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Bulletin issue 15/08 - read it here

New loco dubbed ‘Institution of Railway Operators’

Freight operator First GBRf handed the IRO a top industry accolade when the company named a new loco ‘Institution of Railway Operators’.
One of five brand new Class 66 locos recently delivered to First GBRf Number 66728 bears the name ‘Institution of Railway Operators’ in recognition of the extensive support and training the IRO provides to the rail industry.
Network Rail Chief Executive Iain Coucher officially unveiled the IRO nameplate in a ceremony held at First GBRf’s depot at March in Cambridgeshire.
Saying it was a great privilege to name the engine, which will be used primarily to transport coal across the UK, in recognition of the IRO’s work, he said: “The Institution shows our industry at its best, working together in the interest of furthering skills and best practice for the railway. Network Rail is proud to be a corporate member of the IRO and continues to support its endeavours.”
Accepting the commemorative name plaque and a model of the loco IRO Chief Executive Chris Daughton said: “The IRO was established to promote understanding and learning amongst railway professionals of key areas of sound railway management and we are delighted that First GBRf has decided to celebrate the work we do by naming a locomotive the Institution of Railway Operators. The locomotive naming demonstrates just how far we have come as an organisation and we look forward to seeing it in action on the railways in the months to come.”
John Smith, Managing Director at First GBRf said: “The IRO is doing much valuable work to increase the level of professionalism across the rail industry. The training and education services that the IRO provide will ensure that our staff’s knowledge and professionalism continues to develop in line with our expanding business and we are delighted to be naming a locomotive in their honour.”

Alex scoops essay prize for second time

For the second year running IRO Degree student Alex Hellier carried off the prestigious Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) sponsored £500 essay prize.
Launched by PB in 2007, the prize is awarded for the best essay written by a student undertaking the IRO Degree or Diploma Courses.
This year the challenge was to write between 4,000 and 5,000 words under the title: “Compare and contrast the operational benefits of both ERTMS and mainland European integrated timetabling practice. Suggest which of these is likely to provide the best outcome for end users.”
Having previously won the 2007 title, Alex impressed the judges again this year with the exceptionally high standard of his entry. PB director of rail Julian Garratt presented the prize to Alex at the IRO’s recent Annual Lunch.
Julian said: “We are extremely pleased that Alex has been successful in winning this award for a second time. He presented a very readable paper that was easy to understand even for the non-technical, and the achievement of impressing the judges not once, but twice, speaks volumes about his commitment and obvious passion for the rail industry.
PB is delighted to play a role in encouraging IRO students to excel, and will continue to show its support through the sponsorship of the PB sponsored essay competition.”
A panel of academics and senior industry figures, including Modern Railways Technical Editor Roger Ford, selected the winner.