Dear Readers
The International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA), in partnership with MRS Logistics railway, will be hosting its 12th International Heavy Haul Conference, on 27 – 31 August 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Theme for this conference is: Application of Heavy Haul Innovations for a Sustainable World. The conference will include presentations of technical papers in research and development areas in line with the theme and sub-theme, such as Rolling Stock, Vehicle Track Systems and Energy Efficiency. It will consist of a 2-day pre-conference Technical Workshop, 3 days of the Main Conference Plenary and Parallel Sessions, great social events and 1 day for the Technical Tour.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://ihhario2023.com/
Our Job of the Week this week is in Taiwan where we are looking for a Document Controller (must be fluent in Mandarin and speak English) to work for a leading engineering and construction group.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
15 June 2023. Australia. Pilbara iron ore wagon manufacturing agreement
An agreement to manufacture iron ore wagons in the Pilbara region has been announced by Rio Tinto and Gemco Rail, supported by supply partner Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock and the government of Western Australia. The mining company is expecting to spend a total of A$150m purchasing 100 locally built ore wagons over six years and maintaining bearings over 10 years. Under the agreement announced on June 12, Gemco Rail will produce the first 40 of these wagons at its existing plant at Forrestfield in Perth for delivery from mid-2024.
Source: Railway Gazette
14 June 2023. Austria. Austria’s new Koralm tunnel welcomes train for the first time
The under-construction Koralm tunnel in Austria welcomed its first passenger train earlier this week as part of a ceremony to mark the completion of track-laying activities through the 33-kilometre-long tunnel. Regular high-speed service will not commence for another two years. The first trip through the Koralm tunnel between comes some 15 years after the start of construction. The tunnel is designed to cut travel time between between Graz and Klagenfurt, Austrian state capitals of Styria and Carinthia, respectively.
Source: RailTech.com
14 June 2023. Turkey. Izmir to add two stations to Izban rail network
Contracts have been awarded for the construction of two infill stations on Izmir’s 136 km İzban suburban rail line, which will take the total to 43. Lale Mahallesi station will be added between the existing Şirinyer and Kemer stations, improving access to the future 13·5km Üçyol – Buca driverless metro line which will be integrated with İzban at Şirinyer when it opens in 2026. Katip Çelebi University station will be between Egekent and Ulukent stations.
Source: Metro Report International
14 June 2023. Switzerland. Pilatus Bahnen: world’s steepest cogwheel railway unveils new trains
Pilatus Bahnen, the operator of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, has rolled out a fleet of eight new energy-efficiency railcars and one freight car into operation at the popular Swiss excursion mountain. The Pilatus Bahnen is located on Mount Pilatus overlooking Luzern, Switzerland, and runs at an average gradient of 35%, reaching gradients as high as 48% at points. Built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler, the new fleet is equipped with energy-efficient drive technology from Swedish-Swiss multinational ABB, which contributes to more efficient, reliable and sustainable rail operations.
Source: Railway Technology
Members of the public are being reminded to stay safe and vigilant as parts of the South West Mainline will be greeted by a fleeting visit from Flying Scotsman locomotive this month. Network Rail is urging the public and train enthusiasts to remain safe as the iconic Flying Scotsman locomotive passes through Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and parts of South West London. Spectators should watch from a safe location, not trespass onto the track and take care when passing on level crossings as these are still live and functioning parts of the railway.
Source: Rail UK
14 June 2023. United Kingdom. Network Rail Completes Track Upgrades in Midland Main Line Tunnels
Network Rail has completed 16 days of major track upgrades in the Clay Cross and Milford tunnels in Derbyshire. Following over 17,000 hours of round-the-clock work, the tracks within the two tunnels on the Midland Main Line have now been renewed. Within the 183-year-old Clay Cross tunnel, new sleepers and ballast have been installed and drainage equipment has been upgraded. Coated rails have also been installed under its ten tunnel shafts to make them more resilient during adverse weather.
Source: Railway-News
13 June 2023. Canada. Alstom Unveils New Tram Designs for Québec City Tramway
The City of Québec and Alstom have unveiled designs of the proposed new trains for the Québec City Tramway. The three presented versions are each variations of Alstom’s Citadis Spirit vehicle and are inspired by the unique characteristics of Quebec City. Citizens will be able to participate in the selection of the final design with a vote in 2024.
Source: Railway-News
Job of the Week
Document Controller, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Job ID#: 13744
Discipline: Administration
Language: Mandarin, English
Job Description:
Our client is a leading engineering and construction group and they are seeking a Document Controller to be based in Taoyuan City, Taiwan
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing overall document control support to project team, able to tracking/ publishing in and outgoing documents and lead stakeholder meetings.
Duties & Responsibilities:
* Coordination of technical tasks within the discipline (including sub-contractor and clients).
* Assist in document standardization and check to ensure compliance of the Client standard with relevant regulation and codes.
Job Requirements
* Preference for QA/QC background or experience
* Must be fluent in Mandarin and able to communicate in English
Contact: Patricia Hsiao (patricia@railpersonnel.com)
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