Resources
Rail industry
The railways consist of the old and the new in a bizarre combination that is probably unique in the world’s industries. Yet in spite of this mixture they remain surprisingly successful, due largely to the ingenuity of engineers and managers who display inventiveness of a calibre seen in the early days of rail. - -
Content
Acceleration from past to future
The railways consist of the old and the new in a bizarre combination that is probably unique in the world’s industries. But the industry will need to face up to a whirlwind of changes coming its way.
Locomotives: Engineers still get their kicks with the Class 66
There are far-reaching effects from the decision to buy North American diesels and their reliability has cornered the market for freight motive power in the UK.
Shape of the industry: Bumpy ride likely for manufacturers
Moves towards standardisation and consolidation are welcome but may not be sufficient to improve reliability and profitability.
Liberalisation: Steam builds behind moves toward change
State-owned systems face a series of challenges from the private sector.
Tilting trains: Leaning into the straight and narrow
The astute use of technology has taken the place of upgrading track in the constant drive towards faster journeys.
Signalling: Europe-wide management system gets a cautious green light
The introduction of a set of common standards could take decades to achieve fully.
Driverless metros: The sad death of another boyhood dream
There’s little point in hoping to be a train driver when you grow up if transit authorities convert to computer-controlled systems that could dispense with the man in charge.
High-speed travel: The race to be fastest on the track
Manufacturers cherish their own competing visions of the future and that has implications for orders.
Trams: A streetcar-driven desire to engineer lower floors
The challenge is to balance traditional design with ease of use.
