I joined ESG in 2005 after graduating from Loughborough University with a MEng in Mechanical Engineering. I decided to join ESG because I knew that I would get the best combination of experiences and placements.  The advantage that I have over any of the other engineering graduates at passenger operating companies is that the project work I do on a day-to-day basis will develop both my management and technical skills.  Technical experience is less easy to gain in the more management-orientated passenger companies.  An ESG graduate has another advantage over graduates at other rail consultancies - the hands-on nature of our work. My desk is no more than twenty metres from the depot floor.  If I need to examine a locomotive, all I have to do is walk out the door!

Training

I’ve almost finished all of my training placements. So far, I’ve been on technical, practical and management courses, spent time getting hands-on maintenance experience, worked on an extended placement at a rail vehicle overhaul company, visited a passenger rail operating company and spent a fortnight with the financial departments of our parent company.

I work for the Power Equipment section of ESG – essentially diesel engines and their related systems.  Power Equipment is the smallest of ESG’s sections, which allows me to get involved in almost every project we do.

Most of my work to date has been related to the Class 66 and Class 67 locomotives.  These locomotives share the same type of engine - a 3,000 hp, 140 litre, V12 supplied by Electro-Motive Diesels, based in La Grange, Illinois (just west of Chicago)

My first project with ESG was to develop a modification to protect a fuel metering system, mounted to the side of Class 66 locomotives.  This fuel meter (an electro-mechanical system) was in a very exposed position, being subject to both possible impact damage from trackside equipment and having its electrical connectors ripped out by washing plant brushes.  I set up the job needed to protect these units, namely modifying the bracket to which they are mounted and fitting new piping and a protective shield.  To date, five locomotives have had this modification done and all now have fully functioning fuel metering systems.

I spent several months investigating the fuel consumption of the 710G3B engine. In an effort to reduce fuel consumption, several locomotives were modified (as above) and their journeys monitored. I analysed over 600 journeys from these locomotives and then we were able to make small changes to the operation of the locomotives.  We expect to see significant benefits in terms of lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

When components fail or are damaged, Power Equipment will investigate the causes and find the solutions.  Recently we tackled a series of failures on locomotive exhaust silencers – essentially large welded steel drums.  Due to the angular design of the current model, stresses were developing in the unit and cracking the plates.  The silencer was redesigned into an ellipse and I prepared the CAD models and drawings.  We’re waiting for a prototype to be made so the effectiveness of the new design can be tested.   

I hope to start a postgraduate course in finance and management next year, with ESG's help and support.

My plan is to gain CEng in 2009 and I believe that the types of training and work I have done (and will do) will help me to achieve this goal.

Further information contact Michael.Heaton@esg-railconsultancy.co.uk