Britain’s newest train joins Rail Live’s star attractions

Britain’s newest inter-city train is to attend Rail Live. LNER’s Azuma, which entered passenger-carrying service in May (RAIL 879), is planned for display at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre as part of the June 19/20 event.

LNER Managing Director David Horne told RAIL: “We are incredibly proud that one of our state-of-the art Azuma trains will be featured at Rail Live 2019. As the newest and most advanced train in the UK, it will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many features and benefits Azuma brings to creating the very best customer experience.”

Bringing the rail industry together at a single venue, Rail Live continues to develop. Department for Transport Permanent Secretary Bernadette Kelly has joined the line-up as a keynote speaker and will present an update on the Williams Review. Kelly joins other speakers including Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines and (subject to parliamentary business) Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling.

With Great Western Railway running special trains direct to the show from Paddington, using an Intercity Express Train, LNER’s announcement means that Hitachi’s new units from both its current users will be present. Demonstrations at Rail Live will include the positioning of switches and crossings by Network Rail’s only Kirow crane. The infrastructure owner will also display a High Output Ballast Cleaner, a survey helicopter and its Class 950 Track Recording Unit.

Together with Cranfield University, NR will demonstrate tenth-scale equipment that automates the finding and repairing of track faults. The system combines the use of cameras, a robot and 3D printing. It uses an open source controller as its ‘brain’, is independently powered by battery, and communicates using wireless technology.

Debuts at this year’s show include Porterbrook’s Innovation Hub and its HydroFLEX - the UK’s first full-sized hydrogen train. Vivarail is to display its fast charging system and battery powered Class 230. ‘Yellow Plant’ to be exhibited includes Pro Rail Services’ RRV Drainage Suction Unit, developed in conjunction with Network Rail. Pro Rail is also due to display a Doosan 270 Heavy Lift RRV Excavator, as well as drainage and topographical surveying equipment. Balfour Beatty is to exhibit its ‘Drain Train 2’, road-rail vehicles and Omnicapture3D portable mobile mapping system. The British Transport Police will bring a command vehicle, firearms team, CCTV van and public order section, while its dog team will carry out a display. Among the other exhibitors digital, energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric, which will be taking its largest ever stand.

This year Rail Live will also feature a dedicated ‘Apprenticeship Zone’, where the Young Rail Professionals will promote the industry as a place to work. To be held at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre in Long Marston on June 19/20, Rail Live is expected to be attended by more than 6,000 people and 250-plus exhibitors.

“The RAIL and Quinton Rail Technology Centre teams are thrilled to host a brand new LNER Azuma train, built by Hitachi, at Rail Live 2019.
These sleek trains are fresh out of the box and are going into service right now on the East Coast Main Line, and we are delighted to present one at Rail Live. Sincere thanks to LNER Managing Director David Horne for being so determined to get an Azuma to Rail Live, and to Hitachi and Network Rail for making it possible.
Rail Live will always have its world-class plant show at its heart, but it’s important to place all that magnificent equipment in context. The yellow machines and other equipment on display at Rail Live exist to create, maintain and enhance state-of-the-art infrastructure to enable high-tech trains such as this to provide cutting-edge passenger services.
What we’re creating at Rail Live is a rail industry equivalent of a major international air show, focused on the best and most advanced plant and equipment which does such a great job on our railway. It’s a unique show, and we invite Britain’s railwaymen and women to come along and join us.”
Nigel Harris, Managing Editor and Events Director, RAIL

When? 19–20 June 2019

Where? Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Warwickshire

Entry? Free! Secure your complimentary pass here

Details? Find out more here