A network of contacts

The CED's Technology Strategy Group has set up the Research Contacts Network (RCN) project in an effort to provide an all-embracing railway research, knowledge, information and technology network.

The project was recently approved by Trains, Stations, Safety, and the Marketing and Planning Directorates. By bringing together people who are interested in the development of new and existing technology and knowledge, RCN will be of benefit to the overall operations of LUL and its partners. In addition, the information could be shared with other railway and transport systems both in the UK and elsewhere.

Strategic alliance: RCN will be able to evaluate the benefits of processes such as carbon fibre plate bonding, as shown here

Perhaps most importantly, the project aims to provide a cost-effective means of ensuring that LUL and the three Infracos have the ability to become more readily aware of – and have the opportunities to exploit – worldwide railway research, best practice and new products.

Chris Senior, Technology Strategy Manager, says: “The RCN concept involves specific groups of internal and external people as much as IT systems supporting the function. It would provide the type of information-boost that would afford direct medium and long-term benefits to Safety, Trains and Stations plans because of its ability to identify and investigate enhancements quickly."

The RCN project would help to “weed out" and evaluate relevant research and information that is of the most interest to LUL. On the other side of the coin, LUL would have the opportunity to communicate its needs to develop and enhance in all areas of its diverse operational disciplines. It is hoped that many solutions to existing challenges will come to light as a result.

Much of the research will involve the identification of a wide range of new developments, enhancements and best practices in Health and Safety. RCN would also help to lubricate the information exchange between LUL and the rest of the world including universities, manufacturers and other railway companies.

The Internet will form just a part of RCN's technology search capabilities which will combine with other means to drive out safety practices and railway business. For example, RCN will help identify and evaluate the potentials and benefits of:

lScientific advances in the chemical structure of carbon fibre materials which could benefit rolling stock.

lImprovements in solid state technology that could enhance safety equipment.

lWhether new plastics could increase the durability and life of cables.

RCN will bring these findings to LUL and its partners.

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