IRSE Bulletin – April 2021

IRSE News April 2021

April’s IRSE News is now available online.

As well as the latest news from the Institution and local sections, this issue features articles on level crossings, crossing predictors and the many aspects of architecture and its impact on system performance.read online

M&NW Section Papers Competition

Today, the Midland & North Western Section has launched its competition for developing engineers and is inviting entrants to register to participate.

The competition is aimed toward Younger Members and members working towards professional registration.

The subject material is open to the entrants but must reflect and demonstrate their involvement in and contribution to a project, product or system development, maintenance, asset management, research, or standards development.

The winner of the competition will receive a free place on an ETCS course, kindly donated by Signet Solutions, and the MNWS is offering £250 which the winner can either use towards their travel and accommodation expenses to attend the ETCS course, or towards other professional development expenses.

There will also be cash prizes for the runners-up and, at the judges’ discretion, for any synopses which did not make the final stage, but included good content.more info / register interest

Progress in Minor Railway Signalling

18 November 2021, Kidderminster Railway Museum, UK

The Minor Railway Section will be holding the eighth of its bi-annual seminars on the 18 November 2021. The section is again delighted to be holding the event at the Kidderminster Railway Museum, Coronavirus emergency permitting.

Members and non- members are welcome to submit papers. Those who wish to submit papers are invited to contact ian@aspectsolutions.org.uk to discuss what they wish to present.more info

Members of the Head Office team at the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers are taking on a ‘virtual’ walking challenge to raise funds for the Neurology Department at Charing Cross Hospital. 

The Head Office team has made excellent progress with their virtual walking challenge raising funds for the Neurology Department at Charing Cross Hospital where our colleague Hilary received such brilliant treatment and care following a serious stroke in November last year.

We are more than halfway through our 1000 mile walk, having walked the length of Scotland, crossed the Irish Sea to the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland then continuing through the island of Ireland to Dublin and back over the sea to Wales.  As we walk, we are saying hello to local IRSE branches and raising money for this excellent cause through our Just Giving page.

The initial £1000 target has been smashed already so a very big thank you to everyone who has donated.  We are hoping we can at least double this before we reach our destination on the Jurassic Coast so it’s not too late to support us if you would like to.

Meanwhile, we are delighted that Hilary is continuing to make good progress with her recovery.  She has now transferred from Charing Cross to a rehabilitation unit in South West London, where they are very pleased with how she is doing.  make a donation

Concerning Courtesy

The COVID restrictions on face to face meetings have inevitably had an impact on us all, often creating frustrating experiences which would not normally occur.

Sadly some members have allowed that frustration to carry through to their engagement with IRSE staff.

I would remind everyone that we are all bound by a code of professional conduct which requires high standards of leadership and communications. I am sure that everyone will agree that this should apply to all professionals we engage with and that includes the staff at IRSE. 

Blane Judd, Chief Executive

Exam study event – Module C; Train 

10th April 2021, online; 09:00 – 13:30 (UTC+1hr)

The morning will consist of two talks and will be useful for those looking to take Module A or C of the IRSE Exam, or even those just looking to expand their knowledge, or do some CPD. This event is free, online and open to all, please click for more information.more info

ETCS Operational Scenarios

14 April, online; 17:30 – 18:30 (UTC+1hr)

The younger members section is running an ETCS Learning series, which is aiming at sharing the ETCS knowledge with the young engineers who are interested to know more about the Digital Railway and ETCS. Click for more details.
 more info / register

M&NW Section: AGM and “40 Years in Operations” by Christian Wyatt

21 April, online; 17:15 – 20:00 (UTC+1hr)

Christian will talk about his 40 years in Operations in the North West and will also cover the role out plans for the ROC.more info / register

Exam study event – Module A – Quiz

24 April, online; 09:00 – 13:00 (UTC+1)

Test your knowledge of the fundamentals of railway control systems engineering in this fun quiz style event! This event is free, online and open to all, please click for more information.
 more info / register

L&SE Section: Croydon Area Redevelopment Scheme (CARS)

29 April, online; 18:00 – 20:00 UTC+1

L&SE Section – Croydon Area Redevelopment Scheme (CARS)
Adrian Vyse will talk through the* development of thinking behind the Brighton Upgrade Programme (BMUP) and Tajamal Tuffail will then discuss the key design decisions made at the option selection phase of the CARS project. Click for more information.
 more info