MARC WESTCOTT

On completion of my mechanical engineering degree I applied to a number of companies within the railway industry ranging from rolling stock leasing enterprises to infrastructure renewal specialists. After some investigation it became evident that the opportunity presented by ESG represented a unique chance for me to develop my skills in the broadest sense in training to become a consultant engineer .

With the automation of manufacturing processes becoming increasingly more complex, my experience is that universities tend to concentrate on the exposure of students to the new and emerging technology which facilitates this. However working at ESG you are just as likely to work with small, local manufacturing companies in the design of prototypes or one-off components. In these circumstances an appreciation of the capabilities and limitations of traditional hand tools is critical.

As my university course was light on this practical element as part of the ATOC course, I was lucky enough to undertake a two week machine tools placement at the National Railway Museum in York where I quickly became proficient in the manufacture of various components which were used in the assembly of a Gyroscope. During this period I also got my first taste of welding and I soon developed an appreciation for the level of skill required in order to become qualified in this field.

I also undertook a period of training at A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, based at Darlington, where I assisted in the construction of a new-build Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific steam locomotive ‘Tornado’, putting my newly found machine tool skills to the test in machining small components for fitment to the locomotive.

Over the course of my first year at ESG, numerous projects I worked on such as the compilation of overhaul documents, investigation of failed components and design of structural components have involved spending time on the shop floor liaising closely with production staff. In these situations I have instantly been able to draw on experiences gained whilst on depot placements at Toton with EWS and Central Rivers with Bombardier, where, in both cases I became part of a production team undertaking exam and light overhaul tasks on freight locomotives and passenger units.

At ESG I was able to manage my own projects from day one, seeing them through all the way from conception to conclusion and having the opportunity having a good go at everything in between. The most involving and successful project (which I have been part of) to date was the organisation and facilitation of a test train between Nottingham and Chesterfield in order to evaluate the lateral ride characteristics of two wagons. My job was to project manage the test, identifying all resources which would be required and ensuring that they would all converge concurrently. There were numerous logistical, technical and operational aspects to consider which called for me to liaise with many individuals from within EWS (the project client), together with individuals from third party companies whose services I negotiated. I took personal responsibility for the formation of the train, fitment of test equipment, organisation of the locomotive, personnel and route clearance as well as certification of the train. There was a very definite time constraint which all work was to be completed and on some occasions objectives were achieved with minutes to spare. However it provided an invaluable experience and considering the responsibility and autonomy I was given, I consider it to be a real personal achievement.

EWS has a number of subsidiary companies, one being freight bogie supplier Axiom Rail who use ESG engineers to both develop its products and project manage bogie orders from the engineering perspective. As a graduate I have been actively encouraged to pursue projects which will develop or enhance my competencies in all dimensions of engineering. Thus, during the last year I undertook a project for Axiom out in the Czech Republic where I assumed a lead role in the composition of ISO 9001 quality documentation related to the bogie manufacturing operation. The task involved formalising the flows of information and materials through the supply chain within a defined framework, identifying areas where improvements could be made and to provide a documented procedure against which the interactions within the company could be audited in the future. Whilst in the Czech Republic, I met with suppliers, contractors and Axiom employees, visiting forging plants, wheel, axle and spring manufacturing facilities. At every turn I got the opportunity to learn something new about the rail industry and inter-company relationships. This provided very timely experience as very shortly after successful completion of this project, I took on the role of project managing two bogie orders on behalf of Axiom. Here I am responsible for the compilation of drawings, parts lists and maintenance manuals, as well as, the provision of any related technical advice to the bogie manufacturer in the Czech Republic, the customer (Axiom), and the wagon builder located in Poland.

Further information contact Marc.Westcott@esg-railconsultancy.co.uk