MP Jason McCartney and Rail Industry representatives from the Railway Industry Association North group recently visited the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) to discuss the state of the rail industry and how to get the best from its future potential.

The visit to the Institute was organised as part of the Railway Industry Association’s Rail Fellowship; the Institute is a leading centre for railway engineering research and is linked to the University of Huddersfield.

During their visit, the delegates discussed major rail infrastructure projects, and Jason McCartney reiterated his support for HS2 while highlighting the valuable lessons to be learned from the successful completion of Crossrail where the absence of complaints after its completion shows how once people saw its benefits they quickly became supportive of it.

Further discussions covered the significance of skills, the importance of attracting young talent, and gaining parental support in fostering careers in the industry.

After the meeting, the delegates took an exclusive tour of the Institute where they were shown robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks currently carried out by humans in depots across the country that offer the potential for increased efficiency and productivity in the rail industry.

They also saw a £3.5 million High-Speed Pantograph Testing Rig that is used for research and assessment of new pantograph designs and development of improvements, and a £1.2 million Train Hi-Fidelity On-board Motion Simulator (THOMoS), which is a replica carriage that accurately replicates on-board motions and sensations. The simulator allows research to be carried out into enhancing passenger comfort and evaluating the effect of vehicle designs.

Another demonstration showed the delegates the HAROLD (Huddersfield Adhesion, Rolling Contact, and Brake Rig), which is a unique full-scale test rig that functions as a form of ‘rolling road’ for rail. It provides an important role in conducting research into adhesion, traction, and braking, materials assessment, and evaluating wheel and rail profile designs.

Jason McCartney MP said, “It’s always great to catch up with the IRR to see the innovative technologies developed here. The commitment to research and development in the rail industry is commendable and promises a bright future for our nation’s railway infrastructure.”

Justin Moss, RIA North Chair, commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Institute of Railway Research in facilitating discussions between industry representatives and supportive MPs like Jason McCartney. This exchange of ideas is crucial in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced rail sector.”

Paul Allen, Director of the Institute of Railway Research (IRR), said, “We are honoured to have hosted Jason McCartney MP and the delegates from RIA North. The visit not only allowed us to demonstrate our research but also fostered constructive discussions on the future of the rail industry. We remain committed to driving innovation and research within the sector to shape a sustainable and technologically advanced railway system for the benefit of all.”