THE wait is almost over. InnoTrans, the bi-annual showcase of the global railway supply sector, is set to return to Messe Berlin this month and already the organisers of this mammoth event are predicting that records will fall.
More than 3000 exhibitors have signed up, an increase from the 2955 companies which attended the 2016 edition, with more than 60% of these suppliers hailing from outside of Germany. They will take their places in an incredible 41 halls, filling more than 200,000m2 of exhibition space. Outside, 140 new railway vehicles will line up on the 3.5km track area, including the latest passenger trains, metro and light rail vehicles for railways and transit companies from across Europe as well as locomotives, track and maintenance vehicles, road-rail vehicles and freight wagons.
Over 137,000 attendees from 119 countries visited the 2016 edition of the show, and the signs are that attendance will continue to grow in 2018.
Navigating such a vast event is a challenge in itself. But fear not, IRJ has done a lot of the legwork for you in our traditional event preview where we have picked out the highlights from some of the show’s leading exhibitors.
We hope you enjoy the show!
The entire International Railway Journal (Hall 6.2, stand 101) team will be present in Berlin and available to meet with clients, both old and new, to discuss our range of product offers and services to the rail industry.
This includes print and online advertising opportunities, with international sales managers Louise Cooper and Michael Boyle set to be joined by Italian representatives, Fabio Potesta and Elda Guidi, and from IRJ’s parent company Simmons Boardman in the United States, publisher Jonathan Chalon.
Visitors to IRJ’s stand will also have the opportunity to discover IRJ Pro, our rail market intelligence toolkit, which offers a comprehensive overview of railway infrastructure projects, fleet orders as well as Global Rail Tenders. IRJ Pro account manager, Chloe Pickering, and market analyst,
Oscar Sinclair, will be available to offer demonstrations and to discuss the product and subscription opportunities.
In addition, IRJ editors will be reporting live from Berlin throughout the event and will for the first time produce a daily InnoTrans Rail Brief newsletter. Distributed by email to our subscriber list each morning, the newsletter will pick out the highlights of the event from stories posted on IRJ’s revamped and refreshed website, www.railjournal.com, which will also feature a live InnoTrans newsfeed. Editor-in-chief, David Briginshaw, will be joined by senior editor, Keith Barrow, managing editor, Kevin Smith, and news and features writer, David Burroughs. Production manager, Sue Morant, will also be available on IRJ’s stand to answer any questions you might have.
The European Railway Industry Association (Unife) (Hall 4.2, stand 302) will host an extensive programme of presentations and discussions. Among the highlights are a debate on the European railway industry’s contribution to an innovative and digital railway system (September 18, 14.00); the release of the 2018 World Market Study (September 18, 15.00); a debate on the implementation of the Fourth Railway Package (September 18, 16.15); discussions on the work of EU and national policy makers to support a competitive European rail supply industry (September 19, 11.15); and Shift2Rail research presentations on new running gear for rolling stock by Run2Rail (September 20, 14.00) and energy and asset management systems by In2Dreams (September 20, 14.30).
Among the highlights from CAF, Spain, (Hall 4.2, stand 104) is the presentation of a virtual coupling mechanism for light rail vehicles. Connected Trams involves the first deployment of the supplier’s TCMS wireless train backbone, which controls functions such as propulsion, braking, doors, lights and passenger information. Sensor data fusion and dynamic train models are able to control the distance between vehicles and transmit data between LRVs. CAF will also present its new digital platform, LeadMind, which supports secure big data analysis for new rolling stock projects, from the development stage to operation and maintenance. In addition, the supplier will highlight recent rolling stock projects for Flytoget in Norway, and British operators, TransPennine and Northern, as well as its range of metro trains and low-floor LRVs.
Progress Rail (Hall 6.2, stand 514) will showcase its latest suite of technologies designed to improve the performance of rail fleets by alerting operators to potential issues before they become real problems. In addition to locomotives, engines, trackwork, signalling, rail welding and maintenance-of-way equipment, the company will also highlight its latest predictive condition monitoring capabilities through its Uptime Suite, Oscar and Argus platforms; and address safety concerns through Fatigue & Distraction Monitoring Technology and asset protection devices, such as the PowerView Event Recorder, and Guardian End-of-Train device.
New engine among Voith’s exhibition highlights
Voith (Hall 1.2, stand 215) will premiere its new Voith Rail engine which it has developed in partnership with Liebherr. The engine can be combined with a RailPack SX, which itself can utilise hydromechanical, hydrodynamic or electric power transmission. The supplier says the engine meets EU Stage V emission standards and will offer up to 23% more power and up to 8% less fuel consumption.
In addition, Voith will showcase its SZ-440 gear unit, which is suitable for various rail vehicles, and can be equipped with Voith’s bionic toothing, where the optimised root tooth profile supports either a narrower design or a reduction of noise emissions. Voith will also shows its CargoFlex Type Scharfenberg automatic couplers, which the supplier says will make freight operations safer and more efficient, and the new Smart Schaku, which allows operators to monitor the status of couplings in real-time.
Among the track construction machines which Robel (Hall 26, stand 234) will display is the Rogrind HF Head, a two-part grinding machine with hybrid drive. The system has been developed with Network Rail to meet the high ergonomic standards required for British track construction. Each module weighs less than 60kg, easing transport and operation. The German supplier will also present the Rorunner flexible infrastructure maintenance train, which has been equipped with a new mobile gantry system for the positioning of rails, switches and frogs within tunnels. Rorunner can also be used for material transport, drainage cleaning and catenary maintenance.
Continental (Hall 9, stand 401) will present several product innovations for rail vehicles, with a focus on increasing digitalisation and the potential for improved safety, lower emissions and reduced background noise in freight transport. Experts will also discuss how vehicle-surrounding sensors such as radar and cameras can reduce accident risk, and the safety benefits of autonomous driving and fire protection.
Creactive Design (Hall 2.2, stand 206D) will showcase design resources for next-generation and more efficient rolling stock, stations, products and systems. The British company will outline its role in the refurbishment of Vivarail class 230 D-Train hybrid multiple unit, which has been ordered by two operators in Britain. Creactive says this will illustrate how this innovative train builder is emphasising the value of design in its work.
BVV (Hall 21, stand 410) will present three innovations, including the Bo2000 hybrid wheel, which has a monobloc wheel body and a forged aluminium wheel rim, while a thin, torsion-proof rubber-cushion mounting is located between the steel wheel tyre and the aluminium components, reducing weight by 30%. The manufacturer will also show the BVV high-speed wheel developed for the Chinese market. Featuring a weight-saving design, the wheel reduces natural vibrations and noise emissions. In addition, the supplier will show a standard-gauge 13.5-tonne axleload low-floor wheelset for use with Siemens S70 LRVs in service with San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
Software developer Siscog, Portugal, (Hall 6.1, stand 219) will present Ontime, Fleet and Crews programs as part of the Siscog Suite to manage track access, vehicles and staff. The suite covers all scheduling and management phases, from strategic and long-term scheduling down to day-to-day operations. The latest developments include a new semi-automatic mode, additional real-time dispatching functionality, augmented web and mobile communications features, and greater use of artificial intelligence.
GoMedia (CityCube A, stand 219) will showcase its infotainment platform, which includes content from studios such as Universal Pictures and Warner Bros, catch-up television services from British broadcaster ITV, on-demand entertainment from Now TV and HayU, box sets and original series, games, digital newspapers and magazines. The supplier will announce a number of key partnerships and developments across rail and bus during the show.
Viper Innovations (Hall 9, stand 202) will launch CableGuardian, an electrical network insulation monitoring device for signalling power distribution networks. The solution monitors both cable and conductor condition by dispersing multiple independent measurement units within principal and auxiliary power supply points and functional supply points. The monitoring system can relay the system status via an intuitive graphical interface.
Stadler shows seven vehicles at outside track area
Around 500m of the outside track area is set to be occupied by Stadler (Hall 2.2, stand 103) which will display seven vehicles. One of the highlights is the first completed half-train of the new S-Bahn rolling stock it is delivering for Berlin (Track 10/400). The company will also display a Eurodual locomotive for Germany’s Havellian Railway (HVLE) (Track 4/105), a double-deck EMU for Swedish leasing company Transitio (Track 9/400), which will be deployed by Mälab on Mälartåg services radiating from Stockholm from May 2019, and a Traverso Flirt low-floor EMU for Swiss operator Southeastern Railway (SOB) (pictured). In addition, the manufacturer will display a four-car low-floor metre-gauge EMU (Track9/406) for Berne Solothurn Regional Transport (RBS), which will enter service on Bern S-Bahn Line 7 by the end of 2018. Finally, two new trains for Britain will be on display: a bi-mode Flirt multiple unit for Greater Anglia (Track 10/410) and a driverless metro train for the Glasgow Subway (Track 4/106), which is being developed under a contract with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
TSL-Escha (Hall 6.2, stand 208) has combined both door lighting and signalling into the VL55 LED boarding light, which is designed to fit above the door in LRVs. White LEDs light the boarding steps while coloured signalling is adaptable to requirements such as red lighting for alerting passengers to doors opening or closing, and amber to signal the operation of moving ramps and lifting platforms for passengers with reduced mobility. TSL-Escha also provides lighting for exterior use.
Eaton (Hall 9, stand 301) will showcase a number of new products, including the new Heinemann Hydraulic Magnetic Circuit Breakers (HMCBs), which provide precise, stable and reliable protection against equipment and cable overloading or short-circuits. Eaton will also display a new generation of environmentally-friendly ring main unit switchgear and its innovative uninterruptible power supply (UPS). It will also present new industry-compliant rail hoses as well as a new energy storage system and a range of LV components.
OEM Technology Solutions (Hall 6.2, stand 306) will present its range of monitoring and control systems for condition-based monitoring applications for essential subsystems such as HVAC, locomotive performance monitoring systems, trackside monitoring systems and safety systems.
Voestalpine’s (Hall 21b, stand 101) recent restructuring and introduction of its Railway Systems division will be reflected in the company’s revamped exhibit, which will feature special areas for corporate, digitalisation and track solutions as well as the company’s integrated portfolio for mixed traffic, urban rail, and freight (heavy-haul and industrial) track solutions. Highlights include the Interactive Rail Lifecycle Cost Tool, superior rail steel grades, intelligent point machines, powerful rail expansion joints, electromechanical end position detectors, and checkpoints with in-house developed electronic sensors. It will also showcase its partnership with Getzner on vibration isolation.
PowerRail (Hall 18, stand 111) will present a number of new LED lighting units for a range of applications at the show. This includes the new T8 LED Tube with backup power, which is designed to replace all external backup power ballasts and drivers to ensure lighting remains illuminated when the main supply voltage is switched off. The company will also show the new 50A19 6W LED Rough Service Bulb and a 60W LED headlight/ditch light, and highlight the activities of its new PowerRail Engine Services branch, which offers new and rebuilt engines, turbo chargers, roots blowers, power assemblies, and water, fuel and oil pumps.
A new 3D Wheel Measurement system is the highlight exhibit for Althen Sensor & Controls (Hall 6.2, stand 115). The system is mounted on the track where five laser scanners can measure the diameter, profile, and clearance of a train’s wheels, including tolerances, identifying each wheel using an RFID code. Measurements are typically carried out at 50km/h when the train is passing a station or maintenance depot and the system is effective in temperatures ranging from -40oC to 50oC. However, an upgrade is under development which will improve sensor frequency and enable the measurement of trains travelling at speeds of up to 350km/h.
Experts from Eurailtest (CityCube B, stand 519) will present the company’s consulting, engineering, and testing activities, which are conducted by 430 specialist engineers at 10 technical laboratories and cover rolling stock, infrastructure, and the environment.
Among the solutions set to be displayed by companies within the Schaltbau Group (Hall 2.2, stand 102) is the Intellidesk 2.0 driver’s desk concept, which connects subsystems via a fieldbus box, enabling communication with the train control and management system via a central master interface. The German supplier will also show its NG series connectors, which are designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions, and deliver Cat7 data speeds for digital applications, and CP modular contactors.
Plan, Italy, (Hall 23, stand 101) a supplier of carousel systems for the manufacture of concrete railway sleepers, will present two pretension and two patented post-tension technologies for monobloc sleeper production. Plan says its system offers significant advantages, including enhanced utilisation of labour and materials, and the capability to produce different sleeper types during the same shift.
BG-Graspointer, Austria, (Hall 21, stand 310), a supplier of prefabricated solutions manufactured using Filcoten high-performance concrete, will show its various applications for cable troughs and surface drainage. Filcoten says its products are up to 70% lighter than comparable concrete products.
As well as its full range of railway lifting machines, among the highlights for Autolift, Austria, (Hall 23, stand 525) will be details of its road-rail self-propelled shunter for bogies and LRVs and its Masterlift manipulator for handling windows and doors.
Siemens lines up eight vehicles in outside track area
Siemens (Hall 4.2, stand 201-202) will display a range of software developments and its latest trains, including the first test vehicle for its Velaro Novo high-speed train (p56). Digital solutions include MindConnect Rail for secure data transmission from safety-critical infrastructure; the MindSphere IoT operating system, which uses AI to manage data retrieved from rolling stock; the Railigent platform which is based on MindSphere and enables operators to use data to optimise operations and maintenance and can now support third party applications; and Digital Station for interaction between integrated mobility offerings.
At the outside track area, Siemens will show eight vehicles. An Avenio M articulated LRV for Ulm (p76) will line up alongside an Inspiro metro train for Line 3 in Sofia; a Cityval automated peoplemover vehicle for Rennes Line B; a Desiro HC EMU for Rhine-Ruhr Express; a class 717 Desiro City EMU for Britain’s Govia Thameslink Railway; a Desiro ML Cityjet prototype battery train for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB); a Vectron multi-system electric locomotive; and a Smartron, a new locomotive platform which was conceived as a preconfigured locomotive for freight operators in Germany.
IRIS (Hall 2.1, stand 207) will premiere Irma 6, the company’s sixth-generation automatic passenger counting solution. The redeveloped hardware features enhanced storage and calculation performance while the product retains the company’s time-of-flight technology. Irma 6 also features an increased resolution of 80,000 pixels, which generates more intuitive and easily-recognisable video images which can be transmitted in 3D or 2D. Connection to the system is possible through a web browser.
Rails for high-speed, heavy-haul, metro and light railway applications will be among the highlights of the Evraz (Hall 26, stand 304) exhibit. Evraz produces a number of high-performance steel grades and has already begun installing these on several lines in Russia. The company will also show wheels for wagons, coaches and locomotives.
Ervocom Group, Switzerland, (Hall 4.1, stand 418) will present its new FRMCS-ready cab radio, the TCH2170. The modular system enables seamless integration of cab radio voice and data functions, which are based on the recent Mission Critical Push To Talk (MCPTT) Release 13 standardisation of ETSI along with existing dual-mode solutions for other digital technologies to enable a smooth migration. PAS and PIS module extensions are also available to support complete onboard train communication with voice solutions available according to UIC 558 and UIC 568 standards as well as VoIP SIP technology.
Swibox, Switzerland, (Hall 5.2, stand 604) will present Swibox P90, which provides secure housing for power supply systems in tunnels. The modular system can include up to 35mm2 high-temperature-resistant terminal blocks with the docking housings freely configurable. All enclosures meet the requirements for electrical functional integrity for up to 1h 30min and are available in various qualities of steel.
Among the highlight exhibits for Vossloh Locomotives (Outdoor Area, stand 230) is an updated variant of the four-axle DE18 diesel-electric locomotive (Track 4/205), which is compliant with EU Stage IIIB emissions standards. The goal for 2019 is to secure approval for use with KVB/TVM train protection systems in use on the French high-speed network. Vossloh is also planning to develop the DE18 into a Smart Hybrid Locomotive, equipped with a 1800kW diesel engine and a 150kWh battery pack. Prototype testing of this model is set to begin in 2019 and it will be available from 2020 onwards in countries where the DE18 is authorised. Visitors to the stand will be able to drive the locomotive from a virtual locomotive cab. The company will also show a three-axle G6 locomotive (Track 2/205).
Loccioni, Italy, (Hall 25, stand 402) will present its Rail-Track-Analyser software tool which can display, analyse and process railway environment data collected by Loccioni’s Felix robot or other diagnostics instruments. The Felix robot is able to acquire the data so that it is compliant with specific safety and metrological requirements. Rail-Track-Analyzer presents a digital twin of the infrastructure, enabling precise measurements using dedicated algorithms and features similar to computer-aided design, to take place.
SKF (Hall 22, stands 611 and 612) will show its tapered bearing unit for passenger trains, which offers lower bogie maintenance frequency through harmonisation of wheel and bearing maintenance intervals, along with the new cylindrical roller bearing Unit. SKF has also developed Insight Rail, an on-board wireless condition monitoring system which supports condition-based monitoring.
Among the highlight exhibits for Strukton (Hall 26, stand 235) are several new developments derived from the Shift2Rail research initiative, including an axlebox acceleration innovation. The device’s video inspection system enables Strukton to view tracks in detail while the newly-developed acceleration transducer measures vibrations from axlebox accelerations which records every track defect causing the train’s behaviour to deviate. This includes damage that may not be detected visually but could cause issues later. Strukton will also show its latest Poss remote asset monitoring solutions, the use of algorithms and big data for predictive maintenance, sensors developed in cooperation with co-exhibitor Dual Inventive, Netherlands, traction and auxiliary systems developed for Los Angeles Metro, and automatic video recognition integrated with Siemens’ Railigent platform.
Huawei (Hall 7.1b, stand 200) will present mission-critical communications systems for mainline and urban rail applications as well as stations, operation control centres, and rail services. The Chinese company will focus on next-generation operational communications networks delivered through LTE-R, 5G high-speed train-to-ground transmissions, railway cloud data centres, and cloud-based intelligent railway operations.
Satys, France, (Hall 1.1, stand 223), which purchased rolling stock galley supplier Kelox in May, will present GMS, its new tool for galley management. GMS is able to monitor, control, and store data from galleys, train restaurant modules or subsystems and offer improved predictive maintenance, Rams and LCC.
Amberg, Switzerland, (Hall 25, stand 314) will premiere its updated inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based manual track surveying technology, which has been supplemented with a GNSS module. Using satellite technology, it can provide the 3D track data required to automatically generate a 3D model of track alignment and 3D coordinates of newly-created control points, which are compatible with BIM platforms and CAD systems. In addition, Amberg says its Rail software can help surveyors to maximise the data available to analyse track geometry, calculate the track quality index, and generate reports.
BIP-Industrietechnik (Hall 21a, stand 407) is premiering a robot-assisted water jet process for material-saving cleaning and de-coating of railway wheelsets and bogies. The system features a rotating water jet, with a pressure of up to 2500 bar, that moves along the contours of the wheelset, and can help to save labour-intensive and time-consuming work. The company will also showcase other robotic automation innovations for train maintenance.
Selectron, Switzerland, (Hall 6.2, stand 212) will present its new CPU 94x family of vehicle control units, which the supplier says makes it possible to reduce costs by virtually bundling several independent, user-programmable controls (PLCs) into a single device. Selectron says applications such as vehicle control, TCMS, traction, brake, and diagnostics can run simultaneously, independently, and without feedback, while the system is able to separate safety-critical and non-safety-critical applications.
EnerSys (Hall 7.2b, stand 200) will present its range of stored-energy solutions, including its ZeMaRail range of VRLA maintenance-free batteries, specially-developed for railway rolling stock applications. The batteries use AGM/gel or TPPL+Sn technology, and according to EnerSys offer efficient deep charge recovery and high cycle performance as well as efficient heat management.
A variety of interactive presentations will greet visitors to Bombardier’s (Hall 2.2, stand 101) exhibit. A virtual reality suite will offer an immersive 360o journey on trains in cities from around the world, including a Flexity LRV in Zürich, a Movia metro train in Stockholm, and an Innovia monorail train in Bangkok. Bombardier will also present its Talent 3 battery EMU, which is equipped with a Mitrac traction battery developed using innovations funds awarded by the German government during InnoTrans 2016 (p70). The train, which is set to enter service in 2019, will be operational at the company’s test track at Hennigsdorf throughout InnoTrans. In addition, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) (City Cube B, stand 521) will exhibit a Bombardier Talent 3 Cityjet regional EMU (Track 8/400), which has so far been ordered for the provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
Vollert (Hall 21, stand 104) will premiere its Vlex road-rail robot. The radio-controlled vehicle utilises articulated steering and four individually-controlled wheel hub motors and is able to switch quickly and easily between road and rail. The vehicle can manoeuvre loads of up to 300 tonnes despite its limited dimensions and has a turning radius of 7.2m up to 360o. Vollert has developed a rental model for the vehicle in order to meet short-term demand for such equipment and will also show its range of shunting and transport systems for secondary lines and sidings.
The Smart Rail Track is the theme of Vossloh’s (Hall 26, stand 310) exhibit, with visitors invited to view various technologies, including the use of IoT sensors to support real-time analysis of track condition using integrated microprocessors. Vossloh will also present its Smart Rail Maintenance app, which enables customers to decide their budget and time schedule for work to eliminate track defects at a push of a button, and rail treatment machines, which have been optimised with sensor technology. This includes the compact Multi Purpose Milling Machine, which offers flexible treatment of hotspots on main lines and light rail networks. In addition, the supplier will show its environmentally-friendly and stable sleeper, the CogX steel grade for crossings and the Skl 15 HF tension clamp.
Alstom (Hall 3.2, stand 306) will show two vehicles at the outside track area: a Coradia Stream EMU for Trenitalia (Track 3/400) will line up alongside its new Prima H4 hybrid locomotive (Track 2/110) for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) (Hall 7.1b, stand 210). The manufacturer will also showcase its Coradia iLint hydrogen-fuel cell multiple unit, which was recently authorised by the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) for use on the German main line network. Infrastructure innovations will include ground based-solutions for charging and power-supply - SRS for light rail and APS for road vehicles; Iconis, a security control centre; and Mastria, a multimodal supervision solution which offers advanced data analytics. Following its recent order for high-speed trains with French National Railways (SNCF) (p62), Alstom will also reveal more details of its Avelia Horizon platform.
Powerlines Group (Hall 26, stand 226), a European supplier of electrification systems, will present its consulting and engineering, installation and maintenance services as well as newly-developed products, including overhead line components, GRP catenary masts and third rail systems for underground applications. The company will also present its product development process, which is supported by 3D printing technology.
Software developer Aucotec, Germany, (Hall 6.2, stand 102) will premiere Engineering Base (EB), a modular system for electrical engineering and wiring of rail vehicles, which is already used by Kiepe Electric. Aucotec says EB enables users to configure railway vehicles from quality-tested function modules and the solution features a multi-layer architecture that enables flexible adaptations to processes. In addition, EB offers a “single source of truth” to provide up-to-date information on work processes through a single data model where all disciplines can work in parallel and simultaneously.
Perpetuum, Britain, (Hall 6.1, stand 214) will showcase its wireless and self-powered remote condition monitoring solutions, which rely on an electromagnetic vibration harvesting microgenerator to enable connected bogies and smart wheelsets to deliver real-time information on the condition of infrastructure and rolling stock. The system is already in use by train operators in Britain, Australia, the United States and Sweden.
Among the highlights for insulation and engineered-foam specialist, Armacell, Germany, (Hall 8.2, stand 112) is Armaflex Rail, a flexible closed-cell insulation material with integrated fire protection for use on rail vehicles. The company will also show ArmaForm Core, structural PET foam cores used in sandwich applications items such as floor panels, body structures, toilet cabins and nose cones.
Palfinger Europe (Hall 3.1, stand 330) will showcase its BB049 workman basket, which can be mounted directly on the roof of a carrier vehicle and is suitable for operation in confined spaces. The basket features a newly-developed rotary drive for the levelling system as well as a telescopic railing, which offers a low storage and a transport position of 800mm. The use of aluminium also ensures the structure is lightweight but robust.
All Care, Germany, (Hall 5.1, stand 310) will show products for sanitary areas in trains, such as toilet paper, soap and towel dispensers, grab bars and waste bins.
A new wheel sensor is one of the highlights on the Frauscher Sensor Technology (Hall 25, stand 232) stand. The company says the device includes signal evaluation technology enabling it to work as an intelligent track device while the sensor’s digital output and ring architecture is based on a bus system, which reduces cabling requirements. Following work with operators, the Austrian supplier will also present its optimised Frauscher Tracking Solutions (FTS). The device monitors the acoustic signature of wheel-rail-interaction, facilitating the shift to condition-based maintenance, and is able to accommodate additional data by using more interfaces.
Eltra Sistemi, Italy, (Hall 2.1, stand 415) will showcase its dispensing technologies for ticketing vending machines in its Bottom/Up model, which includes an auto-refill feature, and its disposable RFID ticket dispenser, which has the capability to work with fanfold or roll tickets of different shapes and sizes. The company will also show its series of dispensers, validators and reader and encoders for Edmonson tickets.
Teltronic, Spain, (Hall 4.1, stand 325) will present its portfolio of critical communications solutions for transport, including customisable and fully-integrated wireless communications based on LTE and Tetra. Among the highlights is the company’s professional broadband LTE technology, which is developed to the 3GPP standard, and provides capabilities for mission-critical applications such as CBTC.
Inndes, Italy, (Hall 23, stand 602) will showcase its range of engineering, consulting, and manufacturing services for bogie and wheelset maintenance. In addition, the company will present Bearing Universal Press, a portable device for extraction and installation of railway bearings and display 3D-printed models of the company’s range of machines for maintenance depots.
Harting (Hall 12, stand 203) will showcase its connector solutions, including the new plastic Han-Eco which weighs 50% less than the previous generation of aluminium connectors and is configured to support more than 100 different modules for transmitting power, data, signals and compressed air. The German company will also show its Han-gigabit module which supports Cat.7a transmission in inter-car gangways, its range of sensors for monitoring drives and controls for frequency inverters, light weight ethernet cable solutions, and push-pull M12 circular connectors.
CRRC takes to the tracks for the first time
As well as its extensive interior exhibit, CRRC (Hall 2.2, stand 310) will be present at the outside track area for the first time with two vehicles on show. The Chinese supplier’s driverless New Generation Metro train (Track 4/114), features a carbon fibre composite body, supports a flexible formation and features a full active suspension system.
The train utilises lightweight, high-strength and environmentally-friendly materials for interiors and the floor, while a real-time Ethernet communications network supports connected operations and maintenance monitoring systems as well as passenger information systems. CRRC says the train weighs 13% less than its traditional metro train while noise has been reduced by 3dB and energy efficiency improved by 15%.
CRRC will also show its Hybrid AC shunting locomotive designed and developed for German Rail (DB). The locomotive features a diesel generator and lithium-titanate battery hybrid power technology, with the design of the locomotive conforming with TSI standards and the requirements of the Federal Railway Authority (EBA). The unit will be deployed at DB maintenance depots, including those on the Hamburg S-Bahn.
Among the highlights of CRRC’s interior exhibit are a model of a 350km/h EMU, a fault prediction and health management system, urban rail vehicle models, an inter-city EMU model, and an automatic train operation system.
Kluber Lubrication (Hall 21, stand 415) will explain the benefits of its new Barrierta L 25 DL Dispers lubrication, which the company says has been specially developed for seals and washers on train doors. Based on the Barrierta L 25 DL, Klüber says the new lubricant can reduce layer thickness on the seal surface by up to 50%. In addition, the company will show its new Klüberrail ALE 92-2000 solution which has been developed to minimise curve squeal and has been optimised for use in regions with high-temperatures.
New products from Advantech (Hall 4.1B, stand 220) include modular rail computers suited for passenger information, video surveillance, and video management systems, as well as Ethernet switches and LoRaWAN gateway. The Dutch company will also focus on the benefits of artificial intelligence and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), demonstrating how players in the Intelligent Transportation Systems market can improve operational efficiency, reduce production costs, accelerate processes and realise new business models.
Nextsense (Hall 23, stand 515) will present a new module for its Calipri profile measuring device, the Rail Geometry Module, which uses advanced laser light section technology and a GRP lightweight supporting gage to evaluate rail profiles, track gauge, super elevation and rail cant. The device is placed on the track and positioned at a 90o angle from where it conducts measurements without turning the gauge and is not influenced by operations or the rail surface.
The Argus Mova Sensing Chair will be displayed by THK (Hall 1.1, stand 428). The chair uses high-sensitivity piezo sensors built into the seat to measure a person’s condition, including respiration, heart rate, and stress levels.
BvL (Hall 20, stand 304) will showcase its various cleaning solutions for components and parts during maintenance and quality testing, including a variation of the Pacific system, which has been developed for wheelset cleaning. The system includes a pit installation, which provides a direct link to a local floorloader while a special nozzle system provides an even application of water to the components. A video system on the operating panel ensures safe one-sided operation. The German company will also show its OceanRW turntable system for cleaning stators.
Dr Fischer Group (Hall 23, stand 606a) will showcase its range of standard incandescent bulbs for railway signalling applications, as well as retrofit LED solutions designed for conventional signalling lamps which reduce maintenance costs.
Since forming three years ago to train employees of the Spitzke Group, Spitzke Academy for Education and Further Training (Hall 26, stand 236) has expanded its training and development programmes to external companies working in the rail infrastructure industry. The company will present its on-site training or blended learning concepts for various topics including railway operation, infrastructure, technology and track safety, as well as training for site managers and supervisors.
Eurailscout (Hall 25, stand 324) will display its new switch inspection measurement vehicle, SIM 14 (Track 2/206), which concluded validation runs at the end of August and is set to enter operation in Europe following the show.
Zaugg (Hall 26, stand 142), which specialises in snow-clearing vehicles, will present two self-propelled snowploughs built specifically for projects in Switzerland and Sweden. The Xhe rote 2/2 No 12 was built for the Jungfrau Railway, while the Zaugg ZRR 10000 M Snow Clearing Machine is a snow blower purchased by Trafikverket for use on the Kiruna - Narvik heavy-haul line in northern Sweden. The snow blower has a snow-clearing capacity of 7500 tonnes per hour.
Kapsch CarrierCom (Hall 4.1, stand 414) will present its Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) system, which supports railway-specific services and interfaces with GSM-R. Kapsch will also show its LoRa and multi-bearer agnostic IoT back-office technology. Visitors to the stand will be able to view a live demonstration of a driver’s cab using the company’s next-generation network, terminals and applications.
CDM Smith (Hall 7.2b, stand 200) will present its consulting, engineering, construction and operations services, including for tunnelling, where the company has extensive experience of the interaction between soil, groundwater and tunnelling technology. The company will also showcase its tunnelling design capabilities for open and mined construction, which use conventional and mechanical tunnelling techniques.
Mait (Hall 5.2, stand 417) will introduce its new range of rail drills. The rig can be used to drill holes and piles, and can be configured for a variety of tasks including conventional drilling, CFA drilling and micro-piles.
Plasser & Theurer (Hall 26, stand 222 and O/530a) will present two machines at the outdoor area. EM100VT (Track 3/407) combines an inertial track geometry measurement system with an optical fixed-point procedure and GNSS/GPS georeferenced data, which enables the machine to capture absolute track geometry at speeds of 100km/h or more. For the first time, this recording car sends data on absolute track geometry via the cloud directly to the maintenance machine. Among the features on the Unimat 09-4x4/4s E3 (Track 3/408), a universal electronic-propulsion tamping machine for track and turnouts, are a newly designed cab, SmartALC spot tamping tool for targeted spot work on the track, and a digital assistant which relieves strain on operators by making recommendations on lifting and lining and advising how the tamping units should be set.
Frike Electronic (Hall 26, stand 221) will premiere its Railalert system, which is placed on the track to act as a visual warning of a track possession for track maintenance. The system is also able to send a radio signal to an alarm station and sound an acoustic warning of up to 146dB to alert crews and train drivers if a train passes the light. Frike will also present its Railamp slow-speed lights and Railstop tail lights for the first time.
Getzner (Hall 25, stand 213) will show its range of vibration protection solutions, including under-sleeper pads and ballast protection systems. The Austrian company will also demonstrate the advantages of coordinated vibration protection in train interiors at its sister company Kneitz (Hall 1.1.b, stand 511) exhibit. The company will premiere Isotop DZE Railway, which minimises vibrations from air ducts and other aggregates used on train roofs or the underfloor, and the Sylomer aluminium vibration damper.
On-board train communication supplier Duagon, Switzerland, (Hall 6.2, stand 507) will display its portfolio of railway communications solutions, such as WTB, MVB, Ethernet and CAN as well as the new additions in LoRa, Current Loop Gateway, LON and FIP. It will also present one of its latest innovations, a new modular gateway platform to connect Ethernet systems equipped with a SIL2 profinet interface to the Sibas PN vehicle control system.
SPS Technik (Hall 8.2, stand 312) will present its robotic sanding system, Sanding Disc Master (SDM), which features an automatic disc changer. The Austrian company says the machine’s constant sanding pressure delivers a uniform sanding pattern and consistent sanding quality on all vehicles while reducing workplace hazards.
Covestro (Hall 3.1, stand 506) will present its range of polycarbonate solutions for train interiors, which are said to be sturdy and, crucially, meet European fire protection standards. Among the products on show are Bayblend FR411 MT, a filler-reinforced modified polycarbonate which meets European standards for flame propagation, thermal release and smoke density and toxicity for R1 applications up to a 2mm thickness. Trial product Bayblend TP 2139, which meets the standards up to a 3mm thickness, will also be on show.
Comlab (Hall 4.1b, stand 501), a developer and supplier of digital radio products and radio jamming systems based on radio frequency technology, will present and demonstrate its latest modular repeater and in-train communications solutions. In addition, the Swiss company will show the latest update of its web-based configuration and operations software, COSweb, with new features that improve system management.
Among the highlights of the HaCon (Hall 4.1, stand 408) exhibit is TPS Online, a short-term traffic management system, which controls and optimises rail operations. The system can process short-term disruptions such as train delays, or points or signalling failures in real time and offer automatic, semi-automatic and manual conflict resolution to dispatchers. HaCon will also present its latest Hafas trip planning solution, current MaaS projects, enhancements to its web-based vehicle system, Hafas Smart VMS, and a new interface for the Hafas Information Manager.
Comsa (Hall 22, stand 704) will promote its turnkey services covering construction, industrial engineering, and maintenance of railway infrastructure and superstructure, as well as electrification control and communication systems. It will also be on hand to discuss its projects around the world, including in Denmark, where it has employed Building Information Modelling to design and execute the control and maintenance centre for the Odense light rail network.
TecniKabel (Hall 12, stand 205), which designs and produces electrical and optical cables, will present its inter-vehicle cabling systems. The jumper cable is a key feature of improved wiring systems for onboard communications, providing wired communications between coaches supporting Ethernet networks as well as a wireless connection to a ground control station via a 4G mobile network.
MTM Power (Hall 17, stand 207) will present its new dc/dc PCMDS400 converter series, which can connect using push-in cage clap connectors, and operate to the push-pull principle, where the dc-voltage is chopped by two push-pull working transistors with a frequency of approximately 70kHz. With the help of a transformer and a secondary linear choke, a galvanically isolated output voltage of 24V is created which is adjusted by pulse-width modulation according to the current mode principle. The compact PCMDS400 devices, which are maintenance-free, are available with an input voltage of 110V dc.
Renk (Hall 20, stand 216) will showcase its range of couplings for railway applications as well as its capability to tailor-make components to suit various torques and forces. It also offers test systems, supporting the development of UIC-approved braking systems, wheelsets and wheelset-bearings.
Trenolab (Hall 6.1, stand 215) will introduce its new “trenissimo” simulation tool, which is designed to make train simulation more intuitive, accurate and effective. It features a smart and comfortable, user interface which has the ability to consider everyday variations in railway operations and is integrated into the Treno suite. The tool offers a realistic representation of traffic management and the impact of stoppages on both passengers and trains, which is particularly useful for the simulation of complex mainline or metro networks.
Teleste (Hall 2.1, stand 307) and its subsidiary iqu Systems will showcase control centre software designed for the delivery of travel information and multimedia content, onboard solutions, and Mitron information displays. The company will also show the new S-Aware platform, which is designed to improve situational awareness and sharpen decision making in environments with special security and operational needs.
Linsinger presents two rail milling machines at outside track area
TURNKEY rail maintenance service provider Linmag (Hall 26, stand 141) will showcase its Linsinger rail milling technology, which extends rail life and reduces life cycle costs. Linmag says the spark-free technology can carry out reprofiling in as little as one pass, without any negative impacts on the metallurgical structure of the rail surface. Using measurement data to plan and control the milling process, the company’s machines can provide optimised machining at a low cost, with pre and post-milling data on rail condition enabling customers to move towards predictive rail maintenance. Outside,
Linsinger (Track 0/224) will exhibit two rail milling machines. The MG11 (Track 2/202) has been specially developed for light rail and metro networks and can re-profile rails on lines with limited structural clearances and tight curvature. In addition, the small-profile SF02T-FS (Track 2/203) has been designed for use on metros and narrow-gauge railways, and thanks to its articulation joint, is able to negotiate 50m-radius curves. The machine’s low-emission engine also facilitates operation in tunnels.
Euroguarco (Hall 3.1, stand 313) will exhibit its range of custom air duct systems for rolling stock, which are manufactured using light or ultra-light, self-insulating materials and supplied with fittings, interfaces and components such as flexible joints, brackets, anti-vibrating supports and dampers.
Cybertec (CityCube B, stand 302) will hold live demonstrations of Patroni, its security and availability solutions for enterprise database systems. The company will also show PostgreSQL software, which supports business intelligence, analytics, geo data processing and autonomous driving.
Gally (Hall 8.2, stand 310) will exhibit its range of Vargal all-metal self-locking nuts, which have an external elastic steel spring which, by pressing the nut collar on the screw and determining a radial deformation, guarantees a locking effect. The nuts are vibration resistant and can withstand temperatures from -50oC to 300oC. No special tools are required and the nuts can be reused.
KBG (Hall 20, stand 411) offers services for machining of high-performance materials from detailed specifications or from scratch following consultation with clients. Products on show will include its Ares two-part rotating cup plastic bearings bushes, which are used for wagons and turnouts.
Railway workshop and depot equipment supplier Cespa, Italy, (CityCube B, stand 204) will present its full range of products, including mobile lifting jacks for rail vehicles, auxiliary bogies, mobile bogie presses, roof access platforms, bogie turntables and handling equipment.
Cetest, Spain, (CityCube A, stand 401a) will present its one-stop-shop railway vehicle and component testing services, including structural integrity and fatigue testing of car bodies, bogie bolsters and frames. The company also validates wheels, axles and bearings, provides static characterisation of full vehicles, and tests on-track dynamics, including noise, vibrations, and EMC as well as vehicle aerodynamics.
Nokia (Hall 4.1, stand 219) will showcase its latest communications technologies and mission-critical networks. The company will also demonstrate options for future-proofing networks to simplify migration to new technologies as well as comprehensive solutions to protect against cybersecurity threats.
Hima (Hall 6.2, stand 510), Germany, will present safety technology for the rail industry, including Cots controllers which have received Cenelec SIL 4 certification and are part of the supplier’s Smart Safety Platform. Hima says its Cots components guarantee reliable and continuous operation for safety-critical applications such as electronic signalling, level crossings, sensor-monitored door-opening systems, electronically-controlled slide and wheel slip protection, safety controllers and safe train movement.
The highlight exhibit for System7 Rail Support (Hall 26, stand 119), Austria, a manufacturer of track machines and measuring systems, is the Universal Tamper 4.0, a high-output machine for tamping of plain line and switches. New developments include lower operating and life-cycle costs, simple operation, and fully automatic guidance, and constant condition monitoring of the tamping banks. The machine will also conduct trend analysis to support maintenance planning.
Savvy Telematic (Hall 4.1, stand 211) will display its latest innovations for wireless connectivity and optimising logistics processes, including two new telematics devices: the CargoTrac-ExR, which is equipped with a wireless transceiver, and the Sense Gateway-ExR, which provides four connection options regardless of Etex sensor manufacturer. The Savvy Sense Gateway is able to connect wirelessly with telematics devices while the Swiss company says its devices are maintenance-free throughout their 15-year lifecycle. It has also developed a flat spot detecting system in partnership with wagon leasing company Wascosa, which identifies flat spots via acoustic irregularities and permits straightforward elimination.
ABB (Hall 9, stand 304) will reveal three world premieres, including Resibloc Rail, which the company describes as the world’s first dry main traction transformer using Resibloc cast-resin technology. ABB says this offers a significant reduction in energy use as well as lower maintenance costs. The company will also launch XMC 20, a secure multi-service platform for mission-critical communications, which can pinpoint exact vehicle locations and remotely monitor equipment. The third new product is ABB Ability Ellipse, a lifecycle management solution which connects assets in the field to provide a high-resolution view of network performance. At Speakers’ Corner in Hall 15.2 on September 20 at 16.30, ABB will also provide insight into how British infrastructure manager Network Rail is embracing the digital railway by listening to its assets.
Schenck Process (Hall 5.2, stand 227) offers a range of measurement monitoring systems, from static measurements in a test rig through to 250km/h train monitoring equipment. Among the highlight exhibits are Multirail WheelScan for measuring wheel imperfections and out-of-roundness; the Multirail LegalWeight system for weighing solids and liquids during transit; the Multirail BogieLoad test rig for use in bogie production and maintenance; and Multirail Pass service agreements for managing big data.
DMA, Italy, (Hall 23, stand 301) will present TracksNet Data Management & Analysis software, an online application which provides real-time access to measurement data. The application is flexible, customisable and searchable, and allows users to manage thresholds, validate defects and generate real-time turnout reports. The customisable layout can be saved, renamed and reloaded, while the system can integrate with existing asset management systems.
Austrian research and testing institute Rail Tec Arsenal (RTA) (CityCube B, stand 409) will highlight the capabilities of its two 100m-long climatic wind tunnels, which are specially designed for rail vehicles. The tunnels can simulate the harshest climatic condition at the push of a button, including solar radiation, rain, snow and ice. The institute will also host a workshop, addressing recent developments in climatic testing of rail vehicles, including HVAC energy consumption.
Dürr Technik, (Hall 1.2, stand 214) which manufactures oil-free piston compressors for rail vehicles, will display a selection of products such as the small D-040 compressor for wheel flange lubrication, the silent D-100 for raising the pantograph, and the new, compact MC-900 compressor for braking systems. There will also be a virtual reality presentation of a new customised solution consisting of a housing, compressor and a membrane dryer for a Scandinavian project.
Laselec, France, (Hall 11.2, stand 210) will offer live demonstrations of innovations in wire processing, including its RapidShare automatic marking and cutting production line; Sylade 7 Bench Top laser wire stripper; and EasyWiring Interactive harness assembly board. Recent Laselec releases include the handheld Sylade 7 H laser wire stripper and MRO200-Av/Bv laser wire markers, which use vector marking technology.
Zarges (CityCube B, stand 405) will display climbing solutions for depots and workshops, including access points and work and maintenance platforms. The platforms are skid resistant for rapid ascent and descent, while railings and large areas enable staff to work safely. Designs are customisable using height-adjustable or fixed stairs and platforms, and Zarges can also supply a modular system to suit contour and platform height.
Paint and coating supplier Mankiewicz (Hall 8.2, stand 201), which has a background in aviation and maritime industries, will show its products for rail which can withstand extreme weather and other environmental factors. Among the highlights is the Alexit BaseCoat/ClearCoat system for exterior paintwork, which provides high resistance to UV-radiation and major variations in temperature as well as chemicals such as hydraulic oil and de-icing agents.
Japanese companies fill Hall 7.2a
Some of Japan’s leading railway companies and manufacturers will again take up residence in Hall 7.2a. They will include Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI) (Hall 7.2a, stand 100-102), which will present its range of practical experience and introduce several new technologies developed through its in-house research. In addition, the institute will promote the 12th World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR), which it is set to co-host in Tokyo in October 2019.
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Hall 7.2, stand 100-08) will showcase its range of rolling stock and track products, including wheels, axles, gear units, brake discs, bogies, and rails, while Toyo Denki Seizo (Hall 7.2a, stand 100-15) will exhibit its portfolio of electrical systems for rolling stock. This includes traction motors, driving gear and propulsion inverter systems as well as door operating equipment and pantographs.
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (Hall 3.1, stand 339) will present its Hitachi-branded scroll compressor, which is exclusively designed for air-conditioning applications in transport vehicles. The company will also show its range of horizontal and vertical scroll compressors.
Railshine (Hall 23, stand 507), will present its range of specialist retractable rigid catenary systems for depots. The French company will also show its diesel locomotive exhaust extraction systems for depots and intelligent fuelling points, purpose-built for railways, which are controlled and managed in real-time.
Trapeze (Hall 201, stand 311) will display a range of innovations, including the LIO operations control system, flexible data analysis using LIO-Scope, a new travel assistance application for visually-impaired passengers, and its PitStop toolbox for increasing depot and fleet management systems. The company has also developed the ComfoAccess Smartphone application, which enables passengers to make hands-free payments using a smartphone.
LMT Leuchten + Metall Technik (Hall 7.1a, stand 306) will showcase Varyo II LED luminaire, which the supplier says can reduce glare from light fixtures due to the combination of louvres and an internal diffuser. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical versions are available in two different lengths with either wide or narrow beams, making Varyo II suitable for a variety of platform layouts.
CZ Loko (Hall 2.2, stand 303) will present the four-axle EffiShunter 1000 shunting locomotive No 744.105-8 (Track 2/200), the thousandth vehicle manufactured by the Czech supplier. Featuring an asynchronous traction system (ac/dc) and individually-controlled traction motors, the EffiShunter 1000 platform achieves high performance as well as reduced energy consumption, running costs, emissions, and noise. The shunter is designed for 100km/h operation, although the running gear is capable of operating at higher speeds.
IT specialist IVU Traffic Technologies (Hall 2.1, stand 404) will present its innovations for mobile ticketing, condition-based maintenance and e-buses. Working with technology start-up UrbanThings, Britain, IVU has developed the IVU.ticket.app for mobile ticketing which uses Bluetooth to track trips and manage payments, and automatically registers when passengers board a public transport vehicle, meaning they do not have to remove their smartphone from their pocket. Also on show will be the the IVU.rail system, which integrates condition-based maintenance in planning and dispatch, and IVU.suite, which assists with the deployment of electric buses.
Speno, Switzerland, (Hall 26, stand 104) will showcase its MRR family of rail milling trains, which can work in multi-pass mode for targeted corrective work, and provide a ripple-free rail finish which, according to the manufacturer, makes additional grinding unnecessary. MRR trains are equipped with Speno measurement solutions, including a rotating eddy-current sensor for the detection of head-checks and spalling, rail profile optical measurement, longitudinal profile measurement, metal removal optical measurement, and continuous track-gauge measurement. The first MRR 600 train was completed in 2017 and the company says the first MRR 400 narrow-gauge milling train will be available soon.
Trimble Rail Solutions (Hall 25, stand 202) will present the Nexala remote diagnostics solution, which can process large amounts of raw data from onboard systems in real-time to provide a comprehensive view of overall fleet status and location and, help to optimise maintenance staff resources to address faults. The company will also show Trimble Beena Vision’s wayside inspection systems which, coupled with software applications and image analysis technology, enable operators to improve fleet maintenance and operation by automating measurements and inspections.
Spread across two exhibits, Ingeteam, Spain, (Hall 17, stand 201, and Hall 6.2, stand 604) will showcase new basic power modules (BPM) for Ingetrac converters and its Ingesys general-purpose control systems. The company will also present high-medium-low power modules for Ingetrac modular converters as well as its latest energy recovery projects.
Sperry Rail (Hall 25, stand 214) will debut Sperry 360o, which uses testing techniques and technologies such as eddy-current to detect potential rail head failures during predictive maintenance and optimised operations. A key component of the 360o solution is an artificial intelligence tool, Elmer, which can process terabytes of data to identify anomalies. Sperry says Elmer uses predictive analytics including algorithms and tools to measure the probability and consequence of failure from detected exceptions and the solution can be deployed on any Sperry vehicle.
Rail grinding specialist Mecno Service, Italy, (Hall 25, stand 412) will present its latest solutions based on the use of tangential grinding stones. This reprofiling process is carried out in circular sectors without leaving facets and cusps on the rolling surface of the rail, which Mecno says will benefit the wheel-rail interface.
Rail.One (Hall 26, stand 305) will showcase its low-maintenance track systems for main line and urban applications, with particular emphasis on providing stable track positioning and ride comfort at high-speeds and under extreme operating conditions. Rail.One’s range of ballasted and embedded track, and covers all phases of product development from engineering, including plant construction, production, supply and logistics, through to quality management. Among the highlight exhibits is a turnout fastening solution for urban rail applications, while the German supplier will present its digital infrastructure applications.
Hitachi (Hall 4.2, stand 304) will showcase its latest digital technology and rolling stock offerings, including the new Caravaggio double-deck regional EMU (Track 4/400) for Trenitalia. The stand will feature interactive displays to demonstrate how its digital technology works and can benefit passengers and operators by increasing capacity, rolling stock reliability, and making journeys more accessible for passengers. The company will also display its latest e-ticketing, predictive train maintenance, smart CCTV and digital signalling solutions.
Ansaldo STS will also exhibit on Hitachi’s stand, and experts will be on hand to discuss work on integrated and automated mobility and how big data and IoT can improve these processes. The company will also focus on the future of signalling technology.
Blend (Outdoor Display/527), a supplier of wagon-mounted mobile mixing plants will show Luigi (Track 3/416), its machine for London Underground. The company offers singular or modular plants, which allow greater flexibility of movement, while the systems are equipped with an automatic production system, control and weight systems for cement and aggregates, dosing sensors for admixtures and water, and sand humidity probes to produce concrete with specific qualities.
British Steel (Hall 21, stand 208) will present its range of premium rail products, including the SF350 stress-free heat-treated rail, which offers high wear resistance and low residual stress and minimises the risk of foot fatigue. The company will also show the ML330 premium grooved rail, and the Zinoco range of coated rails, which combat rail corrosion in aggressive environments.
Init (Hall 2.1, stand 308) will premiere a new multifunctional back office ticketing system, Mobilevario, which enables passengers to pay for tickets using a credit card, smart card, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Apple Pay. The German company will also exhibit its Mobile-APC automatic passenger-counting technology, which displays real-time information on vehicle occupancy on passenger information screens or platform screen doors, encouraging even distribution of passengers throughout the length of the train.
Representatives of Egis Rail (Hall 5.2, stand 110) will be on hand to discuss the company’s work on public transport networks, from design to commissioning and testing. Egis also has experience with asset management solutions, including consulting, maintenance and planning upgrade works, engineering works, and asset management digitalisation and training. The company is currently involved in building information modelling (BIM) projects, Hyperloop and other autonomous shuttle projects.
District for Rail Technologies, High Speed, Networks’ Safety & Security Consortium (Ditecfer) (Hall 9, stand 204), an Italian group of 43 companies and three research bodies based in Tuscany, will focus on R&D processes and the internationalisation of its members as a supply chain. Dictecfer is part of the Promoting European Rail Excellence outSide EU (Peres) project, and will showcase ways that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can export outside of the EU.
Vogelsang (Hall 7.2c, stand 207) will emphasise solutions for vacuum wastewater disposal and drinking water supply, including TUnit, a single-station system equipped with a VX series rotary lobe pump. The solution is suitable for smaller depots and workshops while the TUnit MP is designed for medium and large depots. The supplier’s weatherproofing cleaning station, CleanUnit, includes a range of equipment for train interior cleaning including hot and cold water, detergents and grey water disposal. The solution can also be equipped with sockets for external devices such as vacuums or high-pressure cleaners.
Amsted Rail (Hall 20, stand 303), which manufactures bogies and couplings and drawgear for freight wagons, will be discussing the development of complete bogie transit assemblies, a range of coupling and drawgear components, and new testing facilities. The US company will also introduce its new division, Amsted Digital Solutions, which will use proprietary technology and cloud-based software to maximise asset use and fleet productivity.
Zagro Railway and Construction Machinery (Outdoor Display/422) will display emission-free shunting technology, including the Zargo E-Mini and Zargo E-Maxi XXL battery-powered shunters, which can handle loads of up to 50 tonnes and 2000 tonnes respectively. The new Zargo E-Maxi XXL is available in a hybrid power variant, and is equipped with all-wheel steering, while a modular design allows operation on track gauges ranging from 1000mm to 1676mm and various coupling systems. In addition, the company will display its Unimog U423 and RR 282 6x4 road rail vehicles (Track 1/415).
Gmeinder Lokomotiven (Outdoor display/422) will exhibit the four-axle DE75 Bo’Bo’ shunting locomotive (Track 1/415) with diesel-electric drive. The locomotive features four independently-controlled traction motors, and can be configured with two independent energy sources - dual diesel gensets or a hybrid of diesel genset and a lithium-ion battery. The unit can also be equipped for third rail or overhead electric operation.
Alongside Gmeinder Zweiweg (Outdoor Display/422), which produces lifting platforms, has taken over the production of new aerial work platforms from Blumenbecker Technik. This includes the Hubmeister range of lifting platforms, which will be manufactured at Zweiweg’s facility in Sehnde.
British wireless connectivity and ICT provider Nomad Digital (Hall 4.1, stand 217), which is now a subsidiary of Alstom, will host live demonstrations of its new applications and programmes which deliver enhanced passenger services. These include on-board live TV, new operational analysis and reporting tools, fully-synchronised and integrated real-time journey and service information, mobile applications for a fully-networked train, and Nomad Tech’s Remote Online Condition Monitoring (ROCM) solution. The supplier will also demonstrate its new mobile application, which uses design thinking, a method for practical and creative resolution, to solve problems.
Advances in 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM) will be displayed by Stratasys (Hall 8.2, stand 223). The company will explain how AM technology, software and materials can accelerate product development cycles and overcome the limitations of tradition manufacturing to create low- volume prototypes. A Fortus 450mc production 3D printer, which uses engineering-grade thermoplastics to produce complex parts for low-volume production applications, will be on display. The company will also show the application potential of the Stratasys J750, a multi-material, full-colour printer.
As part of the reforms outlined in the Fourth Railway Package, The European Union Agency for Railways (Hall 4.2, stand 301) will become responsible for safety certification and vehicle authorisation from June 2019. At InnoTrans, the agency will offer demonstrations of the One-Stop-Shop IT tool where future applications will be submitted. There will also be a Speakers’ Corner debate on the new approach to route compatibility at 15.00 on September 19. The agency says it will use the opportunity to convince stakeholders and national authorities of the benefits of the upcoming changes. It will also host another debate at its stand on September 18 on freight transport and digitalisation in the EU.
Electricfor (Hall 3.1, stand 507) will present its range of electrical heaters, including a flow-through system with immersion elements in direct contact with the liquid which the company says offers greater efficiency and temperature control. The supplier has also developed a range of resistance batteries for air heating, with applications including HVAC equipment, air-conditioning and radiators.
Turkish Armed Forces Foundation company Aselsan (Hall 9, stand 306), which designs, develops and manufactures systems, platforms and sensors for a variety of markets including rail, will present its latest traction, train management and control, and energy storage solutions, and signalling and control systems.
Pandrol (Hall 23, stand 210) will structure its exhibit to promote the supplier’s four specialities: rail fastenings, aluminothermic welding, electrification and equipment and control. The company will run short seminars on rail infrastructure issues, where technical specialists will host ‘ask the expert’ sessions, while an interactive screen will showcase Pandrol’s latest projects.
ZTR Control Systems (Hall 6.2, stand 215) will present its IoT developments for locomotives, track maintenance and freight wagons through the new interactive and customisable Connected Railway tool, which enables users to navigate the company’s IoT offer. Among the solutions available are Bluetooth options for equipment tracking, the ONEi3 user interface and locomotive modernisation solutions.
Bategu (Hall 21, stand 310) a manufacturer of flexible metal/rubber components, will display a range of rolling stock components that meet European standards, including rubber elements such as laminated rubber-metal springs and large-volume components such as cone, axle and hour-glass springs. The supplier has also created European-compliant flexible metal/rubber components, which are mostly used in bogies, as well as anti-vibration components.
ITT Veam (Hall 10.1, stand 104) will showcase its latest rolling stock and infrastructure connector solutions. Among the products on show are plating solutions that support eco-friendly and rugged connectivity in demanding environments and high-speed data transfer technology for passengers.
NKT (Hall 22, stand 302), which produces copper alloy overhead lines for contact wires and cables for overhead electrification systems, will present its contact wire solutions, including contact wires and messenger or dropper wires, jumpers, and return conductors. The company will also outline the advantages of its new Valtermo contact wire material, which is an alternative to copper and copper-silver alloy.
Frequentis (Hall 4.1, stand 315) will present its range of communications and emergency response systems, including its mission-embedded systems for intelligent monitoring, precise train localisation, and semi-autonomous operation or unmanned remote sites. The supplier will also show its indoo.rs solution for indoor navigation, which is used by Amtrak. Visitors can also experience the FTS 3020, Dicora, Divos Investigate and Operations Communication Manager, including innovative mobile services, and view the Railway Emergency Management (REM) system.
Wago (Hall 13, stand 300) will premier its new Topjobs Rail-Mount terminal blocks for wiring applications, which are fitted with levers, and work by lifting the device’s handle, inserting a conductor and pushing the lever back down. The system enables the connection of conductors in a control cabinet by hand and permits removal without the need for tools. Terminal points are marked by the open lever, reducing the risk of forgetting individual terminal points during wiring.
Talgo (Hall 4.2, stand 305) will display a model of Avril ES, the first iteration of its high-speed train platform, which has a maximum speed of 350km/h and a price tag of less than e25m. The 200m-long Avril ES for Spanish national operator Renfe will carry up to 600 passengers and achieve a 37% reduction in energy consumption, compared with the current Renfe very-high-speed fleet average, as well as a 25% reduction in maintenance costs over a 30-year lifecycle. The Spanish manufacturer will also use virtual-reality to show how it adapted the train for the harsh conditions of the Arabian Desert and display a mock-up of a motorised rodal, the company’s unique wheel assembly with independent wheels and traction equipment. It will also showcase developments from the Shift2Rail research initiative to optimise train maintenance.
Measurement specialist SelectraVision, Italy, (Hall 5.2, stand 312) will show modular solutions for checking and measuring catenary including onboard equipment and portable manual trolley solutions. As well as measuring the main parameters of height, stagger and wear, these systems can incorporate video recording, pole detection, pantograph current and voltage measurements as well as arc detection and measurement. The company’s CatView software synchronises and displays the data along with the videos and track position.
SMA Railway Technology (Hall 17, stand 214) will present an extended Smartconverter 3 range, which now includes auxiliary power converters with an input voltage of 3kV dc for regional, inter-city and high-speed trains. The SMA Railway range uses medium-frequency galvanic separation which enables the deployment of particularly small and lightweight systems.
Knorr-Bremse (Hall 1.2, stand 203) is focusing on system connection, lifecycle efficiency, transport capacity and eco-design, presenting its portfolio of vehicle subsystem connectivity, braking applications, maintenance services as well as various digital solutions. On a second stand, (Hall 1.2, stand 106) the company will unveil the EP2002 3.0, a metro brake control system with innovative features for use in multiple units. The EP2002 3.0 is based on the EP2002 with the same compact, light and robust construction. An electronically- controlled emergency brake and a deceleration control are available for the first time with EP2002 3.0, and enable the use of the electro-dynamic wear-free brake in case of emergency braking.
At a third exhibit Knorr-Bremse Powertech (Hall 17, stand 208) is sharing a stand with Microelettrica and is presenting the new PowerBriX generation of auxiliary power converters, which feature silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors that enable higher switching frequencies and a reduction in weight and size. The system offers an increase in power density by up to 50% compared with previous converter generations, with the technology designed for use on light rail vehicles and metro trains.
Among the highlights from Liebherr (Outdoor Display O/300) is the Macs 8.0 modular air-conditioning system, a low-weight roof-mounted system with an energy saving function. The German company will also showcase an electro-hydraulic actuator which is used for the active lateral suspension of rail vehicle to reduce wheel and rail wear, as well as improve passenger comfort. The A 922 Rail Litronic road-rail mobile excavator can be adapted for different track gauges. In addition, Liebherr will present its D98 series of diesel engines and its new D966 horizontal six-cylinder in-line engine designed for use in Voith Rail Packs.
Kago (Hall 26, stand 221) has developed a flame cutter for sidewall separation, replacing the traditional method of using cutting wheels to install axle counters or wheel sensors on grooved rail. It has also developed a guide block and apparatus to allow groove rail separation to take place semi-automatically. Kago also supplies rail contact clamps, electrical rail connections, earthing equipment, cable fastenings for rails and sleepers, rail attachment boxes, and bird protection products. IRJ
