12.05.2017
May 2017 – Railtex 2017 – The Highlights
Published on: 12/05/2017
Discover the highlights from this year’s biggest Rail Exhibition held in the UK, Railtex 2017
Railtex, the three-day international railway equipment, systems and services exhibition which launched on 9th May at the NEC in Birmingham and finished on 11th May, provides an unrivalled opportunity in the UK for companies serving all aspects of the infrastructure and rolling stock sectors to present their capabilities and experience within the industry.
Railtex features hundreds of exhibitors from the likes of Hitachi, Siemens, Alstom, Cisco, HS2 and Stadler.
42 Technology ‘Adaptable Carriage’ system ready for rail trials
An innovative new system to stow seats within passenger train carriages to create space for cargo is now available for train operating companies to trial.
42 Technology has developed a complete seating system that will enable train operating companies to configure specific carriages to carry either passengers or high value cargo as required.
The ‘Adaptable Carriage’ system allows the seats and tables to be automatically stowed to create space for ‘low density, high value’ packages and other cargo that would otherwise go by road. This programme has been developed as part of a two year RSSB funded programme and when deployed, could help ease road congestion, cut emissions and allow online retailers to offer later order cut-off times, faster deliveries and new services.
For more information on the ‘Adaptable Carriage’ click here
Trains could carry up to 30% more passengers with PriestmanGoode’s new design
Design consultancy PriestmanGoode has designed two new seats for public transport which they hop will make public transport more comfortable and less crowded.
The Horizon and Island Bay seats are thought to create up to 30% more capacity in train carriages, according to PriestmanGoode.
Speaking of the development, Paul Priestman, Chairman at PriestmanGoode said,
“We’re currently facing a dilemma. It’s imperative that we encourage mass transit over the use of personal vehicles if we want to live in a more sustainable world. But as more people use those services, many passengers face stress and discomfort as they try to get a seat or even just board a train.
As designers, we need to innovate to help alleviate the problem and improve passenger experience.”
The Horizon concept features a staggered seat design, which increases the shoulder space between passengers, creating a smaller and personal space, it aims to increase space in a train carriage by 20-30%. The new design has two foot rests at different heights, a table that can hold tablets and mobiles at different angles for optimum viewing and also has a USB charging point. Other features include, the head rest can be folded down, the chairs have more under-seat space and hooks for bags and luggage, removing the need for overhead storage compartments.
Alstom revealed a new EMU for the UK and launches CLever at Railtex
Alstom launched their new EMU design to the world at Railtex this year, the reference train used was a five car unit that has the capacity to carry up to 500 passengers.
In addition to unveiling the rolling stock, Alstom presented its new CLever cantilever following approval of the system by Network Rail. CLever is an innovative cantilever for main-line railway which offers high adjustability, easy installation and maintenance. It is compatible with Network Rail’s Series 2 and Master Series range of electrification equipment.
Steve Cox, Engineering & Technical Director at Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “This solution is more affordable and safer than conventional ones. With electrification continuing to be a priority for the UK network, CLever’s high adjustability, easy installation, reduced weight and easy maintenance, mean it can play an important role in achieving our electrification targets.”
Hitachi’s HS2 Train Concept
Hitachi Rail Europe will bid for the contract to build the HS2 trains in the North East, which could lead to hundreds of jobs. The contract is worth £2.75 billion, requiring up to 60 trains that’ll travel at around 225mph and will be awarded in 2019. The HS2 high-speed line is due to open between London and Birmingham in 2026.
Nick Hughes, Europe Sales Director at Hitachi Rail, said:
“Our HS2 trains would be built in Britain, for Britain and combine world-leading Japanese Shinkansen technology with British manufacturing know-how. By building at Hitachi’s facility in the North East, our high speed trains would bring together values of pioneering engineering, industry-leading reliability and innovative design. The trans will offer next generation passenger experience, utilising the latest smart digital technologies.”
They unveiled their bid for the HS2 train, showing all visitors their prototype. Hitachi showcased it’s AT400 known as the ‘The British Bullet Train’ which will be a 200m-long eight-car train mounted on bogies and designed for 360km/h operation.
GD Rectifiers are the UK’s leading distributor of power semiconductors. They supply Semiconductor Components and Rectifiers to the railway industry, they work with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers to help innovate the future of rail technology.
For further information on GD Rectifiers’ products please call 01444 243 452 or email: enquiries@gdrectifiers.co.uk.
