A team of students from the University of Warwick, supported by academics and researchers from WMG, competed in the IMechE Railway Challenge in July.

The Challenge which took place at Stapleford Miniature Railway near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, is designed to attract fresh new talent into the rail industry. Each team was tasked with designing and manufacturing a miniature railway locomotive in accordance with a specific technical brief. This was the first year WMG had competed, and the team achieved sixth place.

The competition comprises of a series of track based and presentation challenges, including a design report and an ‘Innovation Challenge’ which involves the production of an academic paper on the innovations in the locomotion industry. The track based challenges include: energy storage, traction, ride comfort, noise and maintainability.

The WMG team developed one of the first hydrogen-powered locomotives with innovative application of a supercapacitor for energy recovery.

Dr Darren Hughes, Associate Professor at WMG and the Warwick Rail project supervisor, said: “The team worked together excellently, and should be proud to have constructed a working locomotive. The students have gained valuable experience of project management, electrical engineering as well as the railway industry. After graduation several of these students will now be taking up roles in the rail sector.

“This was WMG’s first year competing in the Challenge and I’m confident that next year we’ll be pushing for one of the top spots.”

For more information on the Warwick Rail team click here.