New Train Introduction

Whether you’re introducing new rolling stock – our team of experts is ready to support you at every stage.

With years of experience working with Rolling Stock Operating Companies, Train Operating Companies and train Manufacturers, we have the necessary skills to effectively coordinate the requirements of the various stakeholders, allowing us to provide a service of the highest quality.

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Rolling stock lifecycle management

Whether you are a train operator, owner or manufacturer – when managing the lifecycle of trains, there are many elements to consider.

From conducting a review into deferred work, planning a mid-life refresh of a unit or even managing spare materials, each process is as important as the next. Often, the focus is on ensuring rolling stock is generating revenue and delivering a core service to the Economy and the inner workings of the life cycle are overlooked until the last minute.

Our comprehensive rolling stock lifecycle management services include everything you need to manage and maintain the lifecycle of your fleet and get ahead of the curve in planning future works management.

Our services include:

  • Deferred work management
  • Modification technical review
  • Modification roll out and management
  • Technicians to complete modifications
  • Exam management and planning
  • Materials management and review
  • Maintenance optimisation
  • Cascade planning (transfer of fleets)
  • Handback inspections
  • Rail storage – movement and planning

Introducing new rolling stock

Introducing new rolling stock is a significant undertaking for any operator, owner or manufacturer. Successfully navigating these complex projects requires a wealth of experience to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget.

From bidding for the contract to the design phase or material procurement and inspection all the way through to manufacture, test and commissioning, the journey is a long and challenging one which requires additional support at varying stages of the project.

Our team of experts have vast experience working in this field, providing support across all facets of the railway sector. We strive to ensure the new rolling stock is a considerably better solution than the existing fleets they are replacing.

Our specialist engineers seamlessly integrate with the large project teams across the operators and manufacturers, helping connect the dots and resolve complex challenges.

Our services include:

  • Project management
  • Engineering support
  • Complete design reviews
  • Requirements management
  • Manufacturing support
  • Production line quality inspections

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  • First article inspection
  • Testing and commissioning
  • Customer liaison
  • Engineering change management
  • Networking testing and validation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Challenges may include technical complexities during design and manufacturing, regulatory compliance, integration with existing infrastructure, testing and certification requirements, and budget constraints.
Strategies may include implementing preventive maintenance programs, adopting predictive maintenance technologies, optimising fleet utilisation, monitoring asset performance, and prioritising investments based on asset condition and criticality.
Lifecycle management practices can promote sustainability by optimising energy efficiency, reducing emissions, maximizing resource utilisation through recycling and refurbishment, and incorporating eco-friendly materials in design and manufacturing processes.
You take the following steps: 1. You establish a team, with clear roles and responsibilities and a clear escalation path 2. You set ground rules for engagement with the manufacturer and other parties 3. You ensure all requirement sources are understood and set out 4. Agreement is made on the compliant nature of the requirements and what is to be used for design ie: original requirement, bid response or a combination of the two. 5. A plan is created, with clear go/no-go decision making points.
When introducing new rolling stock - reliability issues with the new units are to be expected. To manage this additional strain, the existing trains must continue to be maintained to a high standard so that when the time comes, they can be handed back in the best possible condition and potential additional costs avoided.

Testimonials

Encompass Engineering has played a crucial role in our endeavours at West Midlands Trains, particularly during the implementation of our new Cl 196 fleet. Their unwavering support has proven invaluable, encompassing critical aspects such as technical assistance through modification reviews, testing witnessing, wayside engineering, and proficient project management to facilitate the integration of the units into passenger service. Their contribution has not only assisted us in overcoming challenges but has also significantly enhanced the depth of our capabilities when it mattered most.

— John Doughty, Engineering Director, West Midlands Trains

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Find out how our team of specialist engineers can help