Research shorts
The forefront of positive, tangible change in safety and freight
Our recent research has helped update the industry’s Safety Risk Model (SRM), to identify risk by operator, region, or route. With links to the Train Running System and other Network Rail databases, SRM version 9 lets the user develop localised risk analysis, directly linked to railway assets and their own operations. It has a simpler user interface, is easier to maintain, and enables ‘what-if’ analyses to examine the benefits of potential changes. The Common Hazards for the Management of Industry Safety (CHAMOIS) tool is also now ready to use. It provides a standardised set of hazards and railway system components from which to identify and categorise all foreseeable hazard scenarios.
Freight is increasingly important, and three pieces of our recent research will help it grow. Our review of freight vehicle coupler strength found that many freight trains could run with more wagons. Our research into the calculation of limits in the Freight Train Loads Book found that newer locomotives, with better traction control, are able to haul heavier loads. In addition, we are now looking at whether it could be possible to accommodate freight train at faster speeds. Some new generation freight locomotives are capable of operating at 110mph but currently restricted to 75mph on the GB network. This is due to the aerodynamics they cause on platforms, which are different from those caused by passenger trains. Both individually and together, these research projects will deliver more cost-effective, more carbon-efficient freight.