Railway
The Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is one of eight engineering divisions of the Institution, and was formed in 1969 on the amalgamation of the former Institution of Locomotive Engineers with the IMechE.
The Railway Division incorporates six centres located in key geographical areas of the United Kingdom. Each centre organises its own activities and programme of events.
The Division consists of IMechE Members of all grades professionally involved or interested in the science and practice of railway engineering. Its scope covers research, design, development, procurement, manufacture, operation, maintenance and disposal of traction, rolling stock, fixed equipment and their components, within rail, rapid transit and all forms of guided surface transport.
For more information about the Railway Division, please download the Railway Division handbook [PDF]. You can also email railway@imeche.org receive events notifications by email.
Latest news
Institution makes Inaugural Stephenson Award for Engineering Innovation
Railway Challenge 2013
The IMechE Railway Challenge allows teams of engineering students studying at a UK university or apprentices working in industry to design and manufacture an innovative, miniature (10¼” gauge) railway locomotive. Details of how to enter the 2013 event are now available.
New Chairman of the Railway Division
The Railway Division would like to welcome its new Chairman for 2012-13, Bridget Eickhoff. Bridget is Principal Infrastructure Engineer at RSSB. Read more about her career in the rail industry. Details of Bridget's Chairman's address tour around the centres will follow in the coming months.
Loco-naming ceremony - 100 years of the Railway Division
Following on from the Railway Division’s centenary year celebrations, a GBRf class 92 locomotive has been named ‘IMechE Railway Division’. John Smith, Managing Director of GBRf has generously made the locomotive and nameplates available, and the naming ceremony took place during Railfest 2012 with the support of its promoters, the National Railway Museum and Rail magazine. See photos from the event.
Stephenson Award for Engineering Innovation
Open to companies of all sizes and individuals. Entries should focus on the industry challenge to improve railway business position through improved value and/or improved revenues. The idea may lead to a direct reduction in engineering costs, or be an engineering-led contribution to increased revenues and/or greater efficiency in operating, maintenance and construction. The judges will be looking for credible developments with significant industry impact. Innovations should have at least/ideally reached the prototype development stage, with a credible implementation possibility.
Talking about Trains
Read the article by David Shirres (Published in the Railway Engineer March 2012) on the ILocoE centenary exhibition in York.
100 Years of the Railway Division
To mark the occasion Allan Baker, Past Chairman, Railway Division has compiled a history of the division. We have limited stocks of this history available. This is free for IMechE members and £7.50 incl postage and packaging to non members. If you would like a copy please contact Sian Clayton on 020 7973 1245 email railway@imeche.org.
Young Members Competition - Win £1000
Each year the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Division holds a competition of technical presentations from Young Engineers. This is made up of regional heats held at the Railway Division centres, followed by a national final held in London.
The event offers a unique opportunity for young railway engineers to:
- Get noticed by presenting their projects to peers, colleagues and senior managers in the industry
- Gain experience in presenting technical presentations and refine their presentation and communication skills
- Career Development by enhancing your CV and developing your competencies for CEng application
- Compete for a cash prize fund, both regionally and nationally