2021 / 2022 PROGRAMME

We hope that you will find our 2021/22 programme to be varied, topical and relevant. It’s an exciting time to be part of Scotland’s railway as our programme indicates. This includes a presentation on Scotland’s hydrogen train and how this supports the developing hydrogen economy, Scotland’s new tourist trains and how the project to re-open the Levenmouth branch has been developed. We also have presentations planned on Scotland’s signalling strategy, the use of the Bo’ness railway’s class 37 diesel locomotives for freight and tourist trains and a technical tour around Brodie Engineering’s Kilmarnock plant.

However so as not to be too parochial we have a presentation from Transport for Wales to show how another devolved administration is developing its rail network. Some of our presentations concern more general issues of which seat comfort is one. New opportunities for rail freight is also a key issue for the future of rail.

The Future of Rail is also the title of our competition for the industry’s engineers of the future. This is always a fascinating event at which those new to the industry explain their involvement in specific projects. The annual political event at which an industry leader offers their views is also well worth attending. To ensure its topicality this has yet to be arranged. The new Chair of the IMechE’s Railway Division, James Collinson will be also offering his perspective on the industry in his annual address. 

Having delivered all our presentations by Zoom last season we have missed the opportunity to get together with everyone. However, one of the benefits of this is that all our presentations are on the Railway section of IMechE webinar hub which is a great learning resource www.imeche.org/webinar-hub.

As we emerge from the Covid crisis we are planning to hold “real” event that can be joined by a virtual audience. Arrangements for this have yet to be finalised and will be advised on our near you page. https://nearyou.imeche.org/near-you/UK/Scottish-Region/Scottish-RD-Centre

If you have a technical interest in railways, you would be welcome at our events which provide an excellent opportunity to chat informally to presenters, and network with colleagues.  Please feel free to contact the Centre with ideas for future events or if you wish to be on our email distribution list. Email us at rdscotland@imechenetwork.org

Iain Rae

Chairman, Railway Division Scottish Centre