 June to 23 June. Rail Live is the UK’s largest outdoor rail exhibition. Attendees, please note: you are required to wear high-vis vests and sturdy footwear is recommended.

Opening Hours: 22 June: 9:30am–4:30pm 23 June: 9:30am–4pm

Its main USP is that it is focused on exhibiting products and services for the rail sector in a real railway environment via live plant demonstrations. As an outdoor event, it also means there is a rolling stock display.

In 2022 they will be: •

Clive Berrington, Group Commercial & Procurement Director, Network Rail

•

Martin Frobisher, Group Safety & Engineering Director, Network Rail

•

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chairman, Network Rail

•

Rob McIntosh, Managing Director – Eastern, Network Rail

Speakers In addition to the exhibition, there will also be speakers at the event’s seminar theatre so that attendees can keep abreast of developments in the sector.

•

Ian Prosser CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Railways, Office of Rail and Road

Services will also be at the event. These teams provide Network Rail’s monitoring services.

Helen Simpson, Innovation and Projects Director, Porterbrook

A team led by Wales and Western region will run a live track engineering demonstration. Two 100m sections of track will be lifted, ballast removed and then replaced, then the track replaced and tamped. Network Rail will also bring some of its vehicles and equipment that are used in track condition monitoring and maintenance.

Network Rail The Network Rail Village will be based in Zone K and will focus on safety, sustainability and efficiency. For the first time in 2022, exhibitors will include supplier management and procurement teams from across Network Rail who will be available to talk to current and potential future suppliers. Network Rail Training will demonstrate its virtual reality training room, and Technical Services and Asset Information

For example, a recently acquired Class 153 is being used to monitor track condition and collect information to inform maintenance plans. There will further be a Mobile Maintenance Train – Network Rail’s ‘workshop on wheels’ for engineers

and track workers. Network Rail’s Air Operations team will be at Rail Live with two helicopters and examples from its drone fleet.

Exhibitor Spotlight Goldschmidt Pandrol RIGEL UK Robel (Plasser UK) Ltd Yeltech View the full exhibitor list here.

©Mack-Brooks Exhibitions

This Was Railtex / Infrarail 2022 A joint Railtex / Infrarail took place at the Olympia London from 10–12 May 2022.

The event was attended by 3,707 visitors, largely from the UK. Discussion topics included digitalisation, decarbonising the railway and investments to make it more sustainable. The in-person event also provided a meeting and networking venue for industry professionals. Olaf Freier, Railtex / Infrarail Portfolio Director said on behalf of event organiser Mack-Brooks Exhibitions: “More than 3,700 attendees from management, engineering, planning and technical

design backgrounds came to the iconic buildings at Olympia London to create meaningful collaborations and form the future of railway. We are proud to be a part of this again and to support the rail industry’s progress in the modern, postpandemic world.” At the opening ceremony, Nicola Hamann, Managing Director of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, welcomed visitors and Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA) spoke about his views on the future of the industry. Other attendees included Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Industry, Simon Blanchflower CBE, Non-Executive

Director and Strategic Advisor at FICE, and Helen McAllister, Programme Director at GBRTT. The combined event saw a total of 130 companies from 14 countries exhibiting. In addition to UK rail industry suppliers there were companies from Turkey, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Attendees felt that they got more out of this in-person event than they could have from an online one that we have had to make do with for a couple of years. For example, Vice President of voestalpine Railway Systems, Richard Lenthall, said: “During the three show days, we were able to update our customers on new

©Mack-Brooks Exhibitions

“We are proud to be a part of this again and to support the rail industry’s progress in the modern, post-pandemic world.” Olaf Freier, Railtex / Infrarail Portfolio Director

products where they could see them in person, and without a doubt, this process would not be the same over teleconference.”

publication on p.16. RIA once again ran its Meet the Buyer programme, which gives networking opportunities to participants.

As part of the exhibition there were product demonstrations and an on-track display sponsored by British Steel (see this magazine’s cover) as well as their article in this

In addition to the exhibition, there was a supporting programme of events. There were keynote speeches from leading names in the industry, technical seminars,

©a2b Global Media Ltd

project updates and Q&A sessions. There were two conference streams: The Future Focus Conference, and Unlocking Innovation. These are recurring features of the event and are organised by main show partner RIA.

Next yea r will take , Railtex p its own a lace on tt in Birmin he NEC g from 9–1 ham, 1 May 2023.

Upcoming Rail Events & Exhibitions June 2022 - September 2022

RailTech Europe 21–23 Jun 2022 | Utrecht

UK Light Rail Conference 12–13 Jul 2022 | Newcastle Rail Live UK 22–23 Jun 2022 | Long Marston

World Tunnel Congress 2–8 Sep 2022 | Copenhagen

Transport Ticketing Global 2022 28–29 June 2022 | London

World Congress on Railway Research 6–10 Jun 2022 | Birmingham

Rail Freight on Tour 14–15 Jun 2022 | Vilnius

International Level Crossing Awareness Day 9 Jun 2022 | Denver AREMA 28–31 Aug 2022 | Denver

RailFreight Summit 7–8 Sep 2022 | Warsaw

Multimodal 14 Jun 2022 | Birmingham

Intermodal Asia 12–14 Jul 2022 | Shanghai InnoTrans 20–23 Sep 2022 | Berlin Rail + Metro China 20–22 Jul 2022 | Shanghai

ACT International Conference 31 Jul–3 Aug 2022 | Chicago

World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 14–16 Jun 2022 | Hamburg

APTA Rail Conference 5–8 Jun 2022 | San Diego Rail Industry Meetings 22–23 Jun 2022 | Valenciennes

Smart Rail Europe 13–15 Jun 2022 | Rome

Global Mobility Call 14–16 Jun 2022 | Madrid iVT Expo 29–30 Jun 2022 | Cologne

Train Control Management Systems Summit 30–31 Aug 2022 | Sydney

MOBILITY WITH VISION Together with you, Goldschmidt masters all challenges of modern, railbound mobility – for safe, sustainable and long-lasting railways of premium quality. Goldschmidt offers you products and services worldwide for the joining of rails, modern construction of railway track, and inspection of your track infrastructure and its maintenance. The unique global network of experts gives you access to the international range of products and services of Goldschmidt – at your location, with your local contact person and the power of the whole group.

MEET US: iaf 2022 · Münster, Germany · 31 May – 2 June 2022

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Directory Track & Infrastructure p.15

Rolling Stock p.48

Services p.105

Data & Monitoring p.113 13

INTERNATIONAL

SRS RAIL SYSTEM LIMITED INTERNATIONAL H IRE & SALES

We are exhibiting at Rail Live, the UK’s largest outdoor rail exhibition Find us at Stand L63

FOR ROAD RAIL AT ITS BEST: tel: 01246 241 312 email: info@srsrailuk.co.uk or visit our website www.srsrailuk.com

Directory

Track &Infrastructure Road-Rail Vehicles

SRS Rail System International Ltd

p.14

British Steel

p.16

Track

Infrastructure Projects Emeg Group

p.20

Worksite Protection Systems Harsco Rail

p.24

Track Equipment Maintenance VR FleetCare

p.27

Depot Lifting Equipment Pfaff Verkehrstechnik

p.30

Track Repair & Inspection Presto Geosystems

p.33

Robel

p.36

Derby Rubber

p.39

Zetica Rail

p.42

Relays TECHNO-ELEC

p.43

Slabs RUBI Railtec

p.45

Directory

< Track & Infrastructure

British Steel

Showcasing Smart Steel for Sustainable Systems

British Steel was delighted to announce the extension of its supply contract to Network Rail on the opening day of the Railtex/Infrarail event

ritish Steel had a successful three days at Railtex/Infrarail 2022, demonstrating its wide range of high-performance steel products and associated services, each designed to help the rail industry achieve longer infrastructure life with fewer maintenance requirements.

In addition to promoting its own products, the company was also once again the official ‘On-Track’ sponsor, supplying 18 metres of rail track for exhibitors to display and demonstrate their tools and equipment in an authentic rail

setting. After all, nothing beats experiencing a product as it would operate in the field. During the event, British Steel demonstrated some of its awardwinning smart steel for sustainable

systems: • •

HP335 for improved wear and rolling contact fatigue resistance Zinoco® coated rail for extending life in corrosive

•

environments Weathering steel structural sections for exposed bridges, buildings and catenary gantries Rail technical services to help improve operational efficiency and network integrity

As a founder member, the company also represented the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) with University of Sheffield EngD Student Jacob Whittle also attending the stand. Together, they highlighted their Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure research projects aimed at improving the lifecycle of the company’s rail products and hence reducing their embedded carbon content. British Steel’s Environment & Sustainability Director Lee Adcock participated in the first panel discussion and Q&A session of RIA’s Future Focus Conference alongside Lara Young, Group Climate Change Director, Costain; Justin Moss, Head of Sales, Electrification, Siemens Mobility and Chair RIA North; and Mike Muldoon, UK&I Head of Business Development, Alstom. Hosted by David Clarke Technical Director, RIA, ‘Procuring to deliver a greener railway – rolling stock

“We are pleased to continue our long-running relationship with British Steel. The supplier plays a significant role in delivering our track maintenance, renewal and enhancement activities.” Network Rail

Track

•

Shadow Business and Industry Minister Bill Esterson MP gets the lowdown on rail laser scanning and analysis from British Steel’s Jake Corteen

& infrastructure’ saw Lee stress the importance of decarbonising the steel sector, which contributes 7% of man-made global energy emissions. He went on to highlight the company’s Low-Carbon Roadmap and the ambition for lowembedded carbon steel production with a phased reduction of CO2 intensity by 2035 and 2050.

developments to further enhance services to Network Rail. They are:

Also coinciding with the opening day of the event, British Steel announced the extension of its supply contract to Network Rail. The two-year agreement sees British Steel retain its position as principal supplier to the company which operates and maintains Britain’s rail infrastructure.

British Steel’s Commercial Director for Rail, Craig Harvey, said: “We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Network Rail and delighted to have extended our contract with them.

By the time the contract concludes in March 2024, employees at British Steel’s Scunthorpe headquarters will have supplied Network Rail with more than one million tonnes of rail (circa 19,000 kilometres) in a decade. And in addition to the supply of rails, the contract will also see British Steel build two new

• •

A multi-million-pound new storage facility for long-length rails A dedicated train servicing facility to allow essential maintenance to Network Rail’s rail delivery trains

“This agreement is testament to the high-quality products and services our people deliver, and we look forward to continuing our work with Network Rail to ensure millions of passengers and freight operators enjoy safe, enjoyable and timely journeys.” The rails – which include premium products HP335 and Zinoco® – will largely be used for maintenance and renewals and will be supplied during Network Rail’s Control Period 6

British Steel’s Lee Adcock (right) discusses the importance of decarbonising the steel sector at RIA’s Future Focus Conference Focus Conference

(CP6), its five-year plan to maintain and improve Britain’s railways. CP6 runs between 2019 and 2024 and is designed to make the railway more reliable and cost-efficient while increasing capacity and building on its reputation as the safest railway in Europe. Work will start shortly on the new storage and servicing facilities, both of which will be built on British Steel’s Scunthorpe site.

Craig said: “These investments are an excellent example of how we’re working in partnership with our customers to help them overcome the challenges they face.

“The first facility will provide increased storage of long-length rails (108m), which is key to providing flexibility, while the servicing facility will increase reliability and performance for trackside deliveries.” Network Rail said: “We are pleased to continue our long-running relationship with British Steel. The supplier plays a significant role in delivering our track maintenance, renewal and enhancement activities. Further investment in the Scunthorpe site enables improved resilience and performance to support the provision of a safe and reliable network for passengers and freight users.” The final day of Railtex/Infrarail saw the Shadow Business and Industry

Minister Bill Esterson MP give the keynote speech, before visiting RIA members at Olympia London. During the visit to British Steel’s stand, Rail Commercial Manager John Austin and Principal Rail Researcher/UKRRIN Programme Manager Jake Corteen discussed the potential of rail laser scanning and subsequent analysis of rail wear and defects.

If you missed the team during the event, you can find out how British Steel can help you build stronger railways by visiting www.britishsteel.co.uk/rail or emailing rail@britishsteel.co.uk.

SMART STEEL FOR SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS As the UK’s only manufacturer of rail and heavy structural sections, we have a well-established track record in developing innovative infrastructure solutions for the rail sector. Designed for longer railway life with fewer maintenance requirements, our premium product range addresses the issues of wear, RCF and corrosion.

Discover how we can help you succeed in extending your railway life cycles. UKRRIN Founder Member

T | +44 (0)1724 404040 E | rail@britishsteel.co.uk @BritishSteelUK

BRITISHSTEEL.CO.UK/RAIL

Directory

< Track & Infrastructure

Emeg Group

A Conversation with Railway Depot Specialist Emeg Group

n the midst of a busy year for Emeg, we caught up with Emeg Group President Carl Backhouse to hear about some of the company’s past, prestigious successes as well as exciting, upcoming projects. Railway-News: You provide mechanical and electrical engineering services for the rail sector. Your headquarters are in Chesterfield and you are a Network Rail-designated Principal Contractor, but you do have an international office in Dubai. What are some of the international projects you have worked on? Carl Backhouse, Emeg Group President: Recent international projects include the design and build of the main depot at Al Faya, the largest and most important O&M facility in the Etihad Rail network in Abu Dhabi. In fact, we’ve just shipped the first batch of e-fill™ units, our intelligent fluid mixing solution, from our Manufacturing & Distribution Centre in Chesterfield for installation at the Al Faya depot. It’s a great honour for Emeg to be involved with such a high-profile and prestigious rail engineering

project, which will bring so many benefits to the Middle East. We’re also working on a new project with Saudi Arabia Railways, namely, the Al Qurayyat depot in Saudi Arabia. The Al Qurayyat depot plays an important role in the 1,242km Riyadh–Qurayyat network so again, it’s a real feather in Emeg’s cap to have been appointed to work on it.

RN: One of your areas of expertise is in railway depots. I believe you were involved in a facility for Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) in Derby for the testing of the new Crossrail trains. What was your brief there? CB: Yes, that was a 24-month project for Balfour Beatty to build a new 10,000m² V-Shop facility to enable the final test and sale of trains for the Crossrail project. Emeg supplied a range of electrical services, the interlocking system,

Carl Backhouse, President, Emeg Group

gas heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and compressed air solutions. As well as supplying and installing key operational components, our Manchester-based design team were heavily involved with planning, surveying existing services, consulting and designing the overall scheme with the client – from concept through to build. This included Level 3 Building

Infrastructure Projects Information Modelling (BIM) via our e-scan™ solution, lighting design, M&E building services, and fire alarm & security systems.

RN: You supply a depot protection system called safeNet™. How does it help make depots safer places to work? CB: A depot protection system (DPS) protects rail personnel from the dangers presented by trains in operation on a live depot by ensuring rail vehicle movements are controlled with no risk to staff. Emeg’s safeNet™ DPS incorporates industry-leading features and exceeds the safety integrity requirements of SIL 2. safeNet™ is also the world’s first DPS system with integrated facial recognition technology. Uniquely, safeNet™ can be configured to operate 100% in

accordance with specific depot operating procedures. Another advantage of safeNet™ is that each system is designed, manufactured, installed and maintained by Emeg’s own in-house staff; no other system offers a full turnkey product and one-stop-shop service. Emeg’s safeNet™ automatic derailer system has received PADS approval and is the only automatic derailer system that has Network Rail PADS approval.

RN: Something that passengers see more so than depots of course is stations. You participated in the Euston Station remodel. What did your client, Balfour Beatty, contract you for? CB: We are mainly focused on rail depots, either new-build projects or depot upgrade works, but we’ve also worked on many station

refurbishment projects. The Euston Station remodel was a high-profile project for us, it being the sixth-busiest station in Britain. The project consisted of the provision of new retail spaces and the refurbishment of existing retail spaces (including the food hall), formed around a new mezzanine deck extending over the existing concourse. Once again, our design team were heavily involved in the creation of the Form 003 design. If you’ve visited Euston Station since 2016, you’ll hopefully agree that the results speak for themselves.

RN: Can you tell our readers about some interesting projects you have in the pipeline for this year? CB: We have lots of exciting plans for 2022, including a stand at Middle East Rail 2022 in Abu Dhabi – the largest and most established

CMY

international transport event in the Middle East. We are also Gold Sponsors of this year’s prestigious exhibition. Project-wise, we have 3 new fuelling projects coming up as a Principal Contractor for Network Rail. The £2m+ contract consists of the overhaul of fuelling systems at Blackpool, Barrow-in-Furness and Newton Heath depots. We’ve also been appointed by Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd (BGCL) to undertake a comprehensive schedule of work on a huge £35m improvement project at the Etches Park rail depot in Derby for East Midlands Railway. This vital upgrade work is necessary ahead of the arrival of the new

Aurora train fleet in 2023. We’re also working on the new Thanet Parkway Station in Kent for BAM Construction. This is an interesting project for us as the brief requires us to build a new station right next to an existing line, which obviously comes with a unique set of safety and logistical challenges. All in all, 2022 is looking to be our busiest year to date, with lots of large-scale rail projects to challenge us at home and overseas, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Bring it on!

To find out more about Emeg Group and its unrivalled range of full turnkey depot products and in-house services, or to download the latest product catalogue, visit www.emeg.co.uk or call +44 (0)1246 268678.

Directory

< Track & Infrastructure

Harsco Rail

Minimise Human Error and Protect Workers with Protran Technology Railway Worker Protection Systems

ailroad worker safety is a global concern. Railroad workers have an important role in keeping the railroads safe for passenger and freight trains through rail system inspections, maintenance and repairs on the trackway. While performing these duties to help provide safe railroad tracks for the industry, the track workers

themselves are faced with safety risks unique to their line of work. Traditional worker protections rely

mainly on other workers providing a notification of an approaching train which leads to a wide array of

Common safety risks with traditional railroad worker protection standard operating procedures include: • Relying on a lookout or watchman provides a single point of failure • Worker complacency, boredom, inattention and fatigue • Workers being given more responsibilities with less time to complete tasks • No advanced warning to train operators of workers ahead • No advanced warning to track workers of an approaching train • Increased equipment/convoy movements on tracks Protran Technology offers several railway worker protection systems utilising innovative technology to protect both railway workers and railroad equipment, in an effort to mitigate various types of dangerous scenarios found on the railroad. Typical hazard scenarios working on the railroad include the following:

Fixed Work Zones When track workers are engaged in work activities on the railroad in fixed work zones, they must enter the track area and rely on themselves and a variety of rules, procedures and other personnel to protect them from moving traffic. Generally, any fixed work zone is defined by a set of pre-approved “limits” with starting/ending locations. For trains or equipment to enter these active work areas, they must be given authorisation before proceeding into the predetermined work area. There are times when the work limits are

miscommunicated, locations are not clearly defined, and those who are flagging or moving equipment become distracted and fail to provide ample warning to track workers.

Moving Work Zones When track workers are engaged in work activities on the railroad which require them to continuously be moving (i.e. inspections, tree/ vegetation cutting, etc.), they must enter the track area and are exposed to hazards unique to this type of access. Generally, this type of activity relies on “notification” of the workers’ locations to trains from controllers, and/or the roadway worker is required to use visual train detection to move to a place of safety when they observe a train approaching. Unfortunately, these types of moving work zones can place railway workers in places where train operators are not aware of their current location due to poor communication with controllers and at times the physical characteristics of the railroad do not allow the workers to see the trains with enough time to clear without urgent movement. Additionally, due to a variety of physical characteristics of the railroad, workers can find themselves in areas where there is no safe clearing location.

Equipment Movement – Collision Avoidance Track work requires the use of multiple pieces of heavy maintenance equipment to maintain the track structure. In a typical work area, there can be many activities which are run concurrently or in a sequential

Protran Technology offers several railway worker protection systems utilising innovative technology to protect both railway workers and railroad equipment, in an effort to mitigate various types of dangerous scenarios found on the railroad.

manner. During these activities, equipment is constantly moving, operators are usually focused on their work (i.e. tamping, ballast regulating, grinding, etc.) and workers can be placed in danger of being struck by this equipment. Even when railway workers are not involved, slow-speed collisions between maintenance equipment can injure operators and damage costly equipment. Protran Technology Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) systems are secondary warning systems that provide advance warning of approaching trains to wayside workers, as well as warnings to the train operators of workers present on the tracks. The Protran RWP systems are range-based systems that use GPS location along with proprietary ranging RF technology to give the most accurate alerts possible.

Worksite Protection Systems

potentially dangerous situations caused by human error.

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VR FleetCare

< Track & Infrastructure

The Power of Digitalisation in Track Equipment Maintenance

he digital monitoring of track equipment makes it possible to carry out maintenance before a defect causes traffic disruption. There is increasing interest in the potential of condition monitoring to support railway asset management and maintenance. The Finnish rolling stock maintenance company VR FleetCare, in co-operation with technical experts, data scientists and technology partners, has developed state-of-the-art solutions for the digitalisation of infrastructure maintenance. Initially focused on the digital condition monitoring of the rolling stock, the development

work has now brought proven results in the field of track equipment such as track circuits and switches. Usually defects in track equipment cause traffic restrictions, interruptions and delays. Each traffic disruption causes increased costs and reputational damage

to stakeholders. Sami Saloheimo, Senior Specialist in Condition Monitoring at VR FleetCare, explains that, traditionally, defects have been detected only after they have started causing traffic disruptions. Of course, it is impossible to predict the future of complex electronics with measurements, but monitoring

Track Equipment Maintenance

Directory

systems can detect defects more effectively than people or generic traffic control systems.

“What is essential is being able to react to disruptions before train speeds need to be restricted or traffic diverted to another track. The later the disruption is addressed, the higher the costs will often be,” Saloheimo says. In digital condition monitoring, track equipment is monitored with current converters. For example, when a train passes a track circuit, it creates a disruption in the current that triggers the device to create a measurement event. Data from these events is then collected and processed by smart railway gateways and sent to the cloud. Based on the data analysis, a notification of a possible defect can then be created and passed on to the maintenance company.

Indication of Rail Break 24h before Traffic Disruption Since the summer of 2021, VR FleetCare has been carrying out digital condition monitoring of track circuits for the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA), which is responsible for the maintenance and development of the Finnish railway network. More than one million measurement events from around 200 track

circuits have already been recorded. The measurements have provided useful information on the operation of track circuits. For example, an indication of a broken rail could have been detected as early as 24 hours before the first traffic disruption.

“Digital condition monitoring provides time to react and minimise the disturbance to traffic. When a deviation in a track circuit is detected, an additional inspection can be carried out or the necessary maintenance team directed to the site. Early detection provides time to carry out maintenance outside of peak traffic hours,” says Saloheimo. Saloheimo also emphasises the quicker recovery from disruptions as an important benefit. The better the understanding of data and its correlations to potential defects, the better these defects can be targeted and repaired.

“In one case, a track circuit malfunction caused traffic disruptions for several days. Since the cause of the disruption could not be found, it was settled by increasing the voltage in the circuit. However, this did not resolve the malfunction but merely bypassed it by lowering the circuit’s sensitivity.” “Looking at the measurement results, we saw that the first indication of this malfunction was already visible one week before the first traffic disruption. This would

Digital condition monitoring provides time to react and minimise the disturbance to traffic. have given us several days to take preventive maintenance measures,” Saloheimo says, and notes that digitalisation offers new ways to control the predictive maintenance of track equipment.

Data to Support Investment Decisions In the rail sector, maintenance activities have previously been based on best practices and statistical methods. Digital condition monitoring challenges the methodology with accurate and detailed information on the actual condition of track equipment.

“High volumes of traffic inevitably lead to track equipment breaking down at some point within its lifecycle. Digital condition monitoring offers unprecedented transparency to each device, which enables smarter maintenance and smarter investments,” Saloheimo says. Smart solutions and cuttingedge technologies are not a substitute for professional skill in

the industry, but rather support existing competence. In order to succeed in digital competition, service providers need to know how maintenance can be developed on the basis of data, thereby creating value for customers.

“We have been able to leverage our background in the maintenance of rolling stock and the related processes with very close cooperation with the infrastructure owner (FTIA) and our track maintenance partner (GRK). All this, combined with Finnish excellence in sensor and telecommunications technology, has created an excellent platform for the development of effective condition monitoring systems for the railway industry,” Saloheimo says. The latest developments have shown that digital condition monitoring of rail infrastructure can be carried out efficiently, profitably and in a way that genuinely benefits the customer.

Perspectives on Digital Maintenance of Rail Infrastructure Partner Statements From the rail infrastructure owner’s point of view, the development work has focused on longterm processes rather than on technology. Digital condition

monitoring and the real-time monitoring enabled by it have a lot of potential. These pilots, in co-operation with VR FleetCare, have shown us that quite simple systems provide useful information. Digital condition monitoring of rail infrastructure and track equipment is not difficult, as long as you have skilled partners and sufficient courage. Marko Lehtosaari, specialist in railway maintenance, FTIA It is generally thought that maintenance means the repair of defects. In my opinion, the task of maintenance is to prevent faults so that they do not have to be repaired. Digital condition monitoring of track equipment provides new information about the operation of equipment: we are able to identify the time, location and, in some cases, even the cause of disturbances. In the future, we will see new conditionmonitoring solutions to help the maintenance company prevent and service defects to track equipment better. However, good condition monitoring also requires qualified maintenance experts to analyse information and events. Our collaboration with VR FleetCare has been smooth. It seems that we share the same vision and have a common goal in the evolution of maintenance. Jukka Vänttinen, foreman, safety equipment, GRK Rail

The data collected from the measurements is a useful tool for making investment decisions.

Sami Kalevirta Head of Digital Service sami.kalevirta@vr.fi +358 408663815

Miro Leppäkoski Sales Manager, SmartCare miro.leppakoski@vr.fi +358 445130391

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Pfaff Verkehrstechnik

Pfaff Verkehrstechnik Has Successfully Completed a Major Contract for the New Metro Lima Depot in Peru

Underfloor lifting system for heavy trains with up to seven carriages and a length of 120m

reater efficiency and shorter vehicle dwell time in the depot: Pfaff Verkehrstechnik, a member of CMCO Columbus McKinnon Corporation, has been commissioned by Hitachi STS, an Italian general contractor in the railway and local rail transport sector, to supply the plant components for workshop equipment for the new Santa Anita depot of Metro Lima in Peru. The entire equipment, which Pfaff Verkehrstechnik has provided and now installed together with SIM IMPEX, includes an underfloor lifting system as well as bogie lifting stands, axle lifting systems (underfloor), mobile lifting jacks, manual turntables, lifting and turning equipment for bogie frames, auxiliary bogies and transport devices in large quantities. The installation is now complete, and the plant will start operating this year.

Efficiently Maintain Long Trains with High Capacity Metro Lima is the only urban means of transport in Peru that does not contribute to air pollution because it uses electrical energy from hydroelectric power stations. With the opening of the northern section of line 1 in 2014, the metro, which

is predominantly an elevated line, reaches a length of 34.6km with 26 stations. There are plans to expand the rail network to up to five lines, the second line is currently under construction. Currently, six-carriage MB-300 trains from the Italian rolling stock vehicle manufacturer AnsaldoBreda are in service, as well as several Metropolis multiple units from the French manufacturer Alstom. It is a

Depot Lifting Equipment

fast metro with high capacity: the trains are 107m long, which has to be taken into account in the plant engineering at the new Santa Anita depot. The new underfloor lifting system from Pfaff Verkehrstechnik is designed for heavy trains of up to 280 tonnes with up to seven carriages and a total length of 120m. The synchronisation of the wheel lifting platforms is controlled by the PLC control within a narrow tolerance range of +/- 5mm, i.e. over the entire 120m length, the maximum height deviation of the lifting platforms is only 10mm. Their cantilever design ensures that the removed bogies can be pushed underneath the lifted train for separate maintenance.

Separating the Bogies from the Carriage Body 12 auxiliary bogies with a load capacity of 20 tonnes ensure that the underfloor lifting system is not blocked for long by a lifted vehicle. After the bogies of the carriages have been dismantled, the carriage bodies are placed on the auxiliary bogies and pushed with them into a separate storage area. This means that the lifting stand is immediately ready for another vehicle. Mobile lifting jacks from Pfaff Verkehrstechnik, each with a load capacity of 15 tonnes, are used at the Santa Anita depot to lift individual uncoupled carriages for maintenance. Several manual turntables with a diameter of 3200mm have also been installed in the depot to move bogies weighing up to eight tonnes between the hall areas. Maintenance and repair work

Pfaff Verkehrstechnik has successfully completed a major contract for the new Metro Lima depot in Peru, which includes mobile lifting jacks for lifting individual uncoupled carriages

on the bogies is carried out with underfloor bogie lifting stands from Pfaff Verkehrstechnik, which bring the bogies into the best ergonomic position up to a maximum lifting height of 1600mm. A lifting and turning system consisting of two lifting jacks with a crossbeam can turn the bogies, which are fixed by means of a clamping system, and rotate them to any desired position at the desired lifting height so that inspection work on the bogie frame can be carried out comfortably. In the service area, two underfloor axle racks (hydraulic lifting tables for loads up to two tonnes) raise individual axles to the desired working height.

Maintenance and repair work on the bogies is carried out with underfloor bogie lifting stands

Remote Commissioning The Berlin-based company SIM IMPEX – a Pfaff Verkehrstechnik sales partner that promotes sustainable mobility with innovative transport systems, especially in Latin America – was responsible for installing the systems. In the local markets, teams of specialised professionals ensure technical support and customer assistance during the installation process. The installation and commissioning, which had to be carried out remotely due to the prevailing Covid-19 regulations, presented a major challenge for SIM IMPEX and Pfaff Verkehrstechnik as the main supplier of the state-of-the-art facility, which now ensures more efficient maintenance and repair of entire metro trains, individual carriages, the bogies, axles, windows and doors.

In the service area, hydraulic lifting tables lift loads of up to two tonnes (underfloor axle racks)

For more information on Pfaff Verkehrstechnik and their products, see: www.columbusmckinnon.com

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RAILWAY EMBANKMENT

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GEOWEB Geocells ®

Advanced Geosynthetic Technology

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Presto Geosystems

Geocells Protect Railroads Against Potential Impacts of Climate Change

hroughout history, railroad companies have had to contend with every type of extreme weather event or geohazard imaginable. In particular, flooding and major storms have cost the railroad industry billions of dollars in maintenance and repairs, and with the relative frequency of such events increasing, many railroad operators are taking proactive approaches to mitigate future risks. For steep embankments, or railroad right-of-ways (ROW) that are adjacent to steep slopes, selecting a suitable slope protection strategy can help mitigate geotechnical risks, particularly where such slopes may be susceptible to excessive erosion or landslides.

This article discusses how the GEOWEB® Geocells were integrated into a slope protection strategy for a rail line located in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the US – an area where climate and soil conditions frequently converge to create the ‘perfect storm’ for rainfall-induced slope failures and shallow landslides. Whereas traditional erosion protection products such as erosion control blankets and turf reinforcement mats protect sloped surfaces long enough to establish vegetation, the GEOWEB® Slope Protection System offers a permanent erosion control strategy to stabilise the full depth of a vegetated soil or aggregate cover against sliding. Through an interconnected honeycomb-like network, the HDPE-based GEOWEB Geocells provide apparent cohesion and strength to infill materials that would otherwise be erodible or unstable on steep slopes.

Case Study: Protecting an Adjacent Railroad Line from Future Landslides A record rainfall event created saturated soils, resulting in a major landslide near Castle Rock, Washington, on the railroad’s busy double-track mainline between Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. The landslide blocked heavy freight and passenger traffic for five days, resulting in costly downtime. Prior to this major shutdown, the site’s wet conditions caused smaller traffic-blocking slides, but due to the increased frequency of the landslides, the project owners, engineers, and contractors needed to find a viable solution to stabilising the embankments.

The site challenges ruled out traditional erosion protection approaches, and it was determined an engineered solution was required in order to improve the slope’s resistance to similar types of failures in the future. The project engineering and construction crews had to overcome several hurdles, including: • • •

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Saturated and highly erodible soils Challenging slope angles up to 60 degrees, with slope lengths of up to 100ft Difficult site access conditions due to adjacent private property lines, and proximity of the toe of slope relative to track location (less than 15ft) Active rail traffic: trains passed by the area every hour, resulting in frequent work stoppages in order to accommodate active rail traffic A short deadline to beat the rainy season – all slope repair work had to be completed within 45 days

Project Solution After considering various slope repair options, the engineering team determined the GEOWEB® Geocell System with aggregate infill placed over a nonwoven geotextile

was most suitable as well as the most affordable long-term as it eliminated vegetation management costs associated with maintaining an area that is challenging to access and traverse with conventional mowing equipment. In addition to the cost savings, the rainwater flow down the slope within the aggregate-filled geocell structure reduced the rate at which the water flowed into the drainage system, thus avoiding the need to expand a nearby detention system. The system comprises a 6in suspended veneer installed directly over the prepared slope surface. The geocell-reinforced layer was suspended using tendons, threaded through the GEOWEB section’s i-slot panels and secured using a proprietary load transfer device, and anchored to a deadman at top of the slope. The load was transferred from the geocells to the tendons by tying the tendons to the patented ATRA® Tendon Clips. The project engineer opted to place the GEOWEB Geocells on top of a non-woven geotextile for separation and filtration, and to further protect underlying soils against erosion and rilling. After the GEOWEB system was installed, landslides halted and maintenance costs subsided. The GEOWEB System was the optimal solution to repair the susceptible railway ROW embankments.

Industry Leaders Use GEOWEB Geocells for Emergency Repairs In addition to slope protection, GEOWEB Geocells are a reliable and fast solution for long-term soil stabilisation when railroads need to repair washouts and address track subsidence and settlement issues. Available as emergency repair ‘kits’, the GEOWEB Geocells are ideal for providing an immediate response to unexpected repairs. In the US, Class 1 railroads stock this material regularly so they can quickly respond to such unforeseen circumstances. The GEOWEB stock covers 2,700 square feet with one pallet or 120,000 square feet for a truckload. Each GEOWEB section is packaged in collapsed, easy-tohandle sections that are 8.5ft x 27ft. The repair kits come with the ATRA® key connection device – a turn-andlock key, that is three times faster and stronger than stapling. The GEOWEB emergency repair kits are ideal for constructing and repairing track ballast, access roads, embankments, earthen berms, bridges, channels and right-of-way areas.

Track Repair & Inspection

Project Challenges

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Robel

Emission-Free Track Maintenance

ROMILL Urban E³ has been designed for emission-free rail treatment in subways © Robel

eing one of the pioneers of emissionfree and ergonomic track maintenance, Robel has been developing battery, electric and hybrid drives for railway construction machinery for many years. Now, in addition to its fleet of cordless hand-operated machines, the company also provides railbound vehicles with electric technologies and hybrid drives. As a partner company of Plasser & Theurer, Robel carries the renowned E³ brand (economic – ecologic – ergonomic) for all its products with alternative drive technology.

Extended Range of Use. Higher Occupancy. Due to higher investment in rail infrastructure worldwide, track construction is booming. At the same time, sites are being tolerated less and less by residents and communities. Also, current legislation increasingly stipulates emission limits, especially for sensitive urban areas. The use of battery-powered machines considerably reduces onsite emissions, thus expanding the area of application for maintenance companies. This applies above all to work in tunnels or in a subway: the measured carbon and nitrogen

emissions from machines and vehicles with alternative drives are a fraction of the permitted maximum values – a solid option for new contracts in urban track maintenance.

The Green Way of Urban Rail Treatment At iaf in Münster, Robel is presenting the world’s first milling train with hybrid drive for zeroemission rail processing in subways: ROMILL Urban E³ is equipped with battery technology for up to three hours of exhaust-free rail machining. The three-piece machine consist fits

into the tightest tunnel clearances and uses a brand new, purely electrical milling technology by Schweerbau International, which for the first time also allows the reprofiling of low-quality track. The spark and dust-free rotational cutting process includes by-product collection on the train for recycling. In addition, a high-speed polishing process is used to create a noiseoptimised surface finish. More about ROMILL Urban:

Electric RORUNNER for Tunnel Maintenance In 2024, six four-axle track vehicles with an alternative drive solution will go into operation in Munich for Stadtwerke München GmbH. A key incentive for the city network operator is the planned reduction of air and noise emissions, resulting in a noticeable improvement of the environmental working conditions in tunnels. Transit to the construction site is emission-free, using pick-up shoes via third rail. A battery storage system supplies the energy for working mode and crane operation,

The established E³ fleet of handoperated machines with alternative drives consists of battery-powered rail band saws, drilling machines, vertical tampers and a highpressure hydraulic unit for rail stressor and weld trimmer. and an additional diesel generator is available for long shifts. The multi-function vehicles take on transport and traction tasks, taking into consideration ramps with maximum gradients. All units are designed for bi-directional working, with a crane on both vehicle ends and loading platforms at both sides.

More Drive for Hand Operated Machines Electric motors are not only emission-free, but considerably smaller and lighter than their combustion equivalents. Nevertheless, they deliver the same performance, additionally supported by intelligent control systems. This means that the machines can be operated with significantly less effort, allowing ergonomic application with better view of the work area, faster processes and flawless maintenance results.

This group is now supplemented by electric machines such as the new rail cutter, welding joint grinder and a hybrid rail head profile grinder, which can be powered by either a 2300Wh battery or a mains adapter. As a world premiere, Robel is launching the fully electric power wrench ROWRENCH 30.67 with GPS and self-learning control at iaf – the next step towards more economic, ecologic and ergonomic work on track. More about E³ hand operated machines:

Contact: Plasser UK Ltd robel@plasser.co.uk

Video shows: ROGRIND 13.45MD E³ welding joint grinding machine, driven by battery or power pack

Track Repair & Inspection

RORUNNER electric track vehicle for Munich’s underground network © Robel

31.05. – 02.06.2022 Münster 3-406 Outdoor exhibition A 40

OUR PLANET NEEDS A

STRONG RAILWAY Transporting I Measuring I Track Maintenance I Rail Treatment I Full Service I Automation

Maintaining the rail infrastructure means higher precision at higher train frequency. This requires a strong, global partner. The ROBEL group of companies brings together specialists in all things track maintenance and remains versatile in finding solutions for the railway system.

The ROBEL Group. We think the whole process. ROBEL Bahnbaumaschinen I Plasser Robel Services I Vogel & Plötscher I ROBEL Rail Automation

www.robel.com

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Derby Rubber

The Revolutionary Broom Elements Sweeping the Competition Aside Nothing Beats the Element of Quality For 20 years, railway operators across Europe have used the advanced technology and unsurpassed durability of Derby Rubber’s unique broom elements to help ensure safety and efficiency across their rail networks. Derby has grown to become the world leader in designing and manufacturing high-grade ballast regulator broom elements capable of delivering superior performance in some of the world’s most extreme climate environments. Its flagship Ballastick® one-piece broom elements are available in both hollow and solid form, each with their own unique characteristics and qualities, outperforming competitors in reliability, durability and convenience.

Thick and Clever Derby Rubber’s hollow shafts deliver more than three times the effective lifespan of their cheaper rivals,

thanks to the ingenious thickened, yet still hollow, hard-wearing rubber tip. This avoids the need for a glued-in plug found in lower-quality broom elements that frequently become dislodged and lead to inefficient sweeping, damaged elements and increased changeouts, often after as little as 60 kilometres. In contrast, the hollow-form Ballastick® broom element has been shown to maintain its effectiveness and integrity even in excess of 160 kilometres of use – more than three times the capacity of imitation brands!

Solid Performance Derby’s Solid Ballastick® option is easily fixed in place with a C3 clamp to allow for quick changeovers and progressive adjustment – and featuring a distinctive flared clamptip to reduce ‘flex fatigue’ – the Solid Ballastick®’s distinctive design adds extra mass to the broom element’s wear tip, thereby creating greater momentum, sweeping efficiency and wear life. With the advantage of Derby Rubber’s state-of-the-art compound engineering, the solid-form Ballastick® element regularly

achieves a 40% longer wear life than conventional broom elements.

Greater Efficiencies Mean Greater Savings When comparing performance, durability, lifespan and ease of use, it’s easy to see why leading rail track operators around the world prefer Derby Rubber’s advanced Hollow and Solid Ballastick® broom elements. Both versions in the Ballastick® range easily surpass the durability, effectiveness and efficiency of ‘cheaper’ alternatives.

So, Is ‘Cheaper’ Really Cheaper? As is the case with most products, a greater investment up-front will be rewarded down the line. In fact, the advantage of the Ballastick® elements are two-fold: longer effective service life and superior performance. The greater durability means the elements need to be replaced less frequently, while a more efficient

sweeping performance allows the brooms to sculpt, profile and neatly manicure a right-of-way with just one pass, instead of multiple passes which naturally take more time. Since their development, Derby Rubber’s specially compounded, hollow broom elements, with their thickened, high-durability tip have been shown to outlast standard hollow elements by over 200 percent, meaning fewer elements are needed over time and distance.

Simply Better The Ballastick®’s single-piece design has been shown to deliver superior performance and longevity over units that rely on a separate, gluedin plug. With these, the plug can become displaced after just a few hours of operation, leading to faster deterioration of the hollow element and an imbalance in sweeping efficiency. What’s more, given the longer operating life of each broom, the downtime required to replace elements is reduced, so that sweeping equipment can spend more time keeping tracks safe and in peak condition.

Ultimately, it all leads to more efficient changeovers, more efficient operation, greater return on investment, less rubber wastage and environmental impact, and a safer working environment for employees. Derby Rubber has maintained a dedicated office and warehouse for over two decades in the Netherlands and Australia, allowing us to serve clients globally quickly. Derby Rubber is exhibiting at the IAF Expo and will be exhibiting at InnoTrans. Follow Derby Rubber on LinkedIn to find our stand at each expo.

Track Repair & Inspection

Similarly, the solid version of the Ballastick® broom element also demonstrates enhanced efficiency and value for money. Its compound rubber composition has been specially engineered for the task, and the trademark flared tip improves the effectiveness of the broom by allowing for greater natural momentum and sweeping power. Like its hollow-shaped counterpart, this greater durability reduces change-out times – and that’s even before the convenience of the C3 quick-change clamp is factored-in. Designed to fasten broom elements to the rotating brush of the ballast regulator machine, the C3 makes it easier to change worn broom elements, while reducing the risk of injury to the operator.

Above- and below-ground trackbed inspection for condition-based maintenance planning.

Zetica are leading providers of train- and hi rail-mounted trackbed inspection and asset mapping RASC® services in Asia, Australasia, North and South America, Europe and Africa, combining GPR, trackbed surface imaging, 360º LiDAR, 3D laser and panoramic video to address… GPR radargrams Search engine

Panoramic camera view

Track geometry

Trackbed surface images

Fouled ballast 360

Mud holes and drainage problems Ballast pocket occurrence and growth Formation renewal decision support Sleeper damage and missing fasteners Root cause analysis of track geometry defects Work order recommendations Quality control of trackbed maintenance RASC® survey metrics

Map with KML metric overlays Mileage / kilometerage navigation

3D and 2D laser point clouds

HEAD OFFICE Zetica House Southfield Road, Eynsham Oxfordshire, OX29 4JB United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1993 886682 Email: rail@zetica.com

zeticarail.com

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TECHNO-ELEC

Specialising in Responsive Relays

ECHNO-ELEC specialises in designing, manufacturing and selling measuring relays, known as ‘responsive relays’. TECHNO-ELEC is a key partner of electrical traction (metros, tramways, trains, high-speed trains, substations). We manufacture products for both on-board and trackside applications.

•

Services

•

Studies •

•

Measurement relay design, voltage, current, differential or for specific application, based on Servo-Contact technology Consulting and expertise on choice of features to size the product according to customer needs

Production & Marketing •

Development, manufacture and sale

Main Characteristics

• • • •

•

Preventive maintenance (product functional checks) Curative maintenance (expertise and repair, change of worn parts)

Operation fields: from 1mA to 15,000A / from 10mV to 4,000V (AC/DC) Dielectric strength: up to 20,000V 50Hz- 1 min (primary circuit/secondary circuit) High overloads on measuring circuit Fire resistance according to standards NF F16-101-102 & EN 45545 Fully operational whatever the direction

Relay Categories •

Aftersales Service •

Specific maintenance contracts

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Current relays: they are used in applications such as current detection, threshold control, overload detection, ground fault detection, engine start, etc. Voltage relays: they are used in applications such as voltage detection, catenary voltage

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detection, threshold control, voltage monitoring of battery chargers, etc. Differential relays: they are used in applications such as DC or AC current differential protection, AC or DC voltage differential protection, etc. Custom relays: associated to electronics, we can create more specific relays, such as timerelays on closing or tripping, flashing relays, clipper time relays, etc.

Relays

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Z.I de la Castine - Rue des Sapins - 54730 GORCY France - Tél : 33 (0)3 82 89 99 01 - E-mail : info@techno-elec.com

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RUBI Railtec

Ballastless Tracks without Reinforcement: Three Pros and One Con

he construction of slab tracks without reinforcement was standardised in 2017. RUBI Railtec and Pernstich Engineers are part of a pioneering project in Israel.

Ballastless tracks are on the rise. More and more railway infrastructure operators prefer the higher investments to the intensive maintenance of ballasted tracks. At SBB, the principle of ‘slab track on solid surfaces’ seems to be gaining acceptance—ballast is no longer used in tunnels, on overpasses and in underpasses. In addition, SBB renovated its oldest slab track in the Heitersberg tunnel

from 2013 to 2016 (see the press release in German). This involved replacing rails, sleeper blocks, inserts and rubber shoes. Apart from maintenance and renewal of the rails, this was the first work on the track since the tunnel was commissioned in 1975. The concrete slab was in good condition, which confirms the longevity of the system. For light-rail vehicles and trams,

ballastless tracks have always been standard. Because the concrete slab forms part of the road surface, it is usually reinforced. Since 2017, the standard EN 16432 (parts 1 to 3 and others) regulates the use of slab tracks without reinforcement in all environments. Together with the extensive experience of RUBI Railtec and Pernstich Engineers with slab tracks, the new standard was

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another reason why we proposed a ballastless track without reinforcement for the Green Line project in Jerusalem. There were essentially three arguments that convinced the client.

Toodle-oo, CO2 Unfortunately, concrete is still far from being CO2-neutral. But its production is less polluting than that of structural steel. That is why the project modification with the renunciation of structural steel in the Jerusalem project is a measure for climate protection and sustainability.

Structurally Better in Almost All Respects Slab tracks are masterpieces of precision. Ballasted tracks can be tamped into the correct position. With slab tracks, on the other hand, the track position – while not set in stone – is cast in concrete. That’s why the sleeper blocks are placed with an accuracy of fractions of a millimetre before pouring. Reinforcing bars are an additional variable in this process. If a track can do without them, construction is simpler and faster. This has a direct effect on costs and reduces the susceptibility to errors.

Made to Last Slab tracks of all kinds are made to last a century. If wear components such as rails, sleepers and fasteners are replaced in good time, the concrete slab is extremely durable. Concrete without reinforcement is more durable. This is essentially due to the corrosion of the

reinforcement bars. The socalled creepage current – the dissipation via rebars – causes the reinforcement of slab tracks to rust even more than usual.

Exposed to the Weather An important aspect in the design of unreinforced slab tracks is the weather. In summer, the centre of the slab warps due to warmer temperatures on its surface. In winter, on the other hand, the colder surface causes ‘cupping’, i.e. a slight lifting of the slab corners. The mitigation of these effects – in combination with the micro-crack formation in the slab and the acting traffic loads – had to be proven for

the Israeli project. On the Green Line, the temperature effect is minimised by dilatation joints both longitudinally and transversely to the direction of travel. Their spacing and size must be adapted to local conditions so that no cracks appear in the concrete. There is also a risk of cracks when inlets are left empty – for example to install masts later on or to provide drainage. That is why the edges of inlets are locally reinforced. We at RUBI Railtec and Pernstich Engineers are convinced that if local conditions are taken into account, nothing stands in the way

of the worldwide use of fixed tracks without reinforcement. For projects like the Green Line, we rely on the know-how of local construction companies for execution in the required quality.

RUBI Bahntechnik labor@rubi-bahntechnik.ch en.rubi-bahntechnik.ch/

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Rolling Stock Fasteners

Specialinsert®

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Fuel & Traction RIX Industries Cummins PowerRail

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Rolling Stock Maintenance & Workshops Dialight Mankiewicz FFG BIOforte GmbH Henkel

p.61 p.64 p.67 p.68 p.71

Accessibility U-Lift

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Train Components INPS Group FFG Werke GmbH EYYES STAUFF

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Train Interiors Baultar Axminster Carpets Tiflex Treadmaster Camira Lantal

p.84 p.86 p.89 p.90 p.91

Electric Traction Bender UK

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Rolling Stock Testing Nexeya – A Hensoldt Company

Interior Materials SEKISUI KYDEX

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Catering Korita Aviation

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FAST-CON

FASTENERS FOR THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY Italian quality since 1974

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LA PERFEZIONE È INVISIBILE AGLI OCCHI Everyday Specialinsert® stands by railway passen-

tor, also customized solutions. Innovative fasteners

® FAST-CON è il nuovo e rivoluzionario sistema their di fissaggio rapido afor pressione gers and employees, guaranteeing comfort every design requirement. ® interamente in acciaio inox, firmato Specialinsert . Indistruttibile, inossidabile, and safety on board.

Contact our specialists to ﬁnd the right product for resistente al fiamme e alla corrosione. Le dimensioni molto contenute e il sistema

We design and perfetto developper deformation or yournautica needs. a scomparsa, lo rendono ogni tipo di threaded utilizzo e finitura: dalla self-locking inserts, quick release fastening systems, and self-tapping bushes for the railway sec-

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specialinsert.it

a2b Global Media Ltd is an online publishing company specialising in the transport sector. Through our brands – Railway-News, Airport Industry-News, Bus-News and Future Transport-News – we provide readers with the latest developments in those transport sectors via our websites and quarterly magazines. Readers will also get detailed information about industry events and above suppliers providing products & services to the transport sector. The aim of our brands is to be a one-stop-shop resource for readers and give suppliers the all-important reach they need to feature their activities.

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RIX Industries

Cleaning Up Rail by Engineering Hydrogen Onboard By Dean Alvarado, Key Account Manager, RIX Industries

rom coal-powered steam to diesel engines, the rail industry has undergone massive changes over its long and storied history. Is hydrogen power next? Environmental mandates loom, and the world now recognises the global role rail operators can play in reducing pollution. It’s a directive for cleaner operations, and it’s driving entirely new ways of thinking about train power. Incremental goals such as cleaner diesel are a start to decarbonisation, but the mandate is much more significant. Immediate action is required and must consider not only the high bar of reduced emissions but also the long lifecycle of rolling stock equipment. Yet even as the monumental shift to cleaner rail operations is on the horizon, many in the industry are waiting for the hydrogen infrastructure to take hold before making the move to hydrogen as a fuel source.

There is, however, a transitional solution that can get the rail industry on track to decarbonisation. Today’s methanol infrastructure is already well established, giving rail operators the means to capitalise on hydrogen value now via methanol-tohydrogen reformation. Clean, safe, and readily available, methanol as a feedstock is positioning operators with an early hydrogen advantage in a long-term shift to emission-free operations.

Solving the Onboard Challenge Traditionally, the switch from diesel to hydrogen power would require an enormous overhaul due to hydrogen’s need for cryogenic temperatures or high-volume, highpressure storage systems. But these requirements can now be bypassed using hydrogen on demand, which utilises easy-to-store methanol to create hydrogen as needed to power the train safely. With this technology, the rail industry can get on the fast track towards a greener tomorrow.

Dean Alvarado, Key Account Manager, RIX Industries

Addressing the logistical challenges associated with storing pure hydrogen onboard is crucial in the adoption of hydrogen as a viable option in rail industry decarbonisation. The demanding requirements for hydrogen storage would be counterproductive to eliminating emissions. Hydrogen, in its liquid state, must be kept at temperatures close to -250 degrees Celsius. As a gas, pressurised storage is required and comes with its own safety and logistical concerns. Neither option is ideal as a safe, reliable and cost-effective method for deploying hydrogen power on trains.

Fuel & Traction

Laying the Groundwork Methanol is a proven hydrogen carrier and solves these issues by acting as a feedstock, allowing train operators to create hydrogen onboard as necessary via a safe chemical process. Since the hydrogen is generated ‘on demand’ and is immediately utilised, the need for high-pressure storage is eliminated. The conversion of methanol to hydrogen is performed in a closed, self-contained system which provides the same highpurity hydrogen that would have been available from a storage tank of pure hydrogen. Such systems are scalable and readily available for commercial use. Combining methanol-to-hydrogen conversion with PEM fuel cells allows operators to access power ranging from 10kW to 150kW per system. Each system may be combined to supply power for MW applications, maintaining high energy efficiency (>80%) and a lighter environmental footprint than traditional pure hydrogen storage.

Reuse to Reduce Emissions

Getting to Green with Grey

For existing trains, hydrogen on-demand may offer a simple retrofit to rail infrastructure. The existing diesel storage tanks may be utilised to accommodate the methanol feedstock – without extreme temperatures or high pressure. While stored, gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (350 to 700 barg) requires a large and heavy cylindrical storage tank, the hydrogen produced from methanol steam reforming requires a significantly smaller buffer tank at much lower pressures (0.7 to 1.7 barg). This enables train designers to reutilise existing space for maximum efficiency – a critical value in long-life rail vehicles. Since the methanol feedstock is a low-pressure liquid, it can be stored in any reservoir form factor potentially conforming to vacant or underutilised space on rolling stock. And, if more hydrogen is required, fuel capacity can be extended by linking multiple tanks across small spaces.

During the reforming process, hydrogen is created from the liquid feedstock consisting of 62.5wt% methanol (with balance DI water). The mixture is then heated and vaporised. After vaporisation, hydrogen is produced in a catalytic reactor. This method can be used with green or grey methanol, the colour referring to how environmentally impactful the methanol extraction process was. Today, grey methanol, which uses natural gas as a feedstock, is most widely accessible. With grey methanol, methanol-tohydrogen conversion systems can garner a 23–25% reduction in CO2 compared to diesel-only engines. Furthermore, methanol steam reforming eliminates emissions of other pollutants – NOx, SOx, and particulate matter.

As green methanol becomes more readily available, the amount of carbon required for its cultivation will become equal to that released by its usage. The rail industry

must address these factors when aiming for decarbonisation. Trains fitted with methanol-to-hydrogen systems will be ready for cleaner fuel sources as they arrive. Grey and green methanol can even be blended, providing a flexible option for sustainable fuelling. With these reformer systems, rail operators looking to lessen their carbon footprint will be set.

Net Zero-Ready… Now The track to decarbonisation is a complicated journey that will take time and strategy to achieve. Rolling stock vehicles are typically deployed for decades and their onboard methanol reforming systems for fuelling must offer the same kind of longevity. Fuelling systems need to keep up with complex modern features and

demanding changes. This may cause some hesitation among operators who prefer to wait until green methanol is widely available. However, with net zero carbon mandates looming, these operators will miss out on crucial technologies that can help them today and make the switch to cleaner fuels much smoother. Methanol-to-hydrogen reformers are net zero-ready now and completely eliminate NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. With green methanol’s arrival, rolling stock – already equipped with this technology – will be that much closer to its net zero destination.

About the Author Dean guides RIX customers to the ideal right solutions for their highpressure industrial gas compression and gas generation applications.

Dean Alvarado Key Account Manager RIX Industries Connect with Dean at dalvarado@rixindustries.com or via LinkedIn.

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Fuel & Traction

Cummins

There’s Only One Destination Zero – But Many Ways Cummins Can Help You Get There

s a technology company committed to meeting the world’s sustainability challenges head-on, Cummins’s mission is to power a greener, more prosperous world. We call this Destination Zero. Our broad portfolio of power solutions is innovative, dependable, and helps customers around the world improve their efficiency and environmental credentials.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the rail industry. Rail has a long history of underpinning economic growth. It transforms lives, businesses and communities. It has the potential to support responsible consumption and a circular economy in the face of increasing urbanisation and population growth. Rail reduces road congestion and carries more customers and freight using less energy and producing fewer emissions than most other

modes of transport. Cummins recognises the potential of developing increasingly sustainable, more resilient and safer railways for everyone. Our vision, experience and technical expertise help us look beyond the obvious and bring critical thinking to all sustainability challenges. Many companies are pursuing alternative power as a potential answer to the world’s climate goals, and Cummins is leading the charge in battery, fuel cell and hydrogen production technologies. In fact, we’re way ahead of the curve.

Our fuel cells and hydrogen technologies have already powered applications in the US, and now innovation continues to revolutionise passenger rail in Europe.

Cummins recognises the potential of developing increasingly sustainable, more resilient and safer railways for everyone.

Alstom is among the first railway manufacturers in the world to develop hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger trains using Cummins technology. The zero-emission, low-noise Coradia iLint™ entered commercial service in Germany in 2018. It is re-positioning possible through a combination of different innovative elements: clean energy conversion, flexible energy storage in batteries, and smart management of traction power and available energy. Specifically designed for nonelectrified lines, it is clean and sustainable while ensuring high levels of performance. It’s the

perfect illustration of Cummins’s commitment to designing and delivering innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. But what exactly is a hydrogen fuel cell and how does it work? In simple terms, hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity from a chemical reaction caused by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This reaction causes the hydrogen to split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the proton exchange membrane unimpeded and proceed to the cathode side, while the electrons are blocked and forced to travel through an

external circuit. As they travel along the external circuit, they provide the electricity to drive a motor. Eventually the hydrogen protons and electrons reunite and combine with oxygen to produce water – the only emission. And when hydrogen is generated from renewable electricity, like solar, wind or hydropower, it is a completely decarbonised, renewable, fuel. But there are many benefits to this technology beyond the environmental ones. It is inherently more efficient and reliable compared to the traditional combustion engine, due to having fewer moving parts. But while technology such as hydrogen fuel cells are proving to be a viable path for a carbonneutral future in a variety of mobile and stationary applications, our technological savvy and realworld experience tell us that some operators are not ready to adopt this technology yet, despite their environmental aims. There’s the remote operational nature of many machines to consider and the availability of resources within a specific region – not to mention the commitment and cost involved in modernising their fleets and infrastructure. In fact, there are many social and economic factors why the transition to technologies such as hydrogen will be a gradual one. And that’s fine. Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, Cummins has a clean, durable, low-carbon solution to drive you forward on your journey to Destination Zero.

In the short term, there’s plenty we can do, and plenty that we’re already doing. For example, clean diesel technology is already part of Cummins’s broad portfolio of products and results in a highly efficient, virtually smoke-free engine, which can significantly lower greenhouse gases with Tier 4 and Stage 5 engines. Cummins engines are also capable of running on alternative fuels, such as HVO which can lower your carbon footprint with no immediate change to fleets and infrastructure. In addition to alternative fuels, innovative data analytics and reporting have an important role to play in optimising equipment performance and emissions reduction. PrevenTech® is Cummins’s newest remote engine monitoring and reporting solution. By combining engine hardware, digital technologies and data-driven expert analysis, PrevenTech® delivers proactive recommendations that allow customers to increase equipment availability, improve safety and reliability, and enhance operational efficiency.

The journey we’re on is a first-class ticket to a better, brighter future for all. And as the rail industry blazes a trail towards Destination Zero, Cummins will continue to drive innovation – helping customers meet their short-term sustainability goals and stay on track towards those longer-term decarbonisation aspirations.

Find out how Cummins can get you to Destination Zero at www.cummins.com/ company/esg/environment/ destination-zero

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< Rolling Stock

PowerRail

PowerRail Engine Systems Joins the PowerRail Family

owerRail recently announced the formation of a new member in the PowerRail Family of Companies: PowerRail Engine Systems. PowerRail Engine Systems is a full-service engine company offering a complete line of new and remanufactured engines and engine components. Comprised of three new PowerRail facilities, PowerRail Engine Systems offers rebuilt engines, as well as new and remanufactured power assemblies, governors, turbochargers, water, fuel and oil pumps, and other engine-related components. With an AAR M-1003 quality certification, PowerRail Engine Systems offers a complete line of products that provides true reliability and quality for all

demanding applications, supporting both EMD and GE engines, including Tier 0+ Emission Kits.

Woodward Governors One of PowerRail Engine Systems’s key product lines is its Woodwardcertified governors. Woodward governors provide proven reliability that improve the life of the unit and

reduce unplanned downtime. With PowerRail Engine Systems’s governors, the highest quality standards and requirements are factory-audited, ensuring strict compliance. Only genuine Woodward parts and certified, calibrated tools and test stands are used. A complete disassembly, bench inspection, comprehensive cleaning, reassembly and testing

Since its inception in 2003, PowerRail has grown to become a vital partner to many railroads across the globe, providing the parts and components needed for repairs, standard maintenance and upgrades to locomotive fleets.

to OEM specifications occurs with each governor to ensure Woodward requirements are met. PowerRail offers unit exchange, repair/return or new governors. All are rebuilt and tested by certified Woodward governor specialists, then calibrated to OEM specifications. PowerRail works to ensure a large inventory of unit exchange governors is on-hand, ready to ship.

Power Assemblies Another of PowerRail Engine Systems’s popular product lines is the power assembly. Its complete line of premium new and remanufactured power assemblies, HLPs, cylinder heads and other related parts are machined and assembled in the United States. All raw materials undergo extensive testing to ensure they meet or exceed current OEM specifications. Before shipment, each power assembly undergoes a 39-point inspection and documentation to ensure quality conformance. All water jackets are thoroughly

As a global supplier, PowerRail’s footprint extends into some of the most remote parts of Africa, allowing it to become a preferred supplier of OEM and aftermarket parts for some of the continent’s largest companies. In Mozambique, for example, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), the nation’s premier port and railway operator, credits PowerRail with shoring up the company’s aging locomotive fleet.

“We awarded several large contracts last year, and PowerRail has emerged as the most capable manufacturer,” states Engineer, Carlos Chicra. “They are the only supplier to deliver goods in accordance with the contracts awarded, thus far. We look forward to growing our relationship with them.”

experience with PowerRail, Banze stated that various PowerRail parts “now run in nearly all of our locomotives.” Banze spoke of a time when numerous trains within the fleet were inoperable due to missing parts.

“PowerRail has been a reliable partner for us for the past few years. Since bringing them on as a manufacturer, we’ve been able to keep our locomotives running with minimal downtime… even through a global pandemic!” PowerRail is a United Statesbased company, with several locations in various parts of the world. Originally formed in 2003, PowerRail proudly offers a wide range of new and rebuilt railrelated parts and components including bearings and journal boxes, electrical rotating parts, engine components, compressors, pumps and motors, from its various manufacturing facilities across the US. In addition, PowerRail offers locomotive rebuilds, overhauls and mobile maintenance at its locomotive shop. PowerRail is a global supplier with locations in Europe and Australia.

Scan the QR code to download the PowerRail Engine Systems catalogue:

The addition of PowerRail Engine Systems has allowed the PowerRail brand to further broaden its already extensive offering of parts and components and positions them as a true ‘one-stop shop’ to the rail industry. Claudio Banze co-ordinates purchases for Corredor de Desenvolvimento do Norte, SA (CDN). When asked about his

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inspected via bore scope to ensure no debris or casting sand remains. State of the art casting techniques are used to reduce porosity and maintain adequate coolant flow.

POWERRAIL ENGINE SYSTEMS CREATIVE INNOVATIONS...CONTINUING TRADITION

Your Global Supply Chain for Engine Overhaul Components

Sales@ePowerRail.com 570-883-7005

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PowerRail.Com

Download the PowerRail Engine Systems Catalog CLICK OR SCAN ME

< Rolling Stock

Dialight

How LED Lighting Prevents Common Industrial Accidents

pgrading to Modern Industrial LED Lighting Improves Plant Safety & Saves Money

LED fixtures can have a major impact on lowering the risk and incidents of workplace accidents. Here’s how state-of-the-art LED lighting can improve safety:

Safety is the number one priority in facilities across all segments of the manufacturing industry. Every year, companies invest millions of dollars in equipment upgrades and safety programmes aimed at preventing injuries and lost time accidents by increasing awareness of risks and incentivising safe work practices.

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Yet still, an average of over 477,000 injuries and 328 fatalities occur in manufacturing plants across the US each yeari . These incidents not only have a devastating impact on employees and their families, but also on the company’s reputation, recruiting/hiring efforts and profitability. In fact, workplace injuries and deaths have cost US manufacturers 170.4 billion USD over the last 10 years.i Aiming to improve plant safety, many companies have found that upgrading facility lighting to modern, high-efficiency industrial

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A brighter work environment improves visibility. Poor visibility is the leading cause of slip, trip and fall hazards and contact with moving objects – some of the biggest risks in any facilityii. With so many distractions, like excessive noise that forces workers to rely on visual information, it’s hard to keep an eye out for these kinds of risks. Adding to the problem, conventional highpressure sodium fixtures create a dark, drab atmosphere that makes it difficult for workers to spot hazards around them. LED fixtures, on the other hand, produce bright, white, uniform light that improves visibility, helps workers spot hazards and stay out of harm’s way. LEDs can combat fatigue and improve alertness. Fatigue is a major risk for workers, especially those who work

night shifts or a rotating schedule. When workers are tired, they’re less perceptive and have slower reaction time, which makes them less able to spot and avoid hazards on the job. The bright daylightlike quality of LED lighting has proven to encourage alertness and reduce fatigue by 5x compared to HPSiii, to help staff feel more awake and aware of their surroundings. In fact, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommends bright white lightingiv to combat worker fatigue and reduce accident risk. •

Improved colour rendering reduces risk. The inability to distinguish colours clearly is a huge safety risk. For example, warning placards and signs often rely on colour-coding to communicate danger, and electrical wiring is colour-coded so that crews may work safely. But, the low colour rendering of HPS lights creates an unnatural orange glow that makes it very difficult to distinguish colours, which puts workers at

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risk of misinterpreting colour cues. Unlike HPS, LED lighting produces near-daylight-quality white light that makes colours appear natural and easily distinguishable. That means workers can interpret signage clearly, and there’s much less risk that an electrician will cut the wrong wire. •

LEDs dramatically reduce lighting maintenance. By its very nature, changing lightbulbs is dangerous work in an industrial facility. Not only must crews work at high elevation, they often must do so overtop production equipment. The risk of a catastrophic fall is very real. And because conventional fixtures fail frequently under high-vibration and highheat environments, lighting maintenance is an ongoing chore. By contrast, industrial LED fixtures are built to last. Because they don’t rely on a delicate filament, they’re much more resistant to shock and vibration, and some of the best products on the market can last up to 100,000 hours. This long-life performance could essentially mean the end of lighting maintenance and an end to the risk of performing this dangerous job.

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LED fixtures contain no hazardous materials. Did you know that a single HPS bulb contains enough mercury to poison an entire classroom of children?v Even fluorescent bulbs contain toxic levels of mercury, phosphorous and other rare-earth minerals. And, of course, when HPS or fluorescent bulbs are broken (which happens frequently, especially during maintenance), those hazardous materials are released into the air, exposing everyone in the vicinity. Switching to LED lighting fixtures is a much safer alternative because LEDs contain zero hazardous

References i

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Safety Council, ECG Analysis

U.S. Dept. of Labor, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2016; Occupational Health and Safety Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration ii

Falchi, “Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility” iii

ANSI/API RP 755: Fatigue Risk Management System

U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-2; ECG analysis v

materials. This not only makes for a safer environment inside the facility by eliminating the risk of exposure, but outside as well by eliminating these pollutants from the Earth’s atmosphere. Improving facility safety should be a top priority for every industrial manufacturer, and making do with mediocre, antiquated lighting could be putting employees at unnecessary risk. Upgrading to modern, high-efficiency, industrialgrade LED lighting is a worthwhile investment that can lower the risk of accidents, injuries and even fatalities inside the plant, and save money in the long run.

PROSITE LED FLOODLIGHT The ProSite series is currently available in 12,000 – 65,000 lumen models, reaching up to 165 LPW, for mounting heights of up to 30 meters (100 ft), providing superior visibility to worksites with crisp, near daylight illumination to keep their operations safe and secure. 10 year warranty CE / RCM UL 1598/A, CSA C22.2 No. 250.0 UL 844, CID2, CIID1, CIID2, CIII IP66/67, NEMA 4X IK10 (PC optic/lens/lens cover), IK08 (glass lens cover) Up to 165 lm/W Up to 65,000 lumens

VIGILANT & SAFESITE LED BULKHEAD Ideal for illuminating walkways, stairwells, platforms, tunnels, subways and exit routes, the Dialight LED Bulkhead fixture is designed to enhance facility safety with reliable, maintenance-free pathway lighting. Offering a low-profile, rugged design for maximum durability and shock/vibration resistance.

10 year warranty CE, RCM, ENEC IECEx/ATEX (Zone 1, 21, Zone 2, 22) IP66/67 IK10 Up to 149 lm/W 3,000 & 6,500 lumens

www.dialight.com

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< Rolling Stock

Mankiewicz

Sure Thing: You Can Rely on Mankiewicz in Times of Crisis

A robust, global setup means it can be relied on even in times of crisis: The Mankiewicz rail coating portfolio

he global procurement market has been anything but smooth in the past two years and currently remains off track, not least due to the war in Ukraine. The rail industry is also feeling the effects of this, among other things in the form of supply chain problems and bottlenecks in obtaining paint. With its corporate strategy, Mankiewicz, Hamburg-based paint manufacturer, offers security and flexibility in the supply of coatings even in times of raw material shortages and global crises.

If you take a walk through the purchasing departments of manufacturers, you are likely to see concentrated and worried faces, because the last two and a half years have taken their toll on the procurement market. The reasons? First and foremost, of course, Covid-19, which caused

major and lasting disruptions to the global flow of goods. The shipping accident in the Suez Canal in 2021 also put further and enduring pressure on logistics chains; not surprising as the canal accounts for 12 percent of global trade. And as if that were not enough, a war with global repercussions has now

ignited between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict is not only causing enormous political tensions and humanitarian emergencies, but is also further exacerbating raw material shortages, particularly in the chemicals industry. This ongoing period of crisis is

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causing the heads of those in purchasing departments to whirl and those of production managers as well. The daily rebalancing of supply chains is like one juggling act followed by another: goods are becoming more and more expensive and delivery dates increasingly more difficult to calculate – if the raw materials required are available at all.

Covid as Trigger, the War in Ukraine as Catalyst The crises over the past two and a half years have badly hit the global chemicals market in particular, and this is having a serious impact on the rail industry. Adhesives, resins for GRP components and coatings for finishing – there are shortages everywhere you look. According to the ifo Institute in Munich, for example, around 90 percent of companies in the automotive, mechanical engineering and electrical industries have reported supply problems. In the chemical industry, the proportion has risen from 58.4 percent to 70.5 percent. As a general rule in economics, scarcity naturally drives up the prices of raw materials: The rapid rise in the price of oil, the raw material for making binders and additives, in the wake of the war in Ukraine illustrates the problem by itself. The chemical supply industries are therefore under enormous pressure – and this is also being felt by the major OEMs, where all the components ultimately have to come together. Any prospects for improvement? Not right now, because it remains impossible to predict when the economic and political turbulence will end.

With an expert eye and precision tools, Mankiewicz works with rail customers to develop customised systems that can be manufactured locally and deployed globally

Reliability as the Currency of the Hour Of course, global paint manufacturer Mankiewicz, which also develops efficient coating solutions for the rail industry, has not remained unaffected by the crises. However, the group of companies founded in Hamburg in 1895 has found a way to successfully counter the massive challenges by developing an extremely robust setup for production. In some cases, this also leads to Mankiewicz stepping in when other paint suppliers have delivery bottlenecks

in order to keep the customer’s production running. How does Mankiewicz manage it? Unlike many other internationally operating paint manufacturers, the company relies on a globally uniform coatings portfolio that has evolved over decades, hand in hand with the rail industry. In turn, this has required a clear, long-term strategy and especially at present it demonstrates the added value of the organic growth that Mankiewicz has consistently pursued. While other coatings manufacturers have acquired companies with their own country-

specific portfolios, Mankiewicz has relied on a uniform standard in the product range, regardless of production location. Due to paint specifications that vary nationally, it is a challenging task for the R&D teams to develop broadly based paint systems that can sustain OEMs and railway operators globally. However, this is precisely the strategy that Mankiewicz has been applying for decades – establishing a product range that has a high bandwidth of specification approvals. It is certainly no accident that the Hamburg-based company has the reputation for having “Europe’s most approved coating systems.”

Process-Sure Product Portfolio Thanks to this approach, Mankiewicz’s global range of rail coatings covers the three main areas needed by the rail industry: interiors, exteriors and structural components, such as bogie frames and wheelsets. Not only are sustainable standard systems used in these areas, but also special functional coatings, such as anti-

graffiti paints and FST coatings. These can be manufactured equally at any of our global production sites in the USA, Europe or China, all based on our modular development and production methods. It is precisely this harmonised technical production setup that is a big plus for the Hamburg-based company: by using the same production machines, the same SAP system and uniform incoming goods, processing and testing processes, all ensure a high and consistent standard of quality globally, from the incoming raw material to the outgoing paint containers.

Win-Win Situation for Customers and the Paint Manufacturer The effort required to implement this strategy has proven worthwhile, and for everyone involved. Especially in times of crisis, Mankiewicz is able to exert strong leverage on raw material suppliers, by requiring only a smaller number of raw materials compared to other manufacturers. In return, however, Mankiewicz orders lot sizes that are

attractive for distributors. Another advantage of the smaller number of raw materials is that Mankiewicz can invest more time in building up a reliable supplier network, thus avoiding the dangers of single sourcing in the event of price and supply uncertainties. Overall, this approach facilitates difficult procurement and ensures a stable supply of raw materials. Of course, customers also stand to benefit, because they can rely on secure procurement and supply of coatings as well as when there is no raw material scarcity. For their production, a reduced and tailored product portfolio also means significantly less product juggling on the paint line. Finally, two aspects come together that have the highest priority for every company and every customer: high quality of the products for processing and security of supply in their procurement. In both these, Mankiewicz qualifies as a reliable partner for the railroad industry.

At the end of the supply chain is a functional and visually appealing surface finish that enhances the comfort of passengers

FOCUS ON RAILWAY PERFORMANCE TURNING AND GEAR HOBBING WHEELS AND PINIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT FFG Werke GmbH | Sales Department Oliver Klier | Mobile: +49 175 722 1360 | oliver.klier@ffg-werke.com

Surface solutions for representative rolling stock and public areas Graffiti removal . Chewing gum removal Shiny lacquer . Glass restoration

Trust experts for sustainable Graffiti removal and protection Save costs restoring lacquer and scratched glass Brighten up platforms and waiting areas with expert removal of chewing gum

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• 20 years of experience • active throughout Europe • also serving German Railways, Swiss Federal Railways, etc.

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BIOforte GmbH

More than 20 Years’ Experience Making the World Cleaner and Hopefully a Bit Safer

IOforte’s passion and commitment are clean surfaces in public areas and representative rolling stock. Benefit now from our Quality Management System approved by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The dedicated team around the father-daughter pairing of Udo and Anja Mannartz has just received official approval for the certification for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Continuously improving their skills and getting even more professional is just as important to them as their daily commitment to their customers to solve every surface problem in the outdoor area. BIOforte operates in Switzerland and Germany as well as in collaboration with other partners in several countries throughout Europe. BIOforte spares no effort to provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and to demonstrate continuous improvement.

How Annoying! SelfProclaimed ‘Graffiti Artists’ Prefer to Strike at Night… They deface rail vehicles, subways, facades and public spaces of all kinds. Not all of them have enough talent for valuable street art and even the smallest defilements encourage more sprayings. A quick clean-up is crucial here to keep away possible copycats and save unnecessary costs. Active in various countries, the BIOforte teams are on the spot quickly, at any place and at any time, to make even the most delicate surfaces sparklingly clean again and, if desired, to provide lasting protection against further contamination. Not that graffiti artists can be prevented from their activities, but cleaning protected surfaces then becomes child’s play for your employees as well. At BIOforte, we provide cleaning services reliably and directly on site with our teams or take on

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protective assignments so that future costs and efforts are reduced for you. If you have your own cleaning teams, but still lack the expertise for efficient cleaning or biodegradable cleaning agents that ensure clean surfaces quickly and sustainably, then trust our tricks of the trade. We are happy to train your employees and pass on our knowledge – to make the world a little cleaner and maybe even a touch safer.

Clean Also Means Safer in Many Cases How do you feel when you walk through dark, smeared alleys or subways? Imagine the walls first neglected and defaced and then clean and well-maintained again. Hand on heart, clean and presentable facades, walls and vehicles stand for the fact that someone cares – this conveys safety to us, our employees and our loved ones on the way to work, school and home. It is also certain that the cleaning of graffiti and the targeted freshening up of facades affected by the weather contributes a lot to your good reputation as a company.

BIOforte management members Anja Mannartz and Filippo Elefante

After all, facades are the representative business card of any building or structural facility. BIOforte removes unsightly infestations of microorganisms on all kinds of materials such as masonry, concrete or eternit, incl. protection against new infestations (5-year guarantee). The results for the removal of chalking from metal facades are also convincing, including paint refreshment and graffiti protection. Did you know that even expensive glass surfaces with deep scratches can still be saved? No replacement of the panes is necessary when the gentle BIOforte glass repair process is used – invisibility guaranteed.

• • •

• •

Specialist services in any location at a time that suits you Rolling stock is soon ready for use again Use of non-toxic, highperforming removal and protection products tried and tested in a wide variety of situations and approved by major railway companies Training, advice and sales of professional products and equipment 20 years of experience across Europe with an extensive list of references

Best results on any surface

Moss infestation on north facades? Scratched expensive glass? Washed-out paint or lacquer? Does chewing gum on pavements stick like glue? BIOforte is an expert in all these cases. The removal of chewing gum (you will be amazed!) has made many an infrastructure manager almost despair. Expertise is needed to ensure that even porous surfaces can be kept sparklingly clean again.

BIOforte offers you the following advantages:

Annoying graffiti

www.bio-forte.com

< Rolling Stock

Henkel

Henkel Improves the Art of Removing Graffiti from Trains

rains and trams are a favourite target for graffiti ‘artists’, creating a major headache for rail companies. In practice, it is not possible to lock all rolling stock away during

non-operating hours, leaving trains vulnerable to attack. As a result, the only real solution is to find a quick, effective and economic way of removing graffiti. Here, a newgeneration, non-harmful solvent from Henkel delivers a new level of performance on painted surfaces and glass, as evidenced by recent

trials involving Technicentre SNCF Midi Pyrénées in Toulouse, France. Antagonists and would-be artists love to leave their ‘tags’ on rolling stock. To help deter these nuisance attacks, adopting a strategy of rapid removal can serve to prevent copycat or ‘retaliatory’ graffiti from rival artists. Of course, this tactic

Rolling Stock Maintenance & Workshops

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also helps to protect the reputation of the rail company and can drive up business. Customer expectations are high when it comes to feeling safe and comfortable on the rail network, but preciously few passengers are likely to feel this way with graffiti-covered rail carriages. With these thoughts in mind, maintenance teams in the rail industry tasked with graffiti removal can now take advantage of Bonderite C-MC 450, a nonharmful, new-generation solvent mix that is available in liquid or gel form to remove graffiti from non-porous materials such as glass and painted surfaces. The product also works on sensitive surfaces such as PVC, polycarbonate and acrylic plexiglass, although Henkel recommends compatibility trials before application.

Safety First Bonderite C-MC 450 contains modern, non-flammable, low-odour

solvents that comply with stringent health and safety standards. Only labelled with the exclamation mark, the product is totally free from chlorinated solvents and is not harmful to the environment. Henkel has designed Bonderite C-MC 450 to remove a very large spectrum of graffiti without attacking the base paint, even after an extended application time. Notably, the product is very economical in use, especially the gel version, which offers less chemical waste due to its higher viscosity. To confirm the product’s credentials, trials of Bonderite C-MC 450 took place in November 2021 at Technicentre SNCF Midi-Pyrénées in Toulouse, which likes to remove any graffiti it finds within 24–72 hours. Henkel and SNCF set about agreeing a simple, yet highly effective graffiti removal procedure designed to deliver optimal results. First, clean the surface and apply Bonderite C-MC 450 with a brush. Leave the product to work for 2–3 minutes (do not let the product dry)

before removing with a broom or buffer and rinsing with water or a cleaning agent. To ensure the desired outcome, Technicentre SNCF Midi-Pyrénées wanted to trial Bonderite C-MC 450 in both liquid and gel form.

The Trials Beginning with the liquid, the surface temperature of the train was 14.6°C at the time of application (the product works best when applied to surface temperatures ranging from 5 to 25°C). Following the aforementioned procedure, the time to remove the graffiti was just 30 minutes. Technicentre SNCF Midi-Pyrénées noted that it used 5 litres of product for 7m². Using the gel and the same procedure, Technicentre SNCF MidiPyrénées reported that although cleaning took a little longer (35 minutes), less product was required as the gel’s high viscosity

Design, build, operate, repair, remanufacture -> Henkel offers solutions for the whole rail lifecycle

allowed prolonged adhesion to the train’s vertical surfaces. Indeed, consumption was just 2 litres to achieve the same highly effective cleaning result as the liquid. Final rinsing with a cleaning agent such as Bonderite C-MC N DB or Bonderite C-MC 3000 was recommended in both cases.

prolonged or repeated application. If required, users can apply the product several times using a brush or sponge on highly polluted surfaces without any risk of paint damage.

Delivering very high efficiency on all graffiti colours, the trials indicate that maintenance teams can clearly choose between a slightly faster cleaning operation and one that is more economical. This factor will almost certainly depend on the volume and regularity of graffiti.

Henkel has a long and proven track record in supplying high-quality, effective solutions to the rail industry. The company supports its vast portfolio of adhesives, sealants, surface treatments and cleaning products with a global footprint and the engineering and application know-how to solve rail sector challenges. Bonderite cleaners, for example, are available in a variety of different grades and temperature ranges to provide solutions for

As a point of note, the colourless Bonderite C-MC 450 is safe to use on surfaces coated with polymerised paints, even after

Proven Track Record

almost any rail industry cleaning requirement. In all cases, Henkel products and expertise can optimise processes and drive down costs. BONDERITE® is a registered trademark of Henkel and/or its affiliates in Germany and elsewhere.

Bert Bellon Business Development Manager for Cleaners bert.bellon@henkel.com 0032 475417110

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< Rolling Stock

U-Lift

Local Manufacturer in Global Market

U-Lift in Backaryd, with its 20 employees, is the small company that has made itself known as a world player in the global market. With its quality-assured lifts, ramps and air suspensions for freight and passenger transport, the company is now an established global supplier. With a clear goal of continued growth, U-Lift is not slowing down.

U-Lift in Backaryd is a wellestablished company that started as early as 1957, then focusing on luminaires and later furnishing of buses and trains. Nowadays, the focus is entirely on lifts, ramps and air suspensions for various types of freight and passenger transport, and then mainly passenger vehicles and trains.

the standards and directives that apply to the industry and there are also industry-unique standards.

The production of electro-hydraulic lifts started in the 1970s and U-Lift has over the years grown as a recognised and stable supplier. The company is certified according to

Increasing Growth

“We are a leader in the industry with exports to mainly the European countries but also globally from Brazil to China,” says Stephane Thomsen, Sales and Marketing Manager at U-Lift in Backaryd.

U-Lift is established with offices, production facilities and

we must increase our production capacity. The train-side is a stable market under constant growth and we are already receiving orders for 2023,” says Stephane Thomsen.

“We started at the turn of the year with recruitment and we need to strengthen further to match the order intake,” says Stephane Thomsen. He describes the company as being in a positive phase with “growing pains” right now.

The car-side is a more cyclical sector, but even here U-Lift has secured orders and sees a clear increase.

“We have a goal to grow 15 percent a year, which is a goal that we follow and exceed. It also means that

World-Leading Manufacturer

Customers include several significant manufacturers, such as Siemens, Skoda, Stadler and Ural Locomotives. Other manufacturers for which U-Lift is a long-term supplier are Ultimate Europe, Koncar, Bombardier, Alstom, Newac Group and Pesa.

“U-Lift has a customer portfolio with several large and world-leading manufacturers in the automotive and transport sector. This is far ahead of the competitors in the market,” says Stephane Thomsen.

Local Connection U-Lift’s policy states the local anchorage as an important element. This also applies to the choice of partners.

“Our principle is to first and foremost ensure we work with sustainable local partners where possible. It is also a requirement from our customers,” says Stephane Thomsen.

Accessibility

warehouses in Backaryd, Sweden. The planned investments include, among other things, expanded production areas and warehouse space, in order to meet the steadily increasing order backlog. The investments also apply to the personnel side, where U-Lift will continue to recruit new employees.

U-Lift is highlighted as an attractive employer, where short decision paths, participation, responsiveness and commitment characterise the business.

“Our ambition is to attach valuable expertise to us in all areas within the company’s business areas. U-Lift has a will to be at the forefront and take on challenges with curiosity and great commitment to continue to create growth in line with our goal description,” says Stephane Thomsen.

Facts / U-Lift

• • • •

U-SWING air suspension Wheelchair lift VTBA-500P Load lift VTB-500 LOS Ramps (TriFold and EcoBoard)

… And for trains: • Wheelchair lifts (INV-300 and UPL300) • Ramps (TriFold and EcoBoard)

Mattias Olsson | CEO U-Lift AB +46 457-45 06 54 www.u-lift.se

U-Lift designs and delivers the following products for passenger vehicles:

Vi underlättar tillgängligheten för personer med nedsatt rörlighet We improve the accessibility for persons with reduced mobility (PRM) Wir erleichtern die Zugänglichkeit für Personen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität

U-Lift AB med huvudkontor i södra Sverige tillverkar och säljer rullstolslyftar och ramper för järnvägsapplikationer, samt minibussar, låggolvsstadsbussar och lätta lastbilar. U-lift är ett ledande företag inom fordonskomponenter med produkter för resenärer med nedsatt rörlighet.

”U-Lift is a leading company in the automotive market with products for people with reduced mobility.”

U-Lift AB based in South-Sweden develops and markets wheelchair lifts and ramps for railway applications, as well as for minibuses, low-floor city buses and load lifts for light commercial vehicles. U-Lift is a leading company in the automotive market with products for people with reduced mobility.

U-Lift AB mit Sitz in Süd Schweden entwickelt und vermarktet Rollstuhllifte und Rampen für Bahnanwendungen, sowie für Kleinbusse, Niederflur -Stadtbusse und Lastaufzüge für leichte Nutzfahrzeuge. U-Lift ist ein führendes Unternehmen im Automotive mit Produkten für Reisende mit eingeschränkter Mobilität.

FINLAND

U-lift is certified according to ISO9001 and 14001, for welding to EN3834 and EN15085 and the TSI PRM 2008/164/EC. All of our lifts meet the requirements regarding fire resistance EN45545.

NORWAY SWEDEN

Stockholm ESTONIA

U-Lift AB SE-370 11 Backaryd, Tel: +46 (0)457-45 06 50, Fax: +46 (0)457-45 00 62, E-mail: info@u-lift.se

DENMARK

LATVIA

Copenhagen

Berlin

U. K. NETH.

BYELARUS

POLAND

GERMANY

BELGIUM LUX.

CZECH

Paris

FRANCE

U-Lift ist zertifiziert nach ISO9001 und 14001, Schweißen zu EN3834 und EN15085 sowie der TSI PRM 2008/164/EG. Alle unsere Lifte erfüllen die Anforderungen in Bezug auf Brandbeständigkeit EN45545.

LITHUANIA

SLOVAKIA

MOLDOVA

HUNGARY

AUSTRIA

SWITZ.

SLOVENIA

ROMANIA CROATIA

ITALY

BOSNIA

Webb: u-lift.se

SERBIA BULGARIA

MONTENEGRO MACEDONIA ALBANIA GREECE

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INPS Group

Offering Solutions, Not Just Product

ith the ever-changing evolution of transportation, especially in rail, engage with a company that addresses your current and future needs.

INPS Group is a global supplier to the transit industry. With operations in Canada, USA and Mexico, INPS serves both the domestic and international markets. Through its in-house capabilities and numerous groups of companies under the INPS Group umbrella, it provides full-scale component acquisition, design services and installation support to its clients. INPS seamlessly integrates itself into your production and operations.

Locomotives

engine wear and keep your crew comfortable.

Air Conditioners (A/C)

Sound Damping

Each component offers a modular design for ease of installation. The locomotive Orange (A/C) unit has 72VDC power and no inverter.

The INPS Sound Damping System reduces noise and vibration inside the cabin environment. This multilayered panel system is a staffinstalled product. It cleans up the look of the cabin interior and is custom-made to fit all locomotive models. It is compliant with all current industry standards. It is fire-retardant, as well as scratch and dent-resistant.

Auxiliary Power Units (APU) The proprietary Banana APU is designed to reduce excess idling, save fuel, reduce locomotive

Train Components

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Strategic Sourcing & Engineering Solutions for Freight Locomotives INPS provides a one-stop shop for product development, manufacturing and supply chain management clients. Employing our long-standing relationships with a portfolio of manufacturers in the North American, South American and European markets we protect our clients’ intellectual property and improve reliability of their fleet.

Transit Cars Regulatory Signage and Components INPS offers a large range of interior graphic components, including regulatory, braille, control panels, safety decals, wayfinding and instructional signs. Frangible panels/lexan covers can be manufactured as required. First aid kit, emergency tool kit and door access. All our signs meet APTA Standards. APTA SS-PS-004-99, Rev.2/APTA SS-PS-002-98, Rev.3

High-Performance Photoluminescent (HPPL) INPS has developed turnkey solutions that include emergency signage for egress/access of passenger rail equipment. HPPL decals exceeds the latest industry standards. Firefly™ addresses the needs of safe evacuation from rail cars, buildings or transportation corridors.

Low-Location Exit Path Marking (LLEPM) INPS works closely with mass transit car builders and authorities to

design, engineer and manufacture luminous egress systems. Firefly™ LLEPM products are manufactured using the highest-quality glow in the dark materials. They are suitable for new or existing rubber, carpet floor coverings and walls. LED-charged emergency exit path markings are also available.

3M™ Scotchgard™ Multi-Layer Protective Film 1004 Four separate layers of optically transparent, pressure-sensitive polyester film tape designed to protect surfaces from damage caused by scratching, etching, abrasion and graffiti. Passenger car window / anti-graffiti film allows a damaged film layer to be quickly and easily removed, exposing a fresh protective sheet.

Thermoformed/Vacuum Formed High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Panels INPS thermoforms/vacuum forms wall panels, window panels and stairwell panels for bi-level train interiors. INPS also manufactures high-pressure laminates (HPL) for transit car ceilings and walls. INPS offers a full catalogue of existing transit components, custom component design, engineering and manufacturing services, sample engineering and component retrofits, as well as installation services.

Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Solutions INPS is continuously developing innovative and maintenancefriendly solutions for mass transit vehicles including: interior fibreglass panels, fibreglass window

INPS Group products: Locomotives

• • • • •

Air Conditioners Auxiliary Power Units Sound Damping Strategic Sourcing & Engineering Solutions for Freight Locomotives

Transit Cars • • • • • • • • • • • •

Regulatory Signage and Components HPPL (High-Performance Photoluminescent) Decals LLEPM (Low-Location Exit Path Markings) 3M™ Scotchgard™ Multi-Layer Protective Film 1004 Thermoformed/Vacuum Formed High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Panels Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Solutions Slip-Resistant Solutions 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes Exterior Graphics & Wraps Distribution of Locomotive and Transit Parts

freezes, masks, arc shields and toilet seats. With onsite engineering, INPS can build from concept to finished product.

Slip Resistance Solutions 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip Resistant Tapes and Treads Series 600 has been certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) as providing “high-traction”. It helps prevent passengers from tripping, protecting your company from

litigation due to slips, trips and falls and increases awareness of hazards in poor-visibility conditions.

3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes Don’t replace fixtures and surfaces, resurface them in decorative metal, stone or wood designs at a fraction of the cost. With more than 1000 patterns to choose from, 3M™ DI-

NOC™ transforms your space with less downtime and labour. These durable, dynamic films are easy to install and conform to a variety of flat or curved surfaces found in rail cars.

using 3M™ Scotchcal Film. We offer complete programmes along with refurbishing and rebranding which helps to reduce train downtime, leading to lower total cost.

Exterior Graphics & Wraps

Distribution of Locomotive and Transit Parts

Low-VOC and branding solutions. INPS manufactures high-quality, decorative and reflective exterior graphics and full-wrap solutions

INPS Group helps authorities across North America save on parts, reduce sole-source dependence and develop new solutions.

A versatile group of companies ready to assist you. For more information contact: 1-800-565-3509 info@inps.net

FOCUS ON RAILWAY PERFORMANCE TURNING AND GEAR HOBBING WHEELS AND PINIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT FFG Werke GmbH | Sales Department Oliver Klier | Mobile: +49 175 722 1360 | oliver.klier@ffg-werke.com

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EYYES

Greater Safety for Light Railway Operations in Karlsruhe

ith the new electronic exterior mirror system, train drivers keep an extended overview.

The first tram-train of the AlbtalVerkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG) equipped with an electronic exterior mirror system from the company EYYES has entered into service. The new exterior mirrors, which are based on camera technology, improve the driver’s field of vision. In the first step, ten

tram-trains will be equipped with the EYYES system. On 29 March 2022, the first ET2010 tram-train from AVG, equipped with new electronic exterior mirrors, went into service. The system provides the driver with a better overview, which brings safety for

passengers inside and outside the vehicles. In the upcoming weeks nine further vehicles will be equipped with the new mirror technology. The RailEye® 2.0 system from EYYES consists of several high-resolution cameras, that replace the classic

Train Components

< Rolling Stock

The RailEye® 2.0 system from EYYES consists of several high-resolution cameras, that replace the classic exterior mirror and provide a better overview of the vehicle’s surroundings

exterior mirror and provide a better overview of the vehicle’s surroundings. Especially in heavy traffic, for example in the morning rush hour, the system can provide massive support to the driver – without relieving drivers of their great responsibility towards the passengers. AVG took their time to make a decision in order to find the perfect system. Around two years of evaluation and test operation took place before a final system decision was made.

“The technological basis of the system convinced us right from the start, especially in adverse weather conditions, and since the company EYYES was also able to meet our requirements for visibility at the front of the vehicle, it was clear to us which system we would equip our vehicles with in the future,” said Achim Hettel responsible project manager at the Karlsruhe public transport company. “Depending on the driving situation, the driver is automatically presented with the optimal image composition from individual video streams on the screens inside the vehicle. In this way, different camera images are displayed together on the monitor at the stops or while the vehicle is moving, so the driver always has an overview of the areas that are important in the current situation,” explains Dr Wolfgang Domann, Managing Director of EYYES GmbH. In addition, a camera has been integrated that monitors the close-

up area of the vehicle front and provides the driver with additional assistance in situations such as approaching stops, in order to be able to quickly recognise people in areas in front of the driver’s cab that are difficult to see. The system itself has been tested to SIL1 standard and thus also offers the corresponding required functional safety.

EYYES GmbH Im Wirtschaftspark 4 3494 Gedersdorf Dr Wolfgang Domann +43(0)2735/37499-10 wolfgang.domann@eyyes.com www.eyyes.com

STAUFF Line A comprehensive range of quality products and innovative services delivered to your production line side for the manufacture of rolling stock. Presented in kit form, tested and ready for immediate installation, reducing logistic, production and inventory costs. The STAUFF Line process is adopted by global OEMs to successfully achieve cost savings in rolling stock manufacture.

STAUFF are a premier global manufacturer of components and kits for railway applications.

Sheffield Tel: 0114 251 8518 Email: sales@stauff.co.uk Aberdeen Tel: 01224 786166 Email: sales@stauffscotland.co.uk Ireland Tel: 02892 606900 Email: sales@stauffireland.com Southampton Tel: 023 8069 8700 Email: sales@stauffsouthampton.co.uk

www.stauff.co.uk

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< Rolling Stock

Axminster Carpets

Specialist Quality Custom-Made Sustainable Carpets for Rail

ritain’s best known and most prestigious carpet designer and manufacturer, Axminster has been manufacturing the world’s finest carpets, of the highest possible standard for over 250 years. Axminster Carpets is a proud recipient of the Royal Warrant of Appointment for service, quality and excellence in carpet making and supply to Her Majesty The Queen. We pride ourselves in creating the very best carpeting for the rail industry, with dedicated designers and project managers, along with

rail-specific specifications and production. We’re continually working on lowering our environmental impact, and this is prevalent with our rail products too. We use only sustainable materials, source and weave in the UK and reduce installation waste with our precise quantification service. Our wool carpets have benefits beyond their sustainability, being naturally fire-retardant, insulating, hypoallergenic and sound absorbing.

Crafted in Britain We continue to source, weave, and create all of our carpets in the UK.

Along with its sustainable benefits, this also allows us to offer short and guaranteed lead times on local projects.

Expert Quality Quality, craft and longevity remain at our core, as we pride ourselves on creating the finest quality carpets from only the best, locally sourced wool.

Investing in Axminster We are continually investing in our factory, looms and people to maintain and evolve our

standards of service, efficiency and sustainability. Our looms are updated and improved to ensure continued quality. We continue to be an important employer to the local community, with third and fourth-generation family members dedicated to the expert carpet craft.

Europe and Worldwide Whilst our factory and resources are local to our origins, we strive to lay beautiful carpets in all corners of the world. Our UK factory has serviced projects across Europe, and as far afield as Hong Kong and South Africa.

Beautiful to Travel With With over 20 years of experience in supplying the rail industry, Axminster Carpets is proud to be the largest supplier of sustainable, woven rail carpet with the longest lifecycle in the UK. Supplying top performance rail carpet kits to some of the UK’s and Europe’s biggest train manufacturers and rail operators, Axminster can be seen across numerous rail services across the country, including Northern Railway, TransPennine Express and South Western Railway; along with the luxurious and historic Belmond British Pullman. Careful design and expert craftsmanship are woven

into each carriage’s carpet, ensuring true resilience and comfort for passengers and rail staff alike.

4m in width, double that of other providers, we design and weave carpets to fit carriages perfectly.

Crafted Specifically for Rail

Efficiency

We strongly believe that a carpet is an integral part of any space, and therefore each one deserves tailored attention, expertise, and design along with the trusted quality craftsmanship guaranteed with all Axminster carpets. We have a dedicated team of designers who focus their expertise and full attention on creating the very best woven wool carpets for the rail industry. Due to their rail-specific product specifications, all our carpets are quality and assurancetested for rail. Our rail-certified carpets are truly fit for purpose, in terms of testing, capability and design, carrying a host of rail specific benefits, along with the highest-standard quality.

Certified Service Thanks to our consistent dedication and pride, our rail carpets have been certified with world-leading accreditations, secured for safety, quality and sustainability. With quality management in place to ensure compliance, we can guarantee that our carpets will uphold the best craftsmanship, durability and efficiency that they always have. 66% of our rail products achieve the EN45545 Fire test at the top HL3 level.

Seamless Weaving Our unique broadloom width allows for fit-for-purpose weaving. Up to

With the perfect fit, our carpets are a brilliant choice for efficiency, faster fitting and waste minimisation.

Velcro Our superlative fast-fitting system allows for carpets to be laid quickly and easily, whilst still offering strength and durability. With no additional backing required, carpets can be fitted efficiently for a faster project turnaround.

Kitting Service We supply a full kit with all the pieces required for fitting your new Axminster carpet. Following expert survey and design, we weave, cut and kit specifically for each individual carriage. This offers an efficient and more sustainable service, as you receive everything you need, with no need for cutting or unnecessary waste.

To enquire please contact: transportinteriors@axminstercarpets.co.uk To view our case studies: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk/ rail

Train Interiors

Carpet isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Every carriage is different and deserves tailored attention, expertise and design along with trusted, quality craftsmanship.

B E AUTI FU L TO TR AVEL WITH . . .

WOO L B EN EFITS FO R R AI L Wool’s acoustic absorption abilities help to reduce noise in carriages Quality craftsmanship ensures long term appearance retention and performance Hypoallergenic properties ensure air quality Wool is a natural ﬁbre and therefore biodegradable

B E S PO KE D E S I G N Our in-house design team craft your perfect bespoke carpet

M AD E I N TH E U K All of our carpets are handcrafted in Devon

Contact | transportinteriors@axminster-carpets.co.uk Website | www.axminster-carpets.co.uk/rail

C A TR E

K S LA T TR AS DM EA R TE

Made in the UK

HIGHLY SPECIALISED TRANSPORT FLOORING Full-body homogenous construction allows for repairs & renovation World Class Fire resistance; flame spread, toxicity & smoke density Extremely durable even lasting the full life of the train Savings in LCC costs and impact to the environment Non toxic and PVC free treadmaster@tiflex.co.uk

+44 (0) 1579 320808

www.treadmasterflooring.co.uk

Meet Rapido Designed for style, safety, and sanitisation, Rapido delivers on every level. Made to order in custom colourways, this leather-look vinyl brings a contemporary touch to rail interiors. Scan the QR code to explore.

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< Rolling Stock

Bender UK

Keeping Electrical Railways Safe

nsuring safety in rolling stock systems while maintaining the highest possible availability of equipment depends on identifying and dealing with faults at the earliest opportunity. Operational equipment that cannot tolerate shutdown or failure is often designed as an ungrounded electrical network. This allows systems to continue running even if an insulation fault occurs, as eliminating an earth connection

ensures the first fault current is typically not at a dangerous level, so it doesn’t trip the circuit breaker. Instead, the system delivers an alarm that ensures the fault is addressed before it escalates and causes problems. A second fault on the same system changes the situation, because the fault current may reach a level where it could prove harmful or pose a fire threat. That makes it crucial to identify and rectify a first fault while the system can continue to operate. Many critical ‘no fail’ industrial applications employ ungrounded

systems, where unplanned shutdowns or failures can jeopardise safety and incur financial penalties and reputational damage.

Real-Time Monitoring The latest trends in propulsion systems in rolling stock have increased the complexity and the potential for earth faults. It is therefore essential to have a realtime overview of the condition and identify threats quickly, maintaining availability and enabling proactive maintenance. Continuous monitoring with an insulation monitoring device (IMD) indicates critical values and the development of issues even before an alarm is sounded, providing a real-time check on system health.

However, keeping the system running after an insulation fault comes with a downside. In a grounded electrical network, a fault normally results in tripping a circuit breaker, clearly identifying the branch where the fault has occurred. This is not the case in ungrounded networks. Typically, on an ungrounded circuit maintenance personnel must try to identify the fault by disconnecting parts of the network and checking the reaction of the resistance value shown on the IMD. Depending on size, the time and effort taken to identify the fault can be huge because, in addition to disconnecting parts of the network, the maintenance team must wait for the measurement cycle of the connected IMDs. Depending on the capacity in the network this could add up to several minutes per feeder. Separation and reconnection of cables comes with the risk of touching a live working system. On a train, these procedures may also impact other maintenance processes due to an interruption of the power supply for lighting or power sockets.

Electric Traction

These values forewarn of developing failure, provide system information, and allow corrective action. This reduces unplanned downtime and maintains asset availability.

Fast Fault Identification

increasing the availability of the train.

First faults can be identified using an insulation fault location system (IFLS) to technically locate earth faults during normal operation without interrupting any power supplies. Once a train is equipped with an IFLS the location process can start immediately after a fault occurs. The system feeds a current between phase and ground into the network which is equipped with current transformers and the location device. The locating current can be detected in the faulty feeder by the transformer, which then communicates to the detection unit.

It is rare to find a completely fault-free electrical system in any location, especially rolling stock subject to high operational demands. An effective system design with fault identification and location systems is the next best thing – reducing downtime and maintaining the availability of vital equipment and rail services.

As an alternative to an installed IFLS, a mobile pulse generator can be used in combination with a handheld device. This reduces the time taken to identify faults,

Tel: +44 (0) 1229 480123 industrialsales@bender-uk.com www.bender-uk.com

KEEP ON TRACK Bender is a leading authority in electrical safety, with proven experience in the rail industry. An approved Network Rail supplier, Bender UK has worked in the industry for over two decades to ensure maximum availability, prevent downtime, maintain uptime and to ensure operational efficiency. Bender continuous insulation monitoring and earth fault location solutions measure system status and pinpoint the location of failure and degradation and issue warnings and alarms, to improve rail safety, and ensure timely rail services for passengers. Bender’s rail capability includes monitoring of signal power, points heating, rail crossings, underground networks and rolling stock, supported with predictive maintenance and software solutions.

www.bender-uk.com

For more than 30 years, Nexeya has been delivering electrical interconnect test solutions and integration test benches, helping our customers

deliver safety, efficiency and speed to their design, manufacturing and service operations.

Electrical Interconnect Test Solutions Integration Test Benches

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< Rolling Stock

Cable & Harness Electrical Interconnect Test Solutions MPT Series: a complete test solution, optimised to save time and reduce costs. Nexeya Canada is a leader in the electrical interconnect test industry, delivering reliable, scalable and effective test solutions for rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance for over 30 years. Our consultative approach to providing test solutions and the flexibility of these systems has made Nexeya the first choice for many world-class rolling stock manufacturers. Nexeya Canada’s MPT Series Testers are multi-point test systems capable of distributing highvoltage expansion to over 20,000+ test points. Distributed systems spread connection test points in remote switching units (RSUs) daisy chained up to 50 metres, in multiple directions, from the main unit. This enables operators to place test points as close as possible to connection points within the product being tested, while reducing the number of cable runs

and increasing operator ergonomics and test set-up/tear down; saving labour, time and cost. Supporting the MPT’s ability to optimise rolling stock testing is the ‘mix and match’ capability of test modules. Different voltage modules can be placed within the same test cabinet / RSU in order to optimise testing, increase point coverage and number of points to be tested while reducing test system size and cost. Further cost reduction is achieved through the use of universal connection points in the MPT Series which reduce adapter cable complexity and mix. These connections are industry standard connectors that are robust and easy to connect and disconnect. Rail-specific test algorithms dramatically reduce the number of test cycles required for long highvoltage dwell times. Test thousands of wires in a fraction of the number of cycles to save test and troubleshooting time and be guaranteed a complete test.

The standard Nexeya MPT-ACS is a high-power AC voltage source that enables users to test very large groups of long harnesses. Standard AC Hipots do not have the same power behind them and large classes of wiring in the vehicle need to be tested in smaller groups. The MPT-ACS lets you test your entire class of wires against the chassis of the vehicle in a single test cycle. The multi-lingual browser based operator environment comes equipped with powerful debugging tools to quickly find faults. Our debugging tool allows the operator to pause the test on a fault, correct the defect and continue testing from the last saved ‘passed’ point, saving time and avoiding unnecessarily repeating tests. Save time by testing your product even before it is complete, e.g. if you have a partially built harness or missing connectors in your vehicle. Our software lets you select which connectors are missing and perform a complete test on the already finished elements so that you can get a jump on solving issues now.

Rolling Stock Testing

Nexeya Canada’s MPT Series Testers are multi-point test systems capable of distributed highvoltage expansion to over 20,000+ test points.

Nexeya Canada’s MPT Series Testers’ flexibility lets you take your test coverage further and add energisation to your test sequence. With the MPTs true multi-bus architecture you can energise and measure simultaneously from almost any point in the test system. No specialty cards needed to test relays, contactors, or lamps in your product.

point of repair and eliminating the need to repeat the already verified test sequences.

With the combination of flexibility, scalability, safety and convenience the MPT Series Testers technically out-match competitors’ offerings and bring powerful time saving tools to your production environment.

The M&E feature is available for all test points reducing overall test times.

Features and Functions: Delivering Value Test Optimisation and Time Saving Features

Mass Hi-Pot Provides complete test coverage in a fraction of the time required by conventional linear test methods.

Measure & Energise

Activation & Energisation Enables the energisation of functions during the test sequence, saving time and enhancing troubleshooting efforts.

SuperTrace Colour-coded connectivity-mapping optimising troubleshooting.

Test Re-engage

Scan Testing

Saves time by enabling the operator to pause the test and troubleshoot an error, re-engaging the test at the

High-frequency test intervals ideal for high-stress, vibration and thermal cycle testing.

Testimonials Electrical Engineering | MARTA Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority:

“With the challenge of establishing a test area dedicated to our electric couplers, we did not want to use the current methodologies, we approached Nexeya for a novel solution. Nexeya presented a solution based on their proven EZX1510 product line. “The team was incredibly easy to work with, assisting us with the system selection and modification. All adapter requirements were based on a standard offering which provided custom configurations at low prices. We are very impressed with the speed and ease of use of the equipment, worked wonderfully out of the box.”

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SEKISUI KYDEX

New Approaches to Railway Interiors

olling stock interiors are embracing a design renaissance, focused on being sustainable, safe, and smart. Designers are bursting with new ideas and concepts, but one thing is constant, meeting new passenger expectations. Rail interiors will need to focus on circular design and the feel of a comfortable and clean cabin. Rather than fixed solutions, the architecture will be easily modified for the seasons, traveller desires, and rail operators’ interior brands. The journey will become as exciting as the destination. Karyn McAlphin, Design Director and Ruben Bake, International Business Manager for SEKISUI KYDEX along with Christiane Bausback, Head of Design and Managing Director for N + P Innovation Design, are collaborating to explore new ways to deliver on the passenger journey. Their goal is to bring forward thinking and flexible design solutions to rolling stock.

“The mobility ecosystem is interconnected and agile, changing faster than ever, including in rolling

stock. This connectivity will shape passenger journeys and result in new wishes, demands and solutions. In the future, cross-industry and purpose-driven solutions are the key. It will no longer be about the journey itself as a highlight, but about the experience of mobility with all senses and its integration into everyday life. The most successful companies will provide seamless experiences,” said Bausback. The critical step effecting change in rolling stock design is with the supply chain. Traditionally colour, material and finish are some of the last decisions made for rolling stock interiors. By including CMF designers and material suppliers early on in project development, new approaches present themselves, including circular design and custom colours and patterns. There is an increased obligation and preference for sustainable materials within the industry and among passengers. According to McAlphin, “The rail industry appears to be at a tipping point thanks to the interest in sustainability. It is no longer enough

to just introduce lightweight, durable materials that can be used in innovative ways. Collectively, we have a responsibility to develop products that can be taken apart, recycled, and reused.” So when choosing materials, considering what happens to those materials at the end of their lifecycle is just as important as their time in use. One material of choice, KYDEX® Thermoplastics, is fully recyclable, so when a seatback shell or tray table has outlived its usefulness, it can be processed into new sheet. Designers can bring custom design elements to life through carefully chosen materials. When CMF is left to last, designing for the passenger is often restricted to in-stock items and leaves much to the imagination. By bringing the supply chain together early, designers can use materials that feature texture, pattern and custom colour, allowing the passenger to enjoy a curated space that feels customised.

“We want to create environments which make you feel at home and that passengers can enjoy throughout their whole journey. In the past, most rolling stock

Interior Materials KYDEX® Thermoplastics with Infused Imaging™ technology

operators concentrated on efficiency rather than on comfort and wellbeing. Due to the latest innovations in material and manufacturing processes, this has changed. We have more flexibility to use inspiration from contemporary architecture and art and implement these into our train designs. While on the one hand we want to create this feel-at-home effect, on the other hand colours, materials and finishes have to work in different situations, such as eating, working, relaxing or socialising,” says Bausback. Bausback is already exploring what these new cabins can look and feel like. One of her recent concepts features light woodgrain accents, dark terrazzo surfaces and pixelated aisles.

“The light woodgrain is a nice contrast to the dark blue and

terrazzo surfaces. It combines warmth and brightness. As a result, the natural contrast guides the eye to functional areas, which would normally be visualised by rather loud artificial colour tones. The pixelated pattern is inspired by digital art. The irregular yet repetitive pattern creates a monochrome appearance that lets seating shine, whereas from nearby it communicates technological sophistication,” shared Bausback. The SEKISUI KYDEX team brought Bausback’s designs to life using KYDEX® Thermoplastics with Infused Imaging™ technology, a proprietary process that embeds imagery into thermoplastic material. Designers can use this technology to realise bespoke environments using colour, images and texture without sacrificing strength and durability. Artwork is produced to meet colour

requirements and fit a variety of applications including seatback shells, tray tables, privacy dividers, window shrouds and more.

“Because it’s made of KYDEX® Thermoplastics, the material will meet strict performance guidelines, is available with antimicrobial properties, and has graffiti resistance, exceeding a wide range of material expectations. By combining the material performance and leading design to provide greater value to OEMs and operators, we are pushing the boundaries of rail interiors,” said Bake.

Make the journey as exciting as the destination.

DURABLE SUSTAINABLE CUSTOMIZABLE

kydex.com

Experience our on-train catering equipment firsthand!

MEET US @ BOOTH 1D10

sales@korita-aviation.com www.korita-aviation.com

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< Rolling Stock

Korita Aviation

Indulge in Our On-Train Catering Experience!

ome and join us at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo, Hamburg Messe, Germany.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the WTCE and our 10th anniversary exhibiting at the expo. Clearly this event is going to be extra special for all of us!

Save the date: 14–16 June 2022 We are delighted to be displaying our railway catering equipment alongside our aviation galley insert equipment. Our innovations for both industries really make for great face-to-face meetings and future collaborations. This event creates the perfect opportunity to see our on-train catering equipment and experience product demonstrations at our booth, 1D10.

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What Can You Expect? Catering

Your experience matters to us, so we will make time available for you to give you the opportunity to see the quality of our on-train service products. Every aspect of what we do is driven by a quality approach and we are resolute in our commitment to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We look forward to having the opportunity to discuss your requirements so that we can fully support your future need for on-train catering equipment.

Products on Display We will have our rail catering trolleys on display and our team will be there to walk you through the key product features and the benefits that our rail catering trolley offers when selected for use in your railway catering operations. Our aluminium rail containers are utilised by rail operators and rail catering companies all over the world. You will be able to see the nesting door in action and experience how it slides into the underside of the top of the container when opened.

When considering the needs for rail catering operations, it is important to invest in robust catering drawers. We manufacture aluminium rail catering drawers from high-grade aluminium to ensure excellent durability.

Please feel free to download the floorplan showing our booth location: Click here.

We are delighted to have this opportunity to demonstrate our railway catering equipment to all railway industry guests who will be attending the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo at Hamburg Messe in Germany.

Come and indulge in our on-train catering experience and meet our team at the WTCE 2022!

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To pre-schedule a meeting, please email us: sales@korita-aviation. com.

Ready to Make Your Move. At deugro, we recognize that rail freight transport is an essential solution in moving critical cargo safely, securely and on time. Our experienced specialists offer end-to-end services for rail, including operating our own 16-axle railcar as well as providing transport engineering and in-person field support.

deugro.com

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Services Freight Forwarding & Logistics deugro

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Crew Management p.108

Xenia SpA SB

Simulation Services Element Materials Technology

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deugro

deugro’s Roots and Rail Competencies

eugro has been owned and managed by the same family since 1924, and for nearly 100 years has been an expert in freight forwarding and project logistics for clients all over the world. With a strong track record in turnkey projects, deugro supports the mobility and infrastructure industry to safely deliver global logistics expertise in what can be challenging environments with tight timelines.

Ben Cunnington, Vice President for Mobility & Infrastructure at deugro, comments: “Now more than ever, supply chains are being stretched to their breaking point. Soaring costs, congested ports and borders, along with the continued reduction of competitive providers, have highlighted to project managers and shippers around the world that the focus on the client and the right solution must be the priority. We pride ourselves on many years of successfully delivering on our clients’ requirements in the rail and rolling stock industry – from single railcar movements to OS&M

supply chain solutions, and multi-car high-speed train deliveries from the factory to final destination, all the way to full logistics management of major rail infrastructure projects around the world. “One of the things that makes deugro stand out from the crowd is our specialist team of Subject Matter Experts whose global locations and expertise working on major rail and rolling stock projects has proven time and again that there is no substitute for real practical experience. As a group, deugro manages the transport of over 1500 pieces of rolling stock every year.” deugro fully focuses on identifying clients’ specific needs and tailoring customised solutions to suit and exceed these requirements. As an extension of our clients in their respective supply chains, we provide the best in terms of both cost and service, whether moving railcars from the USA, wheelsets from Italy or HVAC units from Japan, deugro can provide tangible added value while keeping project delivery promises, all supported by over 1600 staff, in over 75 offices around the world.

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When executing complex mobility and infrastructure projects, we work as a single integrated team with our clients. Trust is the basis of our organisation and essential to achieving our common goals. Thorough planning, technical engineering, close co-operation and communication with our clients are the basis for the flawless execution of best-in-class project freight forwarding solutions across all industries. This is only possible with our highly qualified and experienced team of employees going the extra mile for our clients – the basis of our success. deugro offers a full array of logistics services to the mobility and infrastructure industry – from supply chain management, air and ocean freight, to domestic haulage and deliveries, heavy lift and overdimensional transportation.

“When we are engaged at the early stages of any project, together we can provide advice and solutions for any supply chain which will not only improve the service delivery of goods but ultimately reduce expenditure to ensure an on-budget logistics plan,” says Ben Cunnington. deugro is a company of the deugro

Freight Forwarding & Logistics

group, which is comprised of four independent companies that stand for entrepreneurial, dynamic, bestin-class service and have a solid reputation for our client-centric and best-minds approach. All deugro group companies operate according to the highest QHSES and compliance standards. What are deugro’s core elements? • • • • •

Committed management with a fully hands-on approach Experienced staff in project freight forwarding and engineering Investment in maintaining efficient, effective communication and IT Financial stability and independence QHSES in everything we do: “Defining Logistics. Delivering Safety.”

deugro train port

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Sustainability in Crew Accommodation

enia SpA SB is a global provider specialised in managing the entire crew accommodation process as a support to railways, airlines, shipping lines and cargo companies. We provide services such as: • • • • • • • •

24/7 customer care worldwide accommodation selection and inspections personalised rates and pricing models benchmark data and expense management dashboard and solutions bespoke directories, with hotel chains and individual properties innovative reporting tools a technology system which can interface any third-party platform possibility to provide layover and AOG services

•

provision of effective responses to any request – from urgent enquiries to long-term contracts – worldwide capacity to block large banks of rooms for scheduled crews and individual bookings for crew members, business travel, distressed crews and delayed passengers handling

Since 1992 Xenia has always operated in the travel business, expanding its services also to hotel management and GDS distribution. In 2021, we transitioned into a Benefit Corporation pursuing sustainability as a company value. This transition allowed Xenia to apply the value of sustainability to all proposed services and models, allowing in turn its clients to pursue the same value within their businesses too. In this regard, recent studies have shown how a growing sensibility

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towards sustainability from a social, economic and environmental point of view is featuring within many businesses and its employees. Thus, we can say that a new need has emerged and implementation of it has become important. With its 30-year presence in the travel industry, Xenia has preserved and strengthened its dynamic identity by attentively observing the changes and the needs of businesses and also by becoming a promoter of new paradigms. One of the most important elements that distinguishes Xenia from similar services is its capacity to adapt and keep up with the everchanging needs of businesses. For this reason, we were able to adopt the principals of environmental protection and apply them to our services in order to keep up with the needs of our clients.

Crew Management At the same time, we also respect the values and the rights of the community and perseve other service propositions such as search for innovation, flexibility and malleability. Xenia SpA SB is aware of the impact of many activities on the local, regional and global environment. As a company, we believe that sustainability can be achieved through small daily steps. The first step being providing sustainable services to other businesses while also pursuing the same principles within our company and through our employees.

In setting up and reporting to our clients we have included KPIs and CO2 consumption calculation parameters for any means of transport, market benchmarks that help understand how they are positioned and identify areas and methods for improvement. Our company is made of people, for people. Listening to and understanding the new requirements of our clients and knowing how to establish a fruitful dialogue is the first step in order to be able to truly propose solutions and adapt to an ever changing world.

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Element Materials Technology

Train Battery Route Assessment Background The UK rail authorities are aiming to eliminate diesel traction wherever possible, but the network itself does not yet have complete electric coverage, and it will be many years before that is achieved. However, there are many routes that are partially electrified, there being either occasional gaps in electrical coverage or the overhead wires do not extend the full length of the line. One rail leasing company was looking for a solution to such a route, and approached Norton Straw Consultants, part of Element Digital Engineering, to assess whether a large battery could provide the power to take an electric train along an unelectrified section at the end of the line.

The Challenge The first challenge was to assess the energy required for the route. A model was needed that considered

the gradients on the line, friction caused by bends and points, acceleration away from stations, and the possibility of unplanned stops at signals. The second challenge was charging time. The battery would charge during its time on the electrified portion of the line and then again at a charging point at the station at the end of the non-electrified section. The model had to consider

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whether the timetable allowed enough time for sufficient charge to be taken on at these times and whether an intermediate charging point might be necessary for times when the schedule was disrupted.

The Solution The team built a dedicated route model of the line incorporating all the geographical features and

details of the line itself. A very large number of simulations were then run, considering all possible combinations or operating events.

The Result We were able to confirm that a battery was a viable solution and could provide extremely good

performance and service in nearly all operating conditions. However, there were some cases where battery depletion would mean more time would be needed to recharge at the end of the line, and an upgrade to the charging equipment was recommended. For more information, take a look at our rail testing services on the Element website.

Non-Destructive Testing at Element UK Element provides a comprehensive range of non-destructive testing services for some of the world’s key market sectors, from nuclear reactors to aircraft fuselage. Element provides services from visual inspection, to IUT testing right through to radiography on large metal castings. Find out more by watching the video below.

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Simulation Services

The first challenge was to assess the energy required for the route. A model was needed that considered the gradients on the line, friction caused by bends and points, acceleration away from stations, and the possibility of unplanned stops at signals.

WE’RE NOT JUST ON TRACK. WE’RE AHEAD OF THE CURVE. From clean diesel to hydrogen fuel cells, we’re making great strides to help rail operators around the world improve efficiency and meet their sustainability goals. Tomorrow’s technology, hard at work today – Cummins fuel cell technology was the first in the world to power hydrogen trains in commercial operation. Learn more at cummins.com/rail or scan the QR code below.

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Data & Monitoring Data & Monitoring Nokia

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Cisco

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Rajant

Condition Monitoring & Asset Management Frequentis Sensit

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Digital Solutions

Fincons Group PaxLife Innovations Netskrt

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Communication Equipment for Rail Radionika DAMM Cellular Systems

Predictive Management NEXTSENSE

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Nokia

Now Arriving at Track 4.0

reakthroughs in automation and analytics are fuelling the new digital railway, but tomorrow’s innovations can’t run on today’s connectivity: the railway of tomorrow is riding on private LTE and 5G wireless networks. Shunting by camera and sensor, not workers. Wholly driverless parking of empty trains. Remote maintenance with expert consultation. And more insight-rich data uploaded in a day — relayed by everything from track and rolling-stock-placed sensors to CCTV cameras and drones — than what

could once be produced in a year. Just a handful of snapshots from the railway digital transformation scrapbook being composed right now by the networks powering Industry 4.0: industrial-grade private wireless networks based on LTE and 5G.

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When Wifi Goes Off the Rails The importance of robust, resilient and virtually impenetrable private wireless networking to the digitalisation-driven possibilities of Industry 4.0, from driving

With their high capacity, lowlatency performance, and support for the low bandwidth/low power communications required by IIoT sensors, private LTE and 5G wireless networks are being installed worldwide to support

the voice, video, data and other communications needs of the rail industry. Improving efficiency, increasing productivity, enabling automation, and transforming the safety and quality of working conditions.

Hands-Off, Efficiency-On As the world continues its cautious recovery from the pandemic and qualified staff are historically hard to find, one promising use case being explored is the autonomous and remote operation of shunters in the yard, enabled by enginemounted cameras and sensors monitored from central offices, tablets and more: a single remote driver can handle numerous trains at once. In Hamburg, the Nokia 5G network is being used to transmit

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train control information as part of Deutsche Bahn’s automated trains trials, which are testing driverless parking near the Bergedorf station. Many other operators are looking into remote solutions, including a shunting yard system that combines vision sensors with AI/ML to automatically detect and classify objects: private wireless connects workers via tablet to the video feed, eliminating the need for a shunter driver.

Beyond Automation Other examples incorporate the technologies that we hear about every day in relevant new ways. Video analytics are being explored to reduce incidents and survey anomalies in rail yards — everything

Data & Monitoring

automation, to streamlining processes, to finding staggering efficiencies, can’t be understated. And in the world of rail operations, where connecting IIoT sensors on engines, workers and rolling stock across vast rail yards, and the radio interference from metallic surfaces and insufficient mobility support, make wifi problematic, a selfcontained private wireless network’s deterministic performance makes it the perfect solution for missioncritical operations, especially when worker and passenger safety are just as critical.

30 Years Rolling: Nokia At-a-Glance • • • • • • from intruders to objects on the track — and at level crossings to boost safety. The limitless span of drones is providing otherwise impossible-to-achieve imagery of tracks, bridges and trains, identifying repair issues before they elevate, and bringing even the largest areas within focus. Nokia private wireless networks are also powering exciting explorations in the aviation industry that can make the leap to the rail yard, such as Lufthansa Technik’s virtual engine inspection with remote client, now part of normal operations. There’s also augmented reality (AR) for passenger compartment reconfigurations. And yet another global leader in passenger mobility is testing AR for remote expert observation of train and equipment repairs.

and productivity. Rail is poised to claim more truck miles in the name of environmental sustainability. And passengers and operators alike are acutely aware of the digital transformation happening everywhere, which plays out in the rail yard in countless ways: from new passenger information systems, to smart stations, smart rail maintenance and smart infrastructure. With countless railway communications networks already in use, best-in-class GSM-R, and broadband solutions for operations, passengers and train stations, Nokia has the track record — pun very much intended — to meet every destination that transformationminded operators know they need to arrive at. And those they can’t even imagine.

Of course, all of this isn’t happening in a bubble. Pressure on all transportation providers is accelerating from inside and out, from reducing emissions to improving efficiency

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• • •

30+ yrs railway experience: network design, deployment, operations Most comprehensive portfolio & turnkey services #1 in GSM-R: 110k+ tracks, 22 countries Legendary Bell Labs innovations shaping FRMCS/5G Countless deployed railway networks Best-in-class broadband for operations, passengers, stations Leaders in legacy network migration 420+ private wireless deployments worldwide Unparalleled cyber security solutions

Scan the QR code to discover our solutions for the railway industry

Trains have brakes. Digitalization doesn’t.

There’s not enough words in this publication to describe the benefits of digitalization. But you only need one. Nokia. As the leader in GSM-R and game-changing private wireless networking, with great stops at some of the world’s top railways, we’re more equipped than anyone to transport you into the FRMCS/5G era, one of unheard-of safety, security, automation and efficiency. But this trip isn’t optional, so there’s one more word you need to know. And that’s now. Go where rail is going. Visit www.nokia.com/networks/industries/railways/

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Innovative Technology for Today’s Smart Station

Real-world challenges are being addressed with smart technology and trials are now underway at six major UK stations as part of an initiative from Network Rail Telecom TSIP (Train and Station Innovation for Performance). Leeds, Reading, Euston, Glasgow, Manchester Piccadilly and Waterloo station are all contributing data and test environments. Through vigorous use case testing, TSIP is accelerating the time to deployment for new digital, connected technologies. Working with innovative technology partners such as Intel, Cisco, Telent and others, Network Rail Telecom (NRT) is bringing compute power and connectivity to smart devices. So, what does this mean for your customers and your staff? How

will technology change their travel experience or working environment? Let’s look at some of the changes TSIP technology is bringing.

Return of Crowds Passengers want to feel safe when they travel and, in these post-COVID

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times, many people want to avoid crowded situations. Events such as concerts or football matches can lead to a build-up of passengers in certain zones. Major stations are using smart analytics, cameras, and sensors and, using the SiYtE service to monitor this and alert staff at the relevant time. This allows action to be taken quickly

Using historical data, the SiYtE service can then begin to deliver insights that can help predict and prevent certain events or issues.

Another Missed Delivery Having visibility of deliveries being made ensures the station runs smoothly. Sometimes deliveries are unloaded without staff supervision, items are left unattended, maybe inside blocking access or outside exposed to the elements. Reading station will trial technology for delivery notifications. A smart camera installed above the delivery bay and will send an alert to the relevant personnel when a vehicle approaches. In addition, a sensor will be placed on the access gate so staff can be alerted if this is left open before public trespass occurs. This is also then applicable to lost luggage, or suspicious packages.

Trespass on the Lines Whether it is people on tracks or in restricted areas there is a need to distinguish trespassers from legitimate railway business activity. No one wants to stop trains as operators check the safety of the track following trespass incident and no passenger wants to hear their incoming train has been delayed due to an incident hours earlier. Imagine if cameras monitored the

trespass hotspots, and sensors were installed on restricted gates and doors, what would this mean? Alarms sound when restricted doors are opened, and alerts are triggered when camera coverage identifies an out of place person; additionally, a timestamp is added to expedite any subsequent investigations. Ultimately this leads to safety and security events being detected in time for mitigation and with event timestamping rather than scouring footage and data after the event. It also brings near real-time visibility to the business costs associated to the intervention.

Cleaner Air Euston station is using smart technology to measure environmental conditions. Air quality is being monitored for temperature, humidity, dust, pollen and particles of diesel and carbon monoxide caused by the rolling stock. Sensors are connected to an innovative and intuitive dashboard where the data feeds are aggregated and show where air quality is poor. Alerts are set up based on thresholds for individual or combined measures to trigger action. Again, using historical data, SiYtE can start to diagnose likely contributing factors and help prevent these spikes in poor air quality, in and around the station.

Customer Insight Reporting on passenger behaviour is interesting for retailers. Knowing the demographics of customers visiting the store at various times can determine which products to stock, how to price and where to place for the greatest return. These

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insights can also improve digital displays, fine-tuning them once the audience is known to bring better ROI.

Digital Insights for the Data-Driven Railway The SiYtE service aggregates data that’s integral for use case analysis and enables stations to transform this data into evidence-based business benefits to routes, stations, operators and executives. Insights gained will improve compliance, safety, environmental impact, operational efficiencies and passenger experience. Future decision-making will have the support of empirical and auditable data and successes will be integrated into the NRT Service Catalogue. As a result of outsourcing innovation to industry partners Network Rail has been able to deliver on innovation. Using IoT to monitor the railways brings improvements to passenger experience and employee safety, helping Network Rail to achieve their vision of ‘Putting passengers first’, ensuring it delivers the bestpossible service to its passengers and freight customers.

To find out more contact info@tsip.delivery or visit www.cisco.com/c/en/ us/solutions/industries/ transportation

Data & Monitoring

and relevant crowding plans put in place. For example, if crowds are building up around escalators station operators can configure escalators as ‘up’ or ‘down’ or redirect people to other routes.

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Rajant

Keeping Railway Technology on the Move with Kinetic Mesh By Chris Mason, Vice President of Sales – EMEA

ith freight transport and everyday passenger travel dependent on rail, unfaltering and continuous operation of the railways is essential globally. In fact, in the United States it is estimated that Class I railroads’ operations supported a staggering 1.1 million jobs, 219.5 billion USD in economic output and 71.3 billion USD in wages in 2017 alone. Whether managing train lines in densely populated cities or transporting cargo across long distances, rail operators are recognising the safety and security gains that real-time vehicle-to-

vehicle (V2V) communications can provide. By utilising wireless and full node-to-node connectivity, such as Rajant Corporation’s Kinetic Mesh® mobile networks, the benefits of innovative rail applications and technology for automation, realtime tracking and greater control can be realised.

Ensuring that Freight Transport Stays on Track Freight transport plays a huge part in ensuring that essential cargo and goods are delivered. It is estimated that around a third of US exports move by rail. This makes everyday transport critical for many sectors, ensuring stocks of materials and equipment never dwindles. Traditionally, a single point of connection failure can run the risk

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of shutting down an entire network, leading to serious delays and increased pressure from suppliers. However, with resilient and fully redundant connectivity, the signal cut-out and operational faults can be avoided. For railroads, operations can be rigorously monitored from command centres and operators can instantly access any incoming analytical insights from applications running on trains. This includes complete visibility of equipment health, speed, location, wheel sensors, freight status and fuel consumption. This can also include regular checks on rail track condition, making operators aware of any maintenance issues in advance. By harnessing the full potential of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), rail operators

Keeping Passengers Connected In addition to overall train operation visibility and status, passenger experience plays a critical role in ensuring that train services continue to generate extensive revenue for economies worldwide. By providing reliable and highbandwidth wifi services on board, as well as arrival and departure tracking, security monitoring and

online ticket signal functionality, operators can ensure enhanced passenger experience and security for people while riding. On the other hand, providing these services without the resilient, wireless connectivity required can run the risk of signals cutting out in remote areas of a rail route, causing service interruption and reputational damage from passengers towards railway providers. Connectivity is fundamental to the efficiency of these services, and a wireless, fully mobile, and unfailing connection with Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh technology is the most suitable solution to ensure an uninterrupted journey. The Kinetic Mesh network gives train operators the ability to leverage digital content updates based on the train’s location along the route line relevant to passengers. This creates a revenue stream from advertisers to rail operators helping to offset the costs of important safety and security initiatives.

Rajant’s Unfailing Connectivity Ensures a Seamless Journey What other benefits can the Kinetic Mesh network offer? Rajant’s

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pioneering BreadCrumb® radio nodes and InstaMesh® software ensure passenger train and freight operators’ high-bandwidth mobile connectivity and signal reach across an entire operation without any wired connection. Deployed on wayside points and on the train itself, the BreadCrumbs work peer-to-peer to form an adaptable mesh between fixed and moving rail assets, creating hundreds of potential paths to direct traffic. By enhancing customer experience and automated functionality for operators, Rajant Kinetic Mesh can optimise connectivity between command centres and high-speed trains, allowing operators to remain one step ahead of any potential issues no matter where their assets or passengers travel. Not only does it maximise quality of service (QoS), but Rajant Kinetic Mesh has the flexibility to provide both linear functionality and train-totrackside handoff. This guarantees unwavering communications, even when travelling through remote terrains. The network is capable of mobile communication, enabling it to work autonomously with satellite, point-to-point (P2P) wireless or wired links.

Mobile Networks

can modernise their systems and improve transport speeds, safety, and passenger experience. For innovative rail technology to thrive and ensure transport operations continue to run efficiently, unfailing and reliable networking is paramount. Operators require a wireless network of equal measure in a dynamic, ever-changing and mobile environment. With traditional wireless networks such as wifi, point-to-multipoint (P2MP), and LTE not delivering the high availability new applications require to run effectively, operations can be seriously hindered. These technologies often run from fixed infrastructure and must break connectivity for handoffs. A drop-off in coverage can create a missioncritical disruption, such as reducing overall train location status or stoppage of autonomous railyard equipment.

Optimize Rail Communications

On the Move Rajant Kinetic Mesh® Brings Operator Control No Matter Where Your Assets Travel Reliable, fully mobile networks are essential for supporting real-time vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications and in-transit mobile connectivity for dynamic and ever-moving railroads. Only Kinetic Mesh delivers: Continuous ‘Never Break’ Communications Our mobile network maintains hundreds of data connections, enabling CBTC and V2V communications between railcars and command centers.

High-Bandwidth Connectivity for Superior Control Robust, high-bandwidth connectivity allows the instant access of data on equipment health, speed, location, freight status, and more.

Increased Safety & Improved Passenger Experience Powerful connectivity supports safety applications like positive train control and onboard CCTV, as well as customer Wi-Fi accessibility.

Discover Reliable Rail Connectivity CASE STUDY

Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh® Technology Boosts Speed The Solution and Efficiency for Class l TESSCO, one of the railroad’s partners, learned of the Railroad’s challenge Intermodal Railyard the railroad was facing, and referred the

CASE STUDY

We had to have backhaul capability and capacity injection capability at multiple sites without building a whole lot of infrastructure to support that, which isn’t

railroad to one of its own partners, Future Technologies, a wireless integrator providing turnkey installs for specialized projects. Future Technologies began to examine options

Freight railyards are dynamic in for a a better wirelessenvironment solution to accommodate the new equipmentpeople and software. which all assets—cargo, and vehicles—are yard needed high availability, so that sent UDP packet constantly on theThe move.

Company Proﬁle

railyard operation spanningWi-Fi solutions. • Class I intermodal possible with traditional approximately 118 acres

— David Rumore streams are always received, to ensure the current method Operating a variety of vehicles and equipment Executive President, For this complicated operation toequipment run smoothly reliable including 30 hostlers and 9Vice reach stackers Future Technologies of tracking andrequires containers as well as the new access to real-time data, butmanagement the rugged environment of an intermodal stack application can function properly. If a Solution Components railyard makes constant connectivity a diffi goalwill to achieve. packet is missed, thecult system not record the location of a

• •

container, and yard disrupt the entire process. Rajant Kinetic Mesh® private wireless When a Class I railroad’s intermodal decided to purchase network consisting of the following additional heavy equipment to help increasespecifi speedc and efficiency,Future Knowing the railyard’s requirements, BreadCrumb® nodes: making. The network can be redeployed in multiple ways management quickly realized their basic Wi-Fi solution was no longer Kinetic Technologies recommended Rajant Corporation’s - 4 LX5s as and access points simply easily by repositioning the nodes. robust enough. VehicleMesh® locations, the dynamic of wireless stacked network that has wireless network, nature a type of - 2 LX5s and 2 ME4s installed on rubber-tired containers, and trains coming in and out deployed of the yardinmeant the yard Thecranes Results been successfully other harsh environments gantry needed higher availability the Wi-Fi could er. The railyard suchthan as ports, oil and gas,off mining and military operations. - 10 The ME4scomplete installed on reach stackers installation is still ongoing, as delivery of the needed a new solution. - 3030-ton JR2s installed hostlers andbut other cranes on was delayed, the existing network is In a Kinetic Mesh network, there is no static infrastructure; yard vehicles already exceeding railyard personnel’s expectations. each radio, or node, serves as singular infrastructure, which The Challenge enables all devices and the network itself to be mobile—a Kinetic Mesh meshing Partner (KMP) “Proper and make-before-break are missionOne of the railyard’s goals wascomponent to improvefor container movement efficiency, critical a railyard, where people, devices, critical,” Purintun said. “This is the only radio that makes Future Technologies: wireless integrator so containers only required oneand to two moves, versus five to six. this The vehicles equipment are constantly on With the move. and maintains connections specializing in the multiple assessment, planning, to access points and reduction, the yard would increase efficiency, lessen wear and tear and on the network employs multiple radio frequencies any-nodeotherimplementation, subscribers toand make split-second decisions on packet design, support of moving vehicles, reduce lane blockages and congestion,and speed up to-any-node capabilities to continuously and instantly innovative communications solutions. flow. Additionally, the number of mobile vehicles that were the truck-to-stack, stack-to-truck, train-to-stack stack-to-train times. transmit data in real time and via the best available traffic path outfitted with these radios will expand the network capability, and frequency. Outcome and Impact not impede it, which is important because the number of To meet that goal, the railroad planned to purchase two 30-ton overhead access point locations had to be so few.” cranes and install themBecause in the center to speed containerthus no thereofisthe no yard central controlup node—and Improved speed and efficiency and movement. The railyardsingle also explored the implementation of aautomatically, stack point of failure—routes are built and are streamlined stack management Applications being developed for the railyard include the management application to track for contents theperformance container stack evaluated qualityofand withand every received Increased reliability with system fully redundant, low stack management and yard management software. manage cranes, vehicles, andIf devices. andcontainers sent packet. a certain path becomes unavailable for latency network with no management single point of failure The upgraded yard system will be a total yard reason—due to a vehicle moving out of coverage, or an Enables real-time, view of from completion. These solution and isend-to-end three to five years In addition to Wi-Fi, theany intermodal yard utilized vehicle-mount computers that vehicle moves in and obstructslocations, coverage, for example— intermodal for timely analysis and systemsoperations will organize all movement based on location data, and two-way radios to object determine and personnel but onthe thenew network an alternate route to deliver data. decision-making using the most logical routes for the highest efficiency. Some this was not enough tonodes support stackuse management application. Provides to support future of the railyard vehiclesability will have tablets inside them to enable even Site constraints meant This access points betoinstalled there allows thecouldn’t network adapt toand node location, local applications including yard management speedier information transfer. wasn’t any logical placeinterference to put additional towers. Thedynamically, yard neededeliminating a and congestion software and stack management system different type of network. downtime even in the most rugged conditions. All After the large cranes are delivered, the rest of the network infrastructure components transmit and receive real-time will be deployed—in plenty of time for the railyard to Rajant Case Study: Classinformation, l Railroad Intermodal Railyard enabling an end-to-end view of intermodal 1 streamline container movement and |meet its improved operations and allowing timely analysis and decisionspeed and efficiency goals before the busy holiday season.

•

• • • •

Tel: 484.595.0233 | www.rajant.com Tel: 484.595.0233 | www.rajant.com BreadCrumb, CacheCrumb, InstaMesh, Kinetic Mesh, and BC|Commander and their stylized logos are the trademarks of Rajant Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © Copyright 2019. Rajant Corporation. All rights reserved.

If it’s moving, it’s Rajant.

Industrial Wireless Networks Unleashed.

Download our “Kinetic Mesh Boosts Speed & Efficiency for Intermodal Railyard” case study at rajant.com/railway-news

< Data & Information

Frequentis

Making Railways Smarter By Christian Stimakovits, Frequentis

requentis works to bring train and track together leveraging IoT to improve predictability, safety and incident handling. Could railway asset monitoring reduce operating costs? As a carbon-efficient mode of transport, demand for rail travel is high for both commuters and the transport of goods. Railways

must keep up with technology advances that support the costeffective running of services to ensure railway performance meets expectations for on-time services, improved safety and ride quality, all while considering cost savings for railway operators. Real-time information sharing is key for effective incident handling and keeping passengers moving, but what else do we need to enable prediction and prevention?

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Common Operational Picture In the event of an incident on the railway the time taken to resolve it is key; the best way to manage any incident is for all stakeholders to work together and coordinate. By sharing information across the entire national network, linking assets and communicating in realtime, a common operational picture is created. Frequentis achieves

Condition Monitoring & Asset Management

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this with its event management Software as a Service (SaaS) tool to monitor and compute a wide variety of sensor data which is capable of handling any kind of occurrence and predicting the operational consequences. The software is a highly effective decision-making support tool, sharing real-time information and communicating critical information seamlessly with other systems and users on the network. Such a software solution is already providing benefits for CFL Luxembourg and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), co-ordinating maintenance crews, defining responsibilities and logging all relevant incident information, including media recordings and imagery. ÖBB confirmed the solution makes the role of the operator less resource-intensive, which in turn reduces the impact on journeys and enables a more reliable and punctual train service.

kilometre, as well as the obvious risks posed by placing crews trackside on live operational railways. For this reason, Frequentis has been investigating intelligent, data-driven methods for proactive monitoring of track assets and infrastructure. One project is the HARMONY project (HumanAssisted Real-time MONitoring of infrastructure and obstacles from railwaY vehicles), with Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Mission Embedded, Frequentis Control Room Consulting and Institute of Computer Technology, which proposes the use of sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect irregularities on railway tracks, in addition to and in support of the precise but infrequent and often cost-intensive measuring vehicles. The aim is to be responsive to any track issues at an early stage to prevent significant damage and avoid potential incidents.

But, as well as reactive incident management, can real-time asset condition information also be integrated into the solution?

Intelligent Asset Monitoring Railway maintenance and renewal © Mission Embedded: Fitting sensors to regular costs rise year on year with track trains mean monitoring can take place while a train is on its regular route maintenance being one of the biggest costs. Regular rough spots on track are currently identified Fitting sensors to regular trains and reported by drivers, which is means that monitoring can be followed up by a manual inspection carried out while a train is on of the track by track engineers its regular route, reporting the and the deployment of dedicated condition of the track more measurement vehicles. This is frequently and giving operators labour-intensive and comes with a clearer, real-time view of asset high-cost implications, estimated conditions. Artificial intelligence will as around 50,000 euros per track automatically detect and report

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anomalies on tracks, track beds and switches so that potential hazards such as track breaks, track damage and objects are detected early. By additionally feeding this type of data into the decisionmaking support tool the common operational picture is further enhanced, supporting operators in making informed decisions about maintenance activities and their impact on operations. The investment in planning immediate maintenance work based on reliable data decreases operational costs compared with work as a consequence of an accident arising from an overseen (or not recognised) track defect. The Frequentis real-time event management system has the ability to work in the prevention phase as well as stating how to handle incidents in the recovery phase.

Leveraging Sensor Data At Frequentis we have also been exploring how to leverage this sensor data and integrate it into the decision-making support tool to provide real-time asset condition information to operators. Frequentis is further working on a drone surveillance research project, integrating aggregated sensor data from UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) to protect the public against potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attack. GPS data from drones will allow operators to see threat locations and react accordingly, including deploying troops. A direct video livestream from the UAVs and UGV will be integrated into the event management solution to provide improved on-scene

Streamlined: Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) uses the Frequentis event management software to coordinate and log information and streamline processes

perspective and optimise strategical planning. What is important in all cases is the quality of sensor data, and its systematic analysis (e.g. pattern recognition), for it to be turned into actionable data to improve operational or strategic decisions about when to perform asset maintenance or give a low-speed instruction, for example. Easy and intuitive usability of the system requires the ability to visualise sensor data, configure thresholds and bring the sensors into context, for example the level of vibration which may flag up a track defect compared to an obstacle on the track. What we are talking about is a railway Internet of Things sensor network, which will efficiently

share information on track changes during normal operation, saving railways significant investment costs on reactive maintenance. Investment in the prevention phase will pay off in the recovery phase.

(Germany), ÖBB and Wiener Linien (both Austria), and Sydney Trains (Australia).

About Frequentis

Christian Stimakovits is an experienced operational management professional with over 20-years spent in control room solutions and management. He is responsible for the Frequentis Incident and Crisis Management portfolio, including IoT and remote condition monitoring.

Frequentis is an international supplier of communication and information systems for control centres with safety-critical tasks, leveraging 75 years of cross-domain experience in aviation, defence and transport. The company also holds the number one market share in GSM-R dispatcher terminal positions. More than 8,000 units are currently deployed in customer control centres in over 25 countries. Railway customers include Network Rail (UK), Deutsche Bahn

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About the Author

< Data & Information

Fincons Group

Driving Rail System Digital Transformation

incons Group is a leading international system integrator with key experience and skills in cross-vertical system integration and digital transformation across a number of sectors including: transportation and logistics, financial services, media, energy & utilities, manufacturing, public administration and international institutions & research. With over 2000 employees and a turnover in excess of 200 million euros, Fincons has invested resources and expertise in supporting businesses in the transport sector to achieve their innovative digital transformation goals for over 39 years. With offices in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, the UK and the US, Fincons leverages years of experience in system integration. Our co-development alongside customers and constant scouting of new technologies means that

we are able to offer scalable, professional services and resources, to guide rail networks through complex project implementations.

objectives while improving worker safety and remaining competitive and relevant for both passenger and freight transport.

Megatrends like climate change, population growth and digitalisation are shaping today’s mobility environment. Digitalisation is playing a major role in transforming the way we experience mobility. Safe, seamless, reliable and sustainable mobility is more important than ever. Rail has a key role to play in helping governments achieve sustainability

In this changing environment, Fincons supports rail businesses in their digital transformation journey with solutions:

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• • • • •

for people for transport for digital for asset for freight

Digital Solutions

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Case Study – KV 4.0 Project Transformation in action: the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) digitalises the intermodal supply chain. The digitalisation of intermodal supply chains, the ‘KV 4.0’ project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the Modernity Fund research initiative (mFUND), aims to digitalise intermodal supply chains end-to-end, from the collection of the loading unit from the consignor right through to delivery to the consignee, making the intermodal process more transparent. The project involved 11 partners across Germany, Switzerland and Italy including Fincons Group. Transparency is an issue in intermodal supply chains where incomplete or missing information poses the biggest competitive disadvantage compared to end-toend road freight transport. With the help of a new common and integrated data hub, and via standardised interfaces, the project aims to provide all

parties with direct access to the transport-relevant parameters of combined transport (e.g. order and schedule data, arrival forecasts and information accompanying transport). A prototype of a data hub was developed in the technical implementation phase of the project, providing the basis for smooth data exchange with a uniform data standard, the EDIGES4.0 format. This enables the electronic exchange of all transport information, from timetables and bookings to terminal and train status messages and arrival forecasts. In addition to this, the available data can be used to calculate an ETP (Estimated Time of Pickup) – the expected pickup time for the LSP. This is a central milestone for the optimisation of the intermodal transport chain and the associated increase in customer satisfaction. Electronic order data is in fact not only required for capacity planning by the operator, but also for the preparation of wagon lists and loading lists in the terminal and for the creation of waybills by the rail transport company. Information ahead of the physical transport enables significantly

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better production and resource deployment planning by all parties involved. Finally, consistent and electronically available data is essential for terminal processing and is ultimately also required for precise billing of all transportrelated services. The hub runs 365 days, 24 hours a day, without any degradation of system performance, offering users stability and reliability. In the future, all players in combined transport will be able to access standardised transport data across the entire transport chain with just one interface, increasing the competitiveness of the intermodal supply chain. Fincons Group Kalcheggweg 20a 3006 Bern Switzerland www.finconsgroup.com

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< Data & Information

PaxLife Innovations

Welcome The Digital Train

railSTACK: Turning All Passenger-Focused Functionality into One Open Software-Based Service According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), passenger numbers using railways, trams and buses in Germany in 2021 are still down one third compared to 2019 before the pandemic. Therefore, getting the public back to using public transport requires intelligent strategic thinking and pragmatic, creative solutions, supported by superflexible infrastructure, whether it is for providing up-to-date travel

information and data for traffic flow management or to improve the onboard travel experience for all users. If they are travelling less, passengers expect more from fewer trips; they expect to enjoy a ‘digital journey’ comparable to what they have at home or in the context of other services: to stream media, just like at-home, treat themselves with good digital services or potentially book new activities, regardless of the vehicle’s facilities, and view real-time travel information for a smooth and relaxing time, all while onboard.

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However, meeting customer expectations and market needs in a simple, affordable, and timely manner remains a challenge for most transport companies. Industry trends require increasing levels of systems integration, and today’s systems are still mostly isolated from each other, specific to hardware equipment and quite difficult to upgrade with a new feature or even update. Upgrading system functionality will normally result in a significant time and capital investment. For example, a typical infotainment system will still be implemented in difficult-tomaintain firmware that is specific to the original system vendor.

Simple, Unified, Efficient, Affordable

railSTACK – a powerful software hosting platform, integrated into the vehicle server.

In order to make a real difference, digital services and passengeroriented functionality integrated and deployed onboard have to evolve in a simpler, more unified and more efficient way, while remaining affordable. An operator should have the ability to assign any preferred vendor, or even leverage its own teams to enhance and extend, at the time it is needed, any functionality that is passengerfocused.

railSTACK is an open platform that hosts, at a single point in the vehicle, and orchestrates passenger-focused functionality and digital services organised by the transport operators: infotainment or advertising content is delivered to IP screens, passenger-counting information coming from sensors is sent to operators, digital entertainment services (such as at-seat ordering for catering, media streaming apps or digital radio etc.) are exposed via the vehicle’s wifi to the passenger devices. Applications (the digital services) hosted on board can be sourced from any independent third party or provided in-house. Digital services and functionalities – because they are software – can be quickly updated or easily upgraded, at the time they are needed, with new features to answer passenger expectations and ultimately better business outcomes. All this while saving tremendous cost, time and effort in comparison with the way projects are currently being implemented.

Decouple PassengerOriented Functionality from Vehicle Equipment Modern digital architectures are mostly driven by software. A rail vehicle will typically see several digital system upgrades during its life; passenger-oriented functionalities, which are evolving, and vehicle equipment, which remains stable, must therefore be decoupled. It is with this concept in mind that we have designed

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railSTACK enables the abstraction of vehicle equipment, transforming the current fenced vehicle architecture into an open, futureproof and cost-effective backbone for the deployment of any function. Transform all passenger-focused functionality into an open, software-based service, thanks to railSTACK.

We are happy to discuss this further, contact us at info@paxlife.aero +49 331 243424-0 Click here for our railSTACK explained video

Contact us at sales@paxlife.aero or visit us at the following exhibitions and conferences: InnoTrans 20–23 Sep 2022 World Passenger Festival 16–18 Nov 2022

Digital Solutions

Future-Proof Architecture, Powerful Backbone, Fitting Existing Equipment

Digital Solutions

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< Data & Information

Netskrt

Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times

he last few years are without parallel in British rail. A global pandemic, economic shutdown, rail traffic plummeting to levels not seen since the reign of Queen Victoria, and (yet again) a regulatory restructuring of the passenger rail ecosystem. To say that these are uncertain times understates the magnitude of what has transpired. Fortunately, there are a few aspects of rail travel that have increased in certainty: passengers want internet connectivity and streaming video is the number one use for that connectivity. The fact that internet connectivity is viewed by passengers as a necessary (and, ideally, free) service has been understood by UK rail operators for quite some time. The delivery of this service, however, has been imperfect at best. The most recent national rail passenger survey, conducted in early 2020 by Transport Focus, showed internet connectivity ranking dead last in terms of passenger satisfaction, well behind the cleanliness of toilet

facilities and the availability of helpful staff. Strictly speaking, this is not the fault of train operators; they have had to rely on intermittent and limited-capacity cellular connections and, more importantly, streaming video threatens to swamp whatever capacity they make available. The increasing dominance of streaming video (aka, internet video, OTT video) has been in the making for years but has been cemented by Covid-19. Prior to the onset of Covid-19, we were already well on our way towards the complete elimination of ‘linear TV’ (e.g. cable and satellite), in which someone else figures out what you want to watch and when you want to watch it, and moving toward streaming, in which the consumer makes those decisions. Given Covid’s stay-at-home strictures, consumption of streaming video has only accelerated. Passengers, having become accustomed to a streaming video banquet at home, obviously expect the same while travelling. But this transition to streaming portends a radical challenge for rail operators. Whereas trainto-internet capacity has always

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been constrained, streaming requires as much as 100 times the capacity of web browsing and email. Widespread deployment of 5G infrastructure at best only slightly ameliorates this problem, it doesn’t make it go away. Clearly, rail operators need a new and innovative approach to this dilemma. Some rail operators have tried ‘walled-garden’ video-on-demand (VOD), in which a library of content is licenced by the operator and made available to passengers via onboard servers. But passengers have spoken pretty clearly on this matter – they already subscribe to a variety of content sources and only want the rail operators to enable access to them. They really don’t need the rail operators to guess what they might want to watch.

An Old Approach is New Again Since its inception, the internet has always wrestled with the problem of delivering a satisfying consumer experience in the face of capacity limitations. The solution has been content delivery networks (CDNs), which store frequently requested

content closer to the end-user. CDNs are what allow us to watch streaming content from, say, BBC iPlayer at home in high-definition with minimal delay and zero rebuffering. The challenge for rail operators is how to replicate that experience on rapidly moving rolling stock. Ideally, CDNs would be extended to the train but, unfortunately, existing CDN technology does not allow that. Fortunately, Netskrt Systems offers a solution.

Netskrt eCDN: Giving Passengers What They Really Want

streaming video, everywhere. This advanced technology augments existing CDNs, enabling them to reach unserved or poorly served locations. It combines edge caching with cloud-based analytics and dynamic network adaptation. The edge software is positioned at the ‘absolute’ edge, allowing users to leverage their existing internet video subscriptions in a manner indistinguishable from what they enjoy at home. As the needs of the passengers have evolved, smooth and flawless internet connectivity has become an indispensable part of the rail travel experience. The Netskrt eCDN

To address this, Netskrt Systems has developed the edge content delivery network (eCDN) to enable

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has been developed to offer optimal and unfettered content delivery to rail passengers. With a commitment to provide a ‘connected future to the passengers, this incredible technology decreases congestion on 5G rollouts and offers unlimited entertainment choices to passengers, thereby delivering on the promise of streaming internet video, EVERYWHERE!

< Data & Information

Radionika

Radio Communication Solutions for the Rail Industry

ounded in 2000 and located in Krakow Technology Park, Radionika Ltd is a Polish leader in design, production and implementation of radio communication devices and systems for the railway industry. Thanks to the efforts of Radionika’s employees, our products are unique, reliable and refined, approaching technical perfection. We are the only Polish and one of the few European companies producing GSM-R radio communication terminals. We thrive in finding, designing

and implementing novel technical solutions for railway radio communication systems. Customer satisfaction is one of Radionika’s chief priorities – we take great pride in satisfying the demands of our customers and the rolling stock standards’ demands by providing state-of-the-art radio communication products.

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We are doing our best to ensure our potential is realised, our skills are continuously developed and improved, and our position in the railway market remains strong and secure for the future to come. Every single railway operator in Poland, be it cargo or passenger, is familiar with the Koliber radio terminal. Its quality and functionality have

Communication Equipment for Rail

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established a robust new standard within Polish railways. Radionika’s radio appliances have been installed in every type of rail vehicle used in Poland. Radionika is also a remarkable supplier of stationary radio systems for the Polish railway. More than 3500km of railway lines, supervised by PKP PLK S.A., the Polish national railway infrastructure manager, have been equipped with the eDSR Koliber stationary radio system, enabling smooth communication between dispatchers and train

drivers. Many years of close collaborations with the PKP PLK, the Polish logistics and passenger train operator, and foreign and domestic rail vehicle manufacturers speak for the high quality and reliability of Radionika products, as well as the company itself. Allow us to restate – every railway worker participating in railway traffic in Poland knows what the Koliber radio is and where it has been designed and manufactured. We hope that knowledge will expand to other countries soon.

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Radionika Ltd prof. Michała Życzkowskiego 12, 31-864 Kraków +48 12 631 91 50 radionika@radionika.com www.radionika.com

DAMM frequency sharing functionality - a new cost-efficient way of building highly reliable networks. Ideal for optimising tunnel coverage and coverage along a railway line

Improve spectrum efficiency Frequency sharing allows adjacent BS422s to use the same frequencies. This is a significant benefit in low density networks and gives the possibility to cover for example a railway line with just two frequency pairs.

Simplify repeater systems With frequency sharing an indoor repeater system can be built without optical fibres. The same hardware can be used as base station and repeater unit, increasing redundancy and simplifying the network architecture by having one unified network management system and reduced spare part stock.

To learn more please go to dammcellular.com

Obtain base station geo-redundancy With the BS422, network availability can be brought to a new level. Two BS422s located at two sites can act as one fully redundant base station, sharing the same frequencies. This will add redundancy not only to the base station, but also to the whole antenna system.

DAMM Cellular Systems A/S Møllegade 68 6400 Sønderborg Denmark

Phone: +45 7442 3500 Email: sales@damm.dk www.dammcellular.com

Frequency sharing with the DAMM Base Station BS422 lets you build coverage in a completely new way: Simple, cost efficient and reliable.

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< Data & Information

DAMM Cellular Systems

How to Reduce Costs on Voice and Data Communications Networks

ll rail operators face the same challenge: the need to enhance passenger safety and improve services for the constantly increasing number of passengers, while at the same time minimising costs and resources. It seems like an impossible task, but it isn’t: cost-efficiency without compromising quality is possible – operators can achieve breakthrough TCO in both CAPEX and OPEX while keeping the high quality and 24/7 availability of their networks. The solution is to rethink the network design and take the traditional indoor base station solution outside. Besides the outdoor base stations being small and compact and providing constant availability, an outdoor solution meets the demand for breakthrough TCO, while at the same time significantly reducing the complexity of the network.

Traditional Network Design The network design has been the same for generations. Operators achieve network coverage with traditional indoor base stations consisting of an antenna system, transceiver, base station controller, power supply and a battery backup system. All components are typically doubled to provide maximum availability for mission and business-critical users. The drawback of this solution is complexity and unnecessary high costs. The complexity of different components in a base station requires a lot of space and therefore a shelter for the equipment is needed. Often an air-conditioning unit is then required to create a comfortable environment for the equipment. Further, spare part management becomes a challenge as every single component must be locally available so it can be replaced immediately in case of

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failure, maintaining radio network availability.

A Network Built with Outdoor Base Stations Reduce Maintenance and Operating Costs Building a network consisting of outdoor base stations will significantly reduce the amount and size of equipment and thereby reduce the complexity and costs of the network. Equipment can be reduced to the bare minimum of components, basically to a single box and an antenna. DAMM’s outdoor base stations have been optimised for rail and metro installation. The compact design of the base station makes it ideal for installation in narrow tunnels, directly on buildings and masts alongside the railway or in stations, reducing feeder loss and installation costs considerably. The ribbed design ensures passive

frequencies in low-density networks significantly reducing the number of frequency licences needed.

The special rugged design ensures a long service life, as it is built to endure metal dust and high humidity, which often characterise metro tunnels. Even for operations in extreme temperatures, DAMM base stations keep working. Due to redundancy, maintenance can be performed without shutting down operations, ensuring an efficient railway operation and avoiding costly downtime.

Base station frequency sharing mode can also be used in areas where optical repeater systems are typically deployed. Using base stations instead of external repeaters eliminates the need for expensive leaky feeder cables and will allow a unified management system and reduced spare part stock, minimising operational costs significantly.

Low Power Consumption DAMM’s outdoor base station offer extremely low power consumption. Mainly due to their small size and low weight they can be mounted directly on masts in close proximity to the antenna eliminating the need for long cables and subsequent loss of power. Power consumption is so low operators can even go green and choose a solar-powered solution. Besides the benefit of saving electricity costs on a daily basis, this environmentally friendly solution can also be used to meet goals in a rail operator’s environmental policy.

Higher Frequency Efficiency DAMM base stations are extremely frequency efficient. Using the DAMM frequency sharing functionality, coverage can be built with a minimal number of

Fewer Sites for Greater Coverage The base stations are available in a wide range of frequencies in both VHF and UHF bands giving operators the possibility to optimise their solution depending on covered area and available frequencies. For example, VHF will require fewer base station towers to achieve similar coverage as UHF in open, rural environments.

Proven solution A variety of different outdoor systems have been developed by different vendors and they have been successfully proven under various conditions in hot, in cold, under salt spray etc. So next time you are planning a voice and data communications network, consider an outdoor approach and benefit from the advantages this brings, like a breakthrough TCO.

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Trusted by Industry Leaders DAMM Cellular Systems has many years of experience in providing cost-effective solutions to major players within the transportation industry and have delivered systems for, e.g. Western Railway and Nagpur Metro in India, and Aurizon and FMG Railway in Australia. In other words, we have the knowhow and the expertise needed to support large-scale rail and metro projects around the world.

To learn more about our cost-efficient products and solutions and how we can help you, please contact: Pablo Rocha, Regional Sales & Global Transportation Director pr@damm.dk

Communication Equipment for Rail

cooling, eliminating the need for external air-conditioned housing or fans that risk breaking.

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< Data & Information

Predictive Wheelset Management: From Measurement to Demand Planning

redictive wheelset management can be considered a key innovation for the railroad industry, as the requirements are mainly met with digitalisation and technology developments (e.g. transmission speed and storage capacity). This article will present a methodology for optimised demand planning of wheelsets.

and maintenance provider of rail vehicles. Maintenance planning is controlled at headquarters and carried out at the appropriate time, preferably locally near the customer. In our example that component is a particularly important one: the wheelset, a safety-critical wearing part to which certain standards apply to ensure safety. Its maintenance planning is also worthwhile from an economic perspective – by replacing them at an optimal, rather than scheduled time.

TMH International is an internationally active manufacturer

The aim is for the entire process – from performing measurements, to

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monitoring values and planning and executing the maintenance – to be as digitalised as possible.

Predictive, Data-Driven Maintenance Predictive wheelset management is a preventive maintenance strategy. A single variable (often time or mileage) is assigned a high correlation to the component’s wear curve, and experience and/or engineering knowledge is used to determine an interval after which the component must be serviced/ replaced/maintained. This rule is

Wheelset Measurement Because the wheelset is a safetycritical wear part, its condition must be determined regularly by measuring critical parameters. This ensures safe rail operations and this

measurement data also informs immediate or future maintenance measures. The standard ‘EN15313 – Wheelsets and bogies – Wheelset maintenance’ specifies how these critical parameters are to be determined[1]. The measuring instruments of the CALIPRI® series ensure that the measurement results are in accordance with the standard and are reliable and precise. This is achieved by using the patented CALIPRI principle and its unique tilt correction. CALIPRI measuring equipment is used at TMH International to measure every single wheelset. CALIPRI also has the advantage that all wheelset parameters can be measured with one and the same measuring device in one measuring run, such as wheel profile results, wheel diameters, and wheel backto-back distances.

Data Storage The measurement of the wheelsets is step one. Storing this

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measurement data in a structured way so that further steps can be defined is pivotal. TMH International stores its data directly in the cloud. The cloudbased software solution CALIPRI Predictor is the ideal repository for wheelset measurement data. The advantage for TMH International is that it doesn’t have to worry about how the data gets to the cloud, nor does it have to make sure the data is secure. This is all taken care of by the CALIPRI world, where, after a series of measurements has been completed, the results are immediately transferred to the CALIPRI Predictor via an automated interface. Here, the data is then safe from loss and (only) the owner of the data can access it at any time.

Condition Monitoring/ Forecasts Decentralised data storage in the cloud has several advantages: •

The data is available

Predictive Management

fragile because it is a static solution for a dynamic system. Data-driven wheelset management adds certain influencing factors to the solution (or model) by digitalising, evaluating and collecting the factors in the model. In addition to domain and engineering expertise, data science supports the accuracy of predictions with stochastics and other statistical/ mathematical methods. The quality of the prediction is determined by the underlying data quality. What parameters are recorded and how accurately this is done is key. In the following section, we therefore outline a procedure that railroad companies can use to minimise measurement inaccuracies, thus laying the foundation for predictive wheelset management in the all-important process of data acquisition.

• •

immediately after the measurement It can be used immediately for a condition report Access is possible via any terminal device

CALIPRI Predictor immediately provides TMH International with an overview of the condition of the entire fleet. Assigned individuals are automatically notified when tolerance limits are exceeded, allowing them to respond without delay. The goal, however, is to prevent things from getting to the point where an unplanned, immediate maintenance measure is necessary. TMH International therefore uses the analysis functions of the CALIPRI Predictor to be able to initiate and plan these measures much earlier. A core element here is the wheel profile data measured by CALIPRI. It can be used to compare the wear behaviour of individual wheels with each other and to identify and analyse differences. The development of wear over time not only allows an analysis of the past, but also a look into the future, making it possible to take the step towards modern maintenance and plan for the long term.

Documentation / Verification Data management must be defined to document the entire maintenance history[1]. The basic condition for this is the coordinated linking of the necessary data to the real process. The challenge is to avoid a data graveyard and instead create a knowledge database that allows the collected

information to be found easily and comprehensibly. In addition, the challenge is the error-free transfer of the data within the IT systems. For this reason, a standard interface was developed between CALIPRI Predictor and Boom Rail Solutions, in which all the requirements of the standard for the necessary data fields are met. In addition to this standard, there are also various verification requirements in the course of the ECM regulation. These can also be properly ensured with Boom Rail Solutions by documenting not only the vehicle and wheelset data but also the resulting and executed maintenance measures.

Demand Planning The main benefit of predictive wheelset maintenance is improving planning processes. The static determination of maintenance and inspection intervals described above accepts large deviations in the progress of the wear condition. Wheelsets are brought to the workshop earlier than necessary. This safety buffer can be interpreted as a buffer of model inaccuracy. Following this logic, the main goal is to create more robust models that can reduce this uncertainty. In this context, it is important to emphasise that the described further development of preventive maintenance can be incremental. The consideration of even just one influencing factor can therefore already generate significant added value. A special application of this approach is the improved demand planning of wheelsets. Railroad companies such as TMH International are faced with the challenge of managing a large number of different vehicles and thus wheelsets, and consequently

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rarely have a constant, regular demand for certain wheelset groups. Instead, the varying wear curve combined with new acquisitions and market conditions lead to fluctuating demand[2]. To change the maintenance of railway wheelsets from timebased via condition-based to predictive maintenance, it’s crucial to implement a structured measurement and data handling procedure. This requires precise measurement devices and errorfree, automated data transfer to specialised tools. CALIPRI measurement devices and cloudbased apps like CALIPRI Predictor are made for exactly this purpose. Once this process has been implemented, it’s just the starting point of continuous improvement of the prediction and thus, optimised wheelset maintenance activities and demand planning. References [1] EN 15313, Railway applications – In-service wheelset operation requirements –In-service and offvehicle wheelset maintenance, Austrian Standards Institute, (2016) p.15. [2] Koether, R.: Distributionslogistik – Effiziente Absicherung der Lieferfähigkeit, Springer Gabler, 3, (2018) p.25.