Rail Minister Huw Merriman visited Merehead Rail Sidings and Torr Works Quarry on Thursday, 16th May, and given an explanation about VTG’s technologically advanced iWagon.

The iWagon has been developed in a partnership between VTG Rail UK, Mendip Rail, and Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK).

During his visit, the minister received an explanation of how VTG’s iWagon technology and advancing rail freight collaboration will improve rail freight performance through enhanced safety measures, operational efficiencies, and increased wagon availability.

Engineers and innovators from VTG and Knorr-Bremse developed the wagon’s cutting-edge technology that integrates state-of-the-art sensors, data analytics, and automation.

Together, these are designed to transform the safety, performance, and reliability standards of rail freight wagons.

A feature of the iWagon is its real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities, which increase efficiency by optimising wagon utilisation and reducing downtime.

Axle lock detection and Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) technology monitor wheelset slide and brake condition.

Generators at the end of the axles provide power to the WFP system and provide power for digital real-time maintenance, temperature monitoring, and harmonics frequency monitoring.

During his visit, it was explained to the minister about the 20-year partnership between VTG and Mendip Rail that removes the equivalent of 400,000 lorry movements every year from the roads, with a 76% reduction in CO2.

Earlier this year, VTG secured an order from Direct Rail Services for 25 JNA-Z box wagons for leasing to Nuclear Transport Solutions rail division DRS .

I’m a strong supporter of the rail freight sector, which has a huge role to play not only in keeping our economy moving but in an environmentally friendly way too. Exciting new developments like this are a perfect example of the industry using cutting-edge technology to power toward our ambitious growth target.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman

It was a pleasure to show the Rail Minister the huge advantages that the iWagon will bring to the rail freight industry. The iWagon, which we work on jointly with our partners at Knorr-Bremse, will revolutionise rail freight.

Rail freight already has a good track record for safety but that doesn’t mean that we should stop striving for even better. Our partnership with VTG on the iWagon is a monumental breakthrough for our whole industry. Together, we are innovating, developing and implementing game changing technology.

Thanks to the iWagon, our industry can see how axles perform on the network in real-time and see where adhesion issues are occurring. Digitisation allows us to prevent wheelset damage and axle locks, ensuring multiple parties are given information quickly allowing appropriate corrective action. These are exciting times for rail freight.

Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK)

Initiatives like the iWagon are transforming the way that rail freight operates on the network and they’re going to bring huge benefits to productivity, to safety and to the appeal of rail freight to our customers. It’s brilliant to see the uptake of technology and the new initiatives that are coming on stream.

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group

The relationship we have with Mendip Rail is one of the best we have in Europe. They are a perfect customer because they have invested into the rail solution as part of their supply chain, so, for us, this is the perfect environment in which to provide a state-of-the-art solution for our client.

Alberto Nobis, CEO of VTG GmbH

It was our pleasure to host the Rail Minister and provide a platform for VTG and Knorr-Bremse to exhibit their exciting iWagon technology. Doing so amongst our working rail sidings really helps to bring the application of the technology to life. We move close to nine million tonnes of aggregate each year on VTG wagons so to see their commitment to improving rail freight safety through technology is extremely reassuring and key to our strong partnership.

Damien Preece, General Manager of Mendip Rail

Collaborations like the one we see at Mendip Rail are really important in rail freight. On site there is the rail freight operator, the quarry, Mendip Rail operations and maintenance facilities. That’s a collaboration of different businesses working seamlessly together. Every night they despatch dozens of trains, sending millions of tonnes of aggregate to London and the South-East and across the country. It really couldn’t work without the dedication of all those companies and all those people working together.

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group