Engineering Support for East Midlands Railway

Background

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is a British train operating company under the ownership of the Transport UK Group. Having taken control of the East Midlands franchise in 2019, EMR operates train services in the East Midlands region, connecting various destinations from Norwich, Liverpool, Crewe, London, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire to the East Midlands region, and running intercity trains from London to Sheffield, via Derby and Nottingham.

EMR is in the process of acquiring a new fleet of bi-mode multiple units for its intercity service. The aim is to replace the existing ageing fleet and enhance its environmental performance by using overhead lines wherever possible.

The Aurora fleet, consisting of 33 five-car units, is being manufactured by Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe, with the initial units having entered the testing phase in late 2023 and with passenger service operation due in 2024.

The brief

The design approvals for the Class 810 fleet proved a more significant challenge than initially expected because there were more deviations from the typical AT300-type units than anticipated. To successfully complete the project, the Joint Project Manager required additional engineering support to manage the increased workload and ensure that the train design was both suitable for its intended purpose and compliant with all specified requirements.

EMR needed support with design approvals, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and reviewing maintenance documentation, so they engaged Encompass Engineering. Having already successfully completed these phases of similar projects for sister train operating companies – Greater Anglia and West Midlands Trains – EMR knew Encompass had the knowledge and experience required for this project.

The solution

Encompass Engineering provided an experienced, chartered Project Engineer to work as an extension of the new trains project team right alongside EMR’s own project engineers. This additional support is helping EMR manage the workload and their engagement with the rolling stock manufacturer but, more significantly, the Encompass team brings the additional benefit of valuable insights and lessons learned from their experience of working on similar projects and encountering similar challenges with other fleets.

The Encompass engineer also benefits from the support of the rest of the Encompass team of specialists, who share real-time knowledge and best practices regarding current issues from other new build projects in which they are actively involved.

The result

The experienced project engineer from Encompass works as an extension to the New Trains Team. This additional support means EMR are able to manage the increase in workload, but they also benefit from the knowledge the engineer, supported by the Encompass team, brings from working on similar projects, which has allowed EMR to identify risks and point towards solutions when issues arise during the project.

Testimonials

“Encompass contributed towards the speedy review and feedback of design and maintenance information that has helped move the project forward.”

— Rachel Turner, Head of New Trains, Joint Project Manager EMR-BMU

Case Studies

Strengthening cybersecurity for a new train fleet

Faced with the challenge of balancing strong cyber defenses with operational efficiency, the fleet owner and operator needed expert support.

Encompass Engineering was brought in to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities and develop tailored strategies to strengthen the fleet’s cyber resilience.

Noise management strategy for Northern

In line with new UK DfT requirements - Northern was required to identify and map all noise-prone, densely populated areas and vulnerable locations as part of their noise management strategies.

Northern engaged us to help complete this project. We were tasked with identifying Noise Important Areas, prioritising vulnerable areas and creating a framework for effective monitoring and targeted mitigation.

Maintenance documentation review for West Midlands Railway’s Class 196

West Midlands Railway, a major operator in the UK’s rail network, engaged our team at Encompass to conduct a comprehensive review of their Maintenance Design Justification File (MDJF).

This document plays a key role in ensuring proper fleet maintenance by outlining tasks and schedules essential to the safe and efficient operation of their trains. Our job was to validate this documentation, ensuring that the maintenance schedules matched the actual operational requirements.

Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) Implementation Support for Rock Rail’s Arterio Fleet

Rock Rail and South Western Railway sought to take a more proactive approach to the maintenance of their Arterio fleet by installing an Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS).

We supported Rock Rail with the system's implementation, ensuring it met technical specifications and delivered reliable, real-time monitoring of train components for early detection of potential issues.

Chiltern Railways – Stourbridge depot noise management project

Chiltern Railways was receiving growing noise complaints from the community around their Stourbridge depot.

They asked us to carry out a noise assessment and develop a Noise Action Plan to address the issue and demonstrate their commitment to resolving the problem and making improvements.

Value stream mapping of rail sidings activities at Tyseley depot

West Midlands Trains has multiple depots across the UK where it carries out essential maintenance tasks. One of their key depots is Tyseley, in Birmingham.

All units arrive and depart in the sidings in the upper part of the depot with direct links to the live network. Between arrival and departure, there are a series of tasks to undertake, which given its state, were challenging to complete and led to depot inefficiencies.

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