Serco : Rail Technical Services wins new contract with Loram

Date: 24 Aug 2016

Serco's Rail Technical Services business have been awarded a new contract to undertake a programme of type acceptance testing on three new C44 Rail Grinding Machines being built by Loram for Network Rail.

As part of the new contract, the Serco Rail Technical Services team based at the RTC Business Park in Derby will assess compliance with all applicable standards. They will produce test specification documents for eight individual acceptance tests, undertake the tests, collect and analyse the data from the tests, and then produce a formal report for Loram.

The machines are used to restore the rail profile and remove irregularities from worn rail to extend its life and improve the ride comfort of trains using the track. Rail grinding machines have been in use since the early 20th century in North America, the UK and across Europe, and are also known as maintenance of way vehicles or trains.

Richard Hobson, Serco Rail Technical Services' Business Director, said: 'Serco Rail Technical Services are delighted to be supporting Loram in the acceptance of their new C44 machines and we look forward to working closely with the team.'

Chris Lidberg, Loram's Project Engineer for the testing programme, said: 'Loram is looking forward to working with Serco on the introduction of the C44 grinders to the UK for Network Rail. This continues the relationship that Loram began over a decade ago with the introduction of the SPML and C21 grinders.'

Serco's Rail Technical Services business has its origins in British Rail's Testing and Development group and is regarded as a specialist in its field of work. They work with organisations across the rail industry, including Network Rail, London Underground Ltd, rolling stock leasing companies, vehicle and equipment manufacturers and train operators, providing technical services in the following areas:

• Vehicle Testing and Condition Monitoring Systems

• Unattended Pantograph Monitoring Systems

• Metallurgy

• Non-Destructive Testing and Training

• Data Management (Raildata)

• Asset Management Software and Consultancy.

Serco Rail Technical Services are also responsible for the management and operation of a 21km test track at the RIDC Melton on behalf of Network Rail.

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