The new, the entry from Interfleet, running around the traditional at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge. Interfleet had tested their loco at Ferry Meadows earlier in the year. Picture by Rick Osman.
The 2015 Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Challenge was held at the 10 1/4″ Stapleford Miniature Railway near Melton Mowbray where it has been held since the competition’s inception in 2012. There were seven entries all designed and built by teams of university students and apprentices and graduates working in industry. The aim is to test their business knowledge, design ability and technical skills in a live on track environment.
University of Huddersfield entry at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge. Picture by Rick Osman.
The teams are judged on the locomotives’ performance and the business case presented. On track testing measures Energy efficiency, Energy storage, Traction, Ride comfort, Noise and Ease of maintenance. Entries were powered by petrol, diesel and hydrogen fuel cell with Energy storage being achieved through a variety of methods including coiled spring, hydro-pneumatics, batteries and capacitors.
TE entry at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge. Picture by Rick Osman.
University of Southampton entry at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge. Picture by Rick Osman.
University of Sheffield entry at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge. Picture by Rick Osman.
Winners for the second successive year was the team from Transport for London. There is a full report on the IMechE website.
Entries at 2015 IMechE Railway Challenge with the eventual winner from TfL in the foreground. Picture by Rick Osman.
