Rail Live 2017: Part 2 - Highlights

Rail Live is billed as "one of the largest outdoor rail exhibitions in Europe. Based in the Rail Live offers companies the unique opportunity to showcase products and services in a real rail setting". And it certainly doesn't disappoint, with over 300 exhibitors spread over a 120 acre site.

With so many exhibitors it could be easy to get overwhelmed if you're not sure what you're looking for and with the sweltering heat of the day exploring the event wasn't easy. All I knew was I wanted to find the new, unusual and the impressive.

First stop though (for a good 10 minutes) was RVT Group's stand, talking to one of their representatives was a perfect excuse to cool off in front of one of the powerful fans that they had switched on. A perfect demonstration of how powerful and effective the ventilation systems they provide are.


After cooling off I didn't have to travel far to find "the impressive". Sonic Rail Services certainly had one of the most impressive displays at the event. SRS who provide permanent way works and electrical track maintenance, boast their own fleet of HGVs and plant machinery which they themselves maintain. What better way to demonstrate their capabilities than by hoisting a 30 tonne road rail excavator 2 to 3 meters in the air.



Keeping with the plant machine theme, Ground Control had one of their unique Menzi Muck machines on display. This wheeled excavator is able to access sites than would stop other excavators in their tracks (excuse the pun).

Each wheel is attached to an independently controlled arm, allowing the Menzi Muck walking excavator to operate safely on steep inclines and on uneven terrain making it ideal for works involving embankments and difficult to reach locations.


I think the usual title has to go to Searchwise Ltd who were demonstrating underwater equipment with the help of a container full of water and diver, who was probably happy to be inside the tank for change (given the heat outside) 


On the rails, two impressive rail machines were on display.

Balfour Beatty had brought along its High Output wiring train which they say is "capable of installing a full tension length of 2,000m of catenary and contact wire simultaneously under differing tensions in around four hours" [1]

The train is able to travel to and from possessions at a top speed of 50mph and once on site the train can operate whilst the adjacent line is open.



At the other side of the site S&C North Alliance a partnership of Amey, Rhomberg Sersa and Network Rail were demonstrating a machine which will be used for the excavation, transportation and distribution of ballast. 

On track was a specialised conveyor system which can dispense ballast between the rails or to the side of the track. This conveyor system works in tandem with MFS (Materialförder- und Siloeinheit, or material conveyor and storage) wagons. The MFS wagons on display at the event had the ability to travel both on and off the rails thanks to two pairs of crawler tracks.

The off rail capability allows the MFS wagons to transport and dispose of spoil from excavations. The MFS wagons are also designed to work in conjunction with an inline conveyor excavator which will be delivered to the UK in July.

Video of the conveyor in action

Conveyor system. here being propelled by a Unimog road rail vehicle

An MFS wagon being demonstrated off the track

Finishing where I ended my visit, with a stand that caught my eye just as I was making my way back for the return shuttle. It was hard to ignore the ordnance that First Line Defence had on display, a reminder of German bombing campaign during WWII, which has left thousands of un-exploded shells scattered across Britain.

First Line Defence are there to help identify potential risks and locations where un-exploded bombs may still remain. If shells are identified FLD can direct the MOD to dispose of them safely.



These images and more are available by request, please e-mail Info@EngineeringFocus.co.uk


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