I am very pleased to welcome everyone the website for the South Western Centre of the Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers - IMechE.
We now have our proposed programme for 2026 - if you would like a PDF copy please click here.
I look forward to welcoming you to our face-to-face meetings arranged for the whole of the year. The Future of Rail competition in February is open for any interested young engineer to enter – please contact our Secretary (email: m.james4@ntlworld.com).
We are continuing our successful engagement with universities with a career fayre and presentation at Cardiff University in March.
Our AGM this year is at the end of the year’s programme in December. I hope to see as many of you as possible.
Up to date information about our programme is available here on our website, please do keep checking here.
All our meetings are free and open to everyone, please do help us to spread this message amongst friends, family, and colleagues.
Please do let us know if you have any ideas for topics or events you would like us to put on. Also, have you considered joining the organising committee? We would be very pleased to hear from you.
We also run technical visits, normally one per year. 2025's visit was to see the fast charge battery train in action prior to its introduction into public service. Great Western Railway's team of specialist engineers explained the new technology and we debated the future uses. The picture below shows the SW Centre party boarding the train at West Ealing before a couple of trips to Greenford and back.
In addition most years we run a Summer Social event on a railway related
theme. 2025 we had a private visit to the Cholsey Wallingford Railway which included an excellent presentation on the historic Maidenhead platform canopy now fitted at Wallingford. Picture below is our party boarding our private train at Cholsey.
So wishing everyone a healthy and successful 2026 and look forward to meeting you at our events
Prasad Bhave
Centre Chair
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Event Type: Technical lecture
07 January 2026 17:15 to 19:00
Garner Hotel - Reading
An explanation of the current research and practical application of adhesion between rail wheel and rail. This is an in-person event in Reading and also available online - see joining instructions by clicking on event title.
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
09 February 2026 17:30 to 19:00
Rooms 5/6, Western House - Swindon
Presentations from young engineers - event is 17.00 for a 17.30 start (sandwiches and soft drink available from 17.00). After the presentations the winner is announced (who goes forward to the national final at IMechE HQ, London) and we adjourn for a social convivial refreshment in a local hostelry.
If you would like to be considered to present in the competition please contact (as soon as possible):
m.james4@ntlworld.com
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
11 March 2026 16:00 to 20:00
Cardiff University School of Engineering - Cardiff
There will be a Careers Fair with railway industry employers present from 16.00, and then a technical presentation on the innovations in electrification in South Wales from 17.30. This is a joint event with Women in Rail.
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
20 April 2026 17:00 to 19:00
Rooms 5/6, Western House - Swindon
Technical lecture on the inspection of Network Rail infrastructure by the use of drones. This is a follow on lecture from one held previously about the use of helicopters. Joint event with IET
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
07 September 2026 17:00 to 19:00
Rooms 5/6, Western House - Swindon
The new railway division chair, our own Matt Prosser, gives his inaugural Chairs address.
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
12 October 2026 17:00 to 19:00
Rooms 5/6, Western House - Swindon
Andy Mellors, Managing Director Avanti West Coast, gives his personal view of the railway privatisation era - its successes and failures.
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
10 November 2026 17:00 to 19:00
Rooms 5/6, Western House - Swindon
Following on from last Novembers presentation on reksignalling of London Underground's sub-surface lines; the story continues with the integration of train and infrastructure. Joint event with IET and IRSE.
Industry: Railway
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Event Type: Technical lecture
07 December 2026 17:00 to 20:00
STEAM Museum - Swindon
AGM of the RD South Western Centre, and then Geoff Hudson presents the story of the iconic Class 50 diesel locomotive from conception to preservation. This is our Christmas family lecture.
Industry: Railway