Paul Tuohy

Research projects deliver practical benefits for rail

2

Can anyone help with building an app based on our web based data base please, it’s to load photos and data in and view when we have poor reception, then when we have reception automatically issues to our data base?

1

9 Comments

🔴Our 7-ton excavator has returned to the yard after a brief tour of Wiltshire, completing a range of tasks including drainage, site clearance, track reconsolidation, and demolition. A quick grease up and check over then back out next week to start a small demolishion job on a farm in East Wiltshire 🟡Back in the yard, I've welded some cutting edges onto the trenching buckets. Having a blade during trenching, particularly near services, is much safer. I prefer to weld the blade onto the teeth, making it a slight extension of the bucket. This provides the operator and the banksman with a clearer view of the bucket teeth tips while excavating trenches and improves accuracy when digging to specific levels. 🟢The Takeuchi TB370 is an exceptional machine; its hydraulics are superb. The undercarriage is nearly as large as that of a 5-ton excavator, and the boom arm is comparable in size to an 8-ton excavator. Its versatility is extensive, and despite its compact size, it boasts considerable breakout force and power, making it an impressive piece of machinery to operate and a true frontrunner in the field. Takeuchi #bucketblades #goodoperator #prideofthefleet

29

Unlike our Retro Beam Bridge, Retro Light Bridge and Retro Heavy Bridge modular bridge systems, panel bridges require extensive on-going bolt re-tightening maintenance when open to traffic to ensure they remain fit for purpose and safe for bridge users. This week we are back on site in Buckinghamshire for a number of night-time road closures to check and re-tighten the bolts that have worked loose under traffic in this 55m span 2-lane panel bridge carrying a public road diversion. Although panel bridges are the right solution in a small number of scenarios when properly maintained, our other modular bridge systems avoid the costs and disruption associated with these bolt re-tightening works. Retro Bridge - Leading the future of bridging.

69

7 Comments

George Moore Here’s where the skip trade was 40 years ago. May 1983 - Wessex Plant Hire increased the price of a 6 yard skip into Havant / Hayling to £24 plus vat! May 1983 HT Hughes increased tipping rates into Down End Quarry Fareham to £1.50 per loose mtr or £6.90 per 4.6m skip. Note this site does not close for lunch! By 1988 the price of a 4.6m3 skip had risen to £30-£43 Hughes Container Service. In addition £1.00 per day bin rental after day 3. Other firms followed in a similar fashion. By 1988 tipping had risen to £2.75m3 loose at Down End. Skip onto 1994 and we into the mid £50 - £60 for a 4.6m3 skip. Wages for a skip driver lorry 1988 £3.70 ph 1989 £4.07 1990 £4.27 In September 1996 Wessex advised customers that the new Landfill Tax would likely increase a 4.6m3 skip by around £33! And we all started to see the price of skips getting around the £100 plus vat mark. Move onto 2004, that’s 20 years ago, and we can see prices being offered at £120. Landfill Tax wasn’t popular but it’s proved to be the driver that wasn’t there before 1996. There will need to be more drivers in place but another 21% increase in LFT next April will sharpen minds.

38

3 Comments

At DigiSig Rail Group Ltd Rail we believe in protecting our rail environment which is why our team member Ben Blakemore went onto an excellent Environmental Awareness Training Course which was delivered by High Speed Training. In today's world, environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect of every industry, including the rail sector. As the demand for eco-friendly practices continues to grow, we believe that it is essential for rail companies to prioritise environmental awareness training for all their employees, so that they: 1. Understand the Impact: Environmental awareness training equips our employees with the knowledge and understanding of how their actions can impact the environment. By educating our team on the importance of reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and minimising waste, we can significantly contribute to a greener future. 2. Compliance with Regulations: The rail industry is subject to numerous environmental regulations and standards which aim to reduce pollution and protect natural habitats. By providing environmental awareness training, we can ensure that our employees are well-informed about these regulations and comply with them effectively. 3. Promoting Sustainable Practices: We believe environmental awareness training encourages our employees to adopt sustainable practices in their daily operations. From energy-efficient driving techniques to waste reduction strategies, these training programs empower our team to make environmentally conscious decisions that benefit both the planet and the company's bottom line. In conclusion, environmental awareness training is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is a fundamental step towards building a more sustainable future for the rail industry. By educating employees about the importance of environmental stewardship and empowering them to take action, companies can drive positive change and lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. #environmental #awareness #training #courses #rail #signalling #design #industry Ben McCluskey BA (Hons), FCIPS Tim Moss Keith Upton Sanjay Razdan Julie-Ann Kean Gary C.

9

1 Comment

More video footage of father and son working for Karpa engineering removing 16 ton tyre presses in the basement of cooper tyres in melksham Shows the skill of Reece Townsend manoeuvring the versa 40/60 around the building structures #karpaengineering# #versamachinemovers# #teamworkfathersndson# #16tontyrepresses# #topoperatormarktownsend# #topoperatorreeceyboy#

4

Trailer Breakdowns   This is a word that we all “hate”, and we constantly blame the technician for his poor quality of workmanship. We seldom ask the question, what can we do differently, or do the technician have all the necessary equipment, PLUS training? We all assume if he is qualified then he must know everything – WRONG.   Let’s do something differently Technology is available, why do we not use it to prevent human errors? REAL time technology systems that notify management of potential break down or risk factors - examples: -       Trailer does not have the required air supply to release the brakes – brake binding -       Number of harsh braking -       ABS interventions -       RSS interventions -       Number of brakes applications -       Incorrect tyre pressure(s) per wheel position -       Load distribution -       TPMS temperature   All the above risk notifications on a map indicating the position, date, and time.   Below real time graphs indicate tyre pressures and temperatures - now we can start to manage cost factors.  

4

Network Rail invests £33 million to stabilise a critical section of the East Coast Main Line 🚧 Near Browney Curve in Durham, engineers have been working since September 2023 to address ongoing land movement that could lead to major disruptions in passenger and freight services due to landslips. 🔧 Key project highlights: Pile Installation: 529 piles, up to 25 meters deep, are being driven into the ground. The 400th pile has already been installed! Drainage Improvements: Enhanced drainage systems are being implemented to prevent waterlogging. Embankment Reshaping: The embankment is being widened and regraded for improved stability. Environmental Measures: New trees and wildflower meadows are being planted to help stabilise the ground. The project is now 75% complete and is expected to wrap up this autumn, with final land reshaping continuing until spring 2025. The work is being carried out in collaboration with contractor Story, with piling progressing at six piles per day. 🛤️ Jon Calvert, Network Rail’s portfolio delivery director, stated: "Keeping the railway running safely and smoothly is what we’re here to do, and it’s paramount for us to take proactive action like here at Browney Curve to prevent problems before they happen. This is a mammoth worksite, the largest of its kind in Network Rail’s Eastern region, and our engineers are working tirelessly to secure the East Coast Main Line for the future. It’s a huge achievement to have done this while causing minimal disruption to this vital rail route, which will soon be better protected for passengers and freight for years to come."

3

Can you guess what we’re doing?👀 Here’s a sneak peak into the next phase of our yard extension project in Bolton! Video 2 dropping 🔜 #civilengineering #earthworks #concreting #foundations #groundworks #separatortank

22

2 Comments

The importance of seeking advice… Yesterday I hit a personal record of 14 days from date of variation application to approval of interim licence. This was because we sat down and made sure everything was in order before submitting to CLO, on the flip side to this I have supported operators who don’t have everything organised and it takes months and months for approval because there is always a further request for information. Being an operator is about being organised, if the application is messy and not taken seriously, what will the operation look like if granted ? If you are unsure on the requirements or if you have submitted everything neccesary, get some advice. Drop me a message if needed or email [email protected] #OperatorLicence

10

📅 Network Rail CP7 supplier update – Monday 4 November 13:00-14:30 Following reports in recent months of suppliers experiencing a general hiatus in rail work, RIA and other Trade Associations (including Civil Engineering Contractors Association (National) and Rail Forum) have been in conversation with Network Rail regarding the need for as much clarity and transparency on budgets and work pipeline as possible.  We are pleased to report Network Rail will hold an online briefing for all suppliers with senior representatives across on 4 November 13:00 – 14:30. In attendance on the call will be Regional Managing Directors, Capital Delivery Directors, and Commercial Directors, plus representatives from Route Services and Tracey W., Group Procurement & Commercial Director. We hope that the event will provide suppliers with more clarity on CP7 expected budgets and spend. Attendees will be able to put questions to Network Rail colleagues on the call, and additionally we are collating questions from our members in advance. Members can send their questions by COP Friday 1 November, via the link below. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e3bh44Jj #CP7 #RailSupplier #RailIndustry #PipelineVisibility

23

2 Comments

Another load of XtremeMat being offloaded! If you want to experience the unparalleled  temporary trackway product that so many contractors love then DM me to discuss further. #groundprotection #temporaryaccesssystems

11

Wonder what it's like on one of our courses? 🛤️ Listen below to one of our Technical Trainers Adam Thomson briefing a learner prior to a Track Handback practical event. SOUND ON 🔉 #trackhandback #railengineers #railways #ukrail #railuk #railtraining

12

Some interesting stats on the state of the industry this week. The industry has lost over 400,000 workers in the last 5 years, dropping from 2.43 to 2.04m workers since 2019. Its probably the same old story of boom & bust, poor working conditions & better opportunities elsewhere. It will certainly be interesting to see how the new government think they will will be able to build 1.5m extra homes in just 5 years! I will be interested to hear others thoughts in the current state of, and immediate future of the industry #sls #laboursupply #sls #laboursupply

10