See 'Innovation Hub' supply chain train at Rail Live

Visitors to Rail Live 2019 will be able to witness the official launch of Porterbrook’s ‘Innovation Hub’ train.

A converted Class 319, the ‘Innovation Hub’ has been described as effectively the missing link in the supply chain, by allowing products to be ‘fast-tracked’ into a rail setting.

The concept has been developed since Porterbrook’s first ever supplier conference last year, at which attendees identified an inability to showcase products on a real train as a key obstacle to successful innovation.

Porterbrook Head of Innovation and Technical Services Chandra Morbey said of the ‘Innovation Hub’: “We were keen to make the whole process as simple and easy for suppliers as possible, so that we - and they - could focus on their ideas and innovation. Drawing on Porterbrook’s expert team of engineers, innovations were reviewed, and more than 30 different innovation ideas were selected to showcase.”

Suppliers include 3M, 42 Technology, Altro, Aqueios Guard, Aura Graphics, Axminster Carpets, Birley Manufacturing, BlockDox, Blocksil, Camira Fabrics, Chrysalis, Digital Railway Ltd, ELeather, EAO, ESG Rail, Flitetrak, I M Kelly R & A Ltd, Infodev EDI, Inspiring Solutions Group, KeTech Systems, Milwaukee Composites Incorporated, Motorail, On Train, Powelectrics, Revitaglaze, Stewart Signs, Train FX, Transcal Engineering, TRB Lightweight Structures, Unipart Rail and URGroup.

Network Rail, which is already bringing its survey helicopter to the June 19-20 event (RAIL 876), is now also to showcase another key part of its maintenance fleet.

The unique Class 950 Track Recording Unit is based on a Class 150 Sprinter but was specially built to a modified design for its dedicated role. Fitted with specialist laser and video recording equipment, it can run on lines barred to the larger HST-based New Measurement Train.

Other rolling stock attending the show includes Vivarail’s battery Class 230 and Britain’s first full-sized hydrogen-powered train, Porterbrook’s HydroFLEX (RAIL 875).

The British Transport Police, Rail Accident Investigation Branch and a variety of ‘yellow plant’ are also to attend Rail Live, which takes place at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre at Long Marston. More than 6,000 people and 250-plus exhibitors are expected to attend the event, and Great Western Railway is planning on bringing a dedicated charter train from London direct to the site.

Rail Live’s exclusive seminars continue to be developed, with more participants announced to join keynote speakers Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling and Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines.

When? 19–20 June 2019

Where? Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Warwickshire

Entry? Free! Secure your complimentary pass here

Details? Find out more here