Railway Challenge
Overview
The main aim of the IMechE Railway Challenge is to allow teams of engineering students studying at a UK university or apprentices working in industry to compete against each other to design and manufacture a miniature (10¼” gauge) railway locomotive in accordance with a set of rules. The annual competition will conclude with a final held at a suitable location at which the teams will compete against each other to evaluate their locomotive designs.
The competition is organised by the Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. A pilot of the challenge is being held in the 2011-12 academic year with a final competition planned for summer 2012. If the pilot is successful the aim is to open the Railway Challenge to teams from any UK university or railway company in the 2012-13 academic year.
The Challenge
For the purpose of the Railway Challenge competition, teams will assume that they work for a design consultancy producing a locomotive for a large corporation. They will design and manufacture the prototype of this locomotive and they will then test this against prototypes manufactured by the other teams. The challenges are as follows:
Track Based challenges:
- Energy Storage Challenge
- Traction Challenge
- Ride Comfort Challenge
Presentation challenges:
- Design Challenge
- Business Case Challenge
Why get involved
The Railway Challenge will provide teams of young engineers with experience of design and manufacture of a prototype vehicle. A structured environment will be provided with academic and industry mentors and a fairly risk free but representative environment in which to develop key engineering skills.
Enquiries
If you have any queries regarding the Railway Challenge please email the rules committee at railwaychallenge@imeche.org