Statement from the V/V SIC Chair
It is with great enthusiasm that I present V/V SIC’s annual report, which encapsulates some of the achievements of the past 12 months. This year has been marked by significant progress and well-delivered research projects.
As we reflect on the past year, it is important to acknowledge the hard work of our committee members and sub-groups, which have been pivotal to our success. Our achievements are a testament to the collaboration and innovation in industry that RSSB facilitates.
2024 saw the first Fire Forum Seminar to be held in person, led by Nick Swift of Eversholt Rail and RSSB. The seminar attracted more than 60 attendees and received excellent feedback. We look forward to building on this for 2025’s seminar.
One of our sub-groups, the Independently Powered Traction Working Group, has a new Chair. Simon Jarrett, Engineering Assurance & Development Manager at Chiltern Railways, has brought a wealth of enthusiasm and new members to the group.
We also introduced a new sub-group: the Wheel Impact Load Detector Working Group (WILD WG). This group will review emerging trends from WILD data, steer priorities for the proposed WILD tool, and provide feedback to system suppliers and Network Rail.
We have outlined several objectives and initiatives for 2025–26. These align to functional priorities of the Rail Technical Strategy (RTS). Our focus will remain on fostering rolling stock innovation that delivers benefits to the whole railway system and its customers.
Euan Smith, Head of Product Management, Angel Trains Limited and Chair of V/V SIC
