Institution of Railway Operators Young Professionals Midlands 01/08/08
On Wednesday 10th September GM Rail are pleased to host the launch of the Institution of Railway Operators Young Professionals Midlands section. Attendees will be very much hands-on looking at signalling equipment seen across the network.



‘Open Day’ thanks 01/06/08
Thanks to everyone who came to see us at our recent open day. The event was a great success and we look forward to working with new clients and doing more with our existing ones.



Additional facilities at the Rugby Training School 01/05/08
We have added an extra classroom to the school, which is a much larger room than any of the existing rooms with workbenches and an area to accommodate location cases within the classroom environment.

We have also installed a NR60 F switch to which In Bearer Clamp Locks (IBCL) are being fitted.



Tim Oakes – 65 not out! 01/04/08
Congratulations to Tim Oakes on reaching his 65th birthday. In a few months it’ll be 50 years’ service on the railway!



Bigent moves to new premises 01/03/08
Our sister company, Bigent has now moved to new premises providing increased capability. Bigent provides 8,000 square foot of engineering workshop space and has the capacity to handle work samples up to X:2130, Y:810, Z:760. Visit www.bigent.co.ukfor full details of the company’s capabilities. If we can help your project, let us know!



Headlamps issued to all GM Rail personnel 01/02/08
In line with industry views, we have now mandated the wearing of headlamps by all personnel working trackside in the hours of darkness.



SMTH Recert at Bargain Prices 02/01/08
For a limited time we are offering SMTH Recerts at the fantastic price of £295 + VAT for the one day event. To get this great rate, the course must be booked and paid for before 10/02/08 with courses taking place before 30/06/08. Terms and Conditions apply. This offer is available to framework holders if they can arrange payment as noted. Contact Linda Rose on 01788 514 292 for full details.



GM Rail Services has a new sister company, Bigent Precision Engineering Ltd 01/12/07
Bigent is an established manufacturer of engineering components for the metal processing trade. We intend to expand Bigent using our management and business expertise. Full details of the new company can be found at www.bigent.co.uk



New Points Fittings course 01/11/07
GM Rail Services now have the new Points Fittings course (the successor to the Supplementary Drive course). We are now taking bookings for this course.



IET Railway Professional Network Dinner 01/10/07
GM Rail Services are pleased to sponsor the above event on 11 October 2007.



AHB Commissioned 01/09/07
It’s taken a while but the AHB was finally commissioned in early August, just in time for the IRSE Study day at the school. Featuring bi-directional track layout, the barriers look set to be a popular addition to the school’s various layouts.













GM Rail Services were pleased to sponsor the IRSE – Younger Members Module 5 Exam Preparation Day at the GM Rail Training School 11/08/07
GM Rail Services were pleased to sponsor this event, which took place on Saturday 11 August. The Younger Members (YM) committee recognised that access to the railway and hence familiarity with trackside signalling equipment can be difficult for many to arrange, especially those who usually work out of an office. The day was intended to address this with access to a range of kit around the school. We look forward to supporting future initiatives!

New Dry Ice Blasting Workshop 10/06/07
A new dry ice blasting workshop has been set up at our Rugby HQ within the 7,000 sq ft basement area offering a soundproof environment, as well as extensive storage. The facility will support the established site support services already operational.

Heathrow Commissioning 01/06/07
We recently ran the following advert in IRSE News to mark the recent milestone at Heathrow.

Well done and a big thank you to the GM Rail Services personnel who have worked tirelessly on the Piccadilly Line Heathrow Terminal 5 Extension install, test and training for maintainers as well as HEX maintenance projects over the past 18 months:

Adam Stewart - Alex Lulek - Andrew Gore - Andrew Penney - Andy Brammer - Andy Tollerfield - Angus McDougall - Ashley Pallett - Barry Johnson - Ben Hogston - Brian Dickinson - Brian Figg - Brian Whitwell - Chris Smale - Colin Case - Colin Clarke - Colin Quirk - Conor Edwards - Damian Lawlor - David McVey - David Thomson - Dean Cook - Dean Halls - Derek Edridge - Derek Woracker - Donathus Obikilie - Eddie Wisniewski - Gbadamosi Adetunji - Geoff Connor - Gerwyn Davies - Godspower Epete - Graham Byett - Greg Williams - Ian Figg - James Byrne - James Stewart - John Ellis - Jon White - Jordan Edwards - Keith Mitchell - Kevin Brindley - Maniras Pillai - Mark Watkins - Martin Goodship - Martin McRory - Matthew Everson - McDonald Umeokaleo - Mick Evans - Michael Schofield - Mick Dunkley - Neil Sullivan - Pat O-Callaghan - Paul O-Brien - Phil Lane - Phil Neep - Philip Bagley - Ray Hall - Richard Fowler - Richard Lorkin - Robert Bagley - Ryan Figg - Sean Daly - Sean Martin - Stephen Dowdeswell - Stephen Ralph - Wayne Harris.

We are now looking for further opportunities in railway signalling and telecommunications installation and associated civils works throughout the UK for our team.

Block System Commissioned 01/05/07
The latest addition to the school is a pair of working block instruments with a ‘pegger’ and a ‘non-pegger’ creating a full operational Absolute Block arrangement. This development further compliments the traditional signalling arrangement being developed at the school.

GM Rail Services expand portfolio of workplace assessments to include on track machinery, picop and crane controller 01/04/07

We now have the capability to assess the following competencies:

Iwa interim

Probationary Controller site safety

Probationary Controller site safety - overhead line permit

Probationary Controller site safety - conductor rail permit

Probationary Controller site safety - overhead line and conductor rail permit

Controller site safety

Controller site safety - overhead line permit

Controller site safety - conductor rail permit

Controller site safety - overhead line and conductor rail permit

Protection Controller

Probationary Engineering Supervisor

Engineering Supervisor

Probationary person in charge of possession

Person in person in charge of possession

Probationary senior person in charge of possession

Senior person in person in charge of possession

Core planner skills stage 1

Core planner skills stage 2.

We can also assess Machine/Crane Controllers as follows:

Probationary machine controller road rail vehicle

Probationary crane controller road rail vehicle

Probationary tandem lifting road rail vehicle

Machine controller road rail vehicle

Crane controller road rail vehicle

Tandem lifting road rail vehicle

Probationary 360 excavator

Probationary knuckle boom crane

Probationary vegetation control

360 excavator

Crewbus

Dozer

Dumper

J D Gator

Knuckle boom crane

Landrover

Lorry

Merlin rpv

Mewp

Special purpose vehicle.

ATTACHMENTS INCLUDE: ballast broom, excavac, lifting devices, piling rig, powered lifting accessories, rail clipper, rail cropper, tamping bank, sleeper changing attachment, thimble, trailer and vegetation control.

We can also supply labour services for all the above competencies.

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Dry Ice Blasting operation established 01/03/07
Operating from Ruislip and Rugby, GM Rail Services are pleased to announce the setting up of a Dry Ice Blasting capability. Dry Ice Blasting offers an innovative cleaning process for premises deep cleaning, renovation and building refurbishment, plant and machinery overhaul, and architectural reclamation. No residue is created from the cleaning process which is non-abrasive and non-corrosive and is suitable for a wide range of materials normally damaged by either grit blasting or solvents. GM Rail Services has teams qualified to work on London Underground and Network Rail infrastructure.

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Combined Lock and Electric Detector Box installed at school 01/02/07
As part of the continued development of the school we’ve set up a Westinghouse Style L Combined Lock, an SGE Type GA Style Combined Lock with an SGE Gravity Lock and an assortment of circuit controllers and Westinghouse lever catch handle equipment. As well as an SGE Type HJ 103 Electric Detector Box, three slides for facing points with tappet actuator contacts. The equipment provides part of the continued development of the school's mechanical layout.

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GM Rail Services start to provide signalling cover on LU 01/11/06
As part of the development of GM Rail’s London Underground capability, we are pleased to announce we have now started to provide signalling take off/put back cover on LU infrastructure.

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IET Railway Professional Network Dinner 01/10/06
GM Rail Services were pleased to sponsor the above event which took place on 31/10/06.

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SSI location case commissioned 01/09/06
A new addition to the school is an SSI location case featuring a points and a signal module. The case is configured to drive dummy loads or real kit inside the school. An interrogator drives a full range of trackside kit as if on an SSI interlocking. The new equipment is part of the continued expansion of the school.

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ISO 14001 : 2004 Environmental Management System accreditation awarded 01/08/06
Following a successful compliance assessment audit by NQA, (National Quality Assurance), the Company has been awarded ISO 14001 : 2004 certification to cover all of GM Rail’s business activities.

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LED signal arrives at the school 01/07/06
We have now taken delivery of an LED signal. The signal features 4 aspects, a No.1 Route Indicator and a calling on signal. A full set of LED signal testing kit is also on site at the school. The equipment has been incorporated into the layout at the school’s new home at 65 Somers Road.

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School moves to bigger site 01/06/06
As part of the continued growth of our engineering school, we have relocated to larger premises at 65 Somers Road. The new site provides room to expand the school, as well as providing 3 large classrooms, a stores, workshop, fabrication area and improved office accommodation. We invite you to inspect the facilities and discuss how we can support your training and on site requirements.

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IRSE International Convention Interlaken, Switzerland 01/04/06
GM Rail Services are pleased to sponsor the above event to be held 4-7th September 2006.

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GM Rail Services have their 200th operative trained in track accustomed protocols 01/02/06
To support a range of work on London Underground including re-railing cover, civils/refurbishment signalling installation and telecomms cable running. A further 40 operatives hold Entry Permit/SIS.

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IRSE ASPECT 2006 International Conference, London 01/02/06
GM Rail are pleased to sponsor the above event to be held in London on 15-17 March 2006.

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GM Rail Services sponsors additional IRSE Green booklets reprint
29/11/05
Following the success of the launch earlier this year of the IRSE Green booklets reprint, we are pleased to be able to offer further support by sponsoring the reprint of an additional booklet for Signalling Instruments.

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Further IRSE Licences gained by GM Rail Staff 01/11/05
A further ten IRSE licences have been issued to GM Rail Services personnel. The categories include installer, point fitter, team leader and maintenance tester. The staff concerned are currently working on a range of signalling renewals projects in the North West of England and on the South East Territory. Also Richard Fowler, Phil Neep and Eddie Wisniewski recently gained MIEE status. Well done and congratulations to the recipients.

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ISO 9001 : 2000 scope of approval extended to include technical training 01/10/05
GM Rail’s scope for its quality management system has been extended to include its technical training provided at its Rugby site.

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IRSE Annual Convention Strasbourg, France 01/09/05
GM Rail Services were pleased to sponsor the above event.

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IRSE Midlands & North West 17th November 2005 - Hands on Signalling Training 01/09/05
The above meeting was held at GM Rail’s Engineering School and included a tour of the equipment at the site as well as an overview of our training philosophy.

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IEE Railway Professional Network Annual Dinner 01/07/05
GM Rail Services were pleased to sponsor the above event, which took place on 22 September.

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Disconnection Box Bracket Range extended 01/06/05
GM Rail’s range of Disconnection Box Brackets has been extended to include Tuning Units, Points Disconnection Boxes (10 by 4), as well as HVI ‘Bread Bins’.

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IRSE Younger Members and Midland & North Western Section Conference – Making Headway 01/06/05

GM Rail were pleased to sponsor the above event that included a visit to its Rugby school. The conference took place on 16 & 17 June.

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GM Rail Services sponsors the IRSE Green booklets reprint 09/05/05
Below please see a copy of the IRSE Press Release:

From left, Michael Croxford (GM Rail), Ken Burrage (IRSE), Darren Whitley (GM Rail) and Richard Fowler (GM Rail).

The Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) has, since its inception in 1912, been concerned with the training and development of engineers, especially young engineers, who wish to study and practice the art and science of Railway Signal Engineering.

It has, over the years, been responsible for the production of a number of textbooks and technical publications, not only to assist professional engineers in their studies, but also to be of general interest to the large and enthusiastic body of people who just believe in railways and rail transport.

Commencing in 1949, and over a period of the next 40 years, the IRSE published a series of 29 Green booklets on a wide variety of signalling topics as an aid to students preparing to sit the Institution's qualifying examination. Although much of the original material contained within the booklets has now been superseded by newer technologies, the principles are, of course, still valid and many of the descriptions are of interest not only to students of railway signalling and historians, but also to those involved with the preserved railways.

The Institution was pleased to co-operate with Peter Kay who arranged to have some of the Green booklets reprinted and published in a combined volume format of related topics. The first of these reprints dealt with Mechanical Signalling and was published in 2000. Combined volumes dealing with Electrical Signalling and another dealing with Signalling Instruments followed in 2001. It was always hoped that it would become possible at some time in the future to complete the reprint of all the Green booklets.

The Institution is delighted that with the generous support of GM Rail Services Ltd it has now been possible to complete this task and all the Green booklets are now available again in a series of seven combined volumes. The Institution hopes that readers will continue to find the content a source of knowledge and interest.

The complete series of British Railways Signalling Practice combined volumes are:

Mechanical

Electrical

Signalling Instruments

Multiple Aspect Signalling

Signalling Relays and Circuits

Interlocking Principles and Systems

AWS, Level Crossings and Remote Control Systems.

M63 Point Machine installed and operational 20/04/05
An M63 Point Machine is now available at the school. It has been fitted onto the UIC54 layout.

Back Drive and Adjustable Stretcher Training 30/03/05
GM Rail Services have been approved to deliver back drive and adjustable stretcher training by Network Rail. For course availability please call Phil Neep on 01788 573777.

Cable Trough Disconnection Box Bracket launched 12/03/05
GM Rail Services have launched their Cable Trough Disconnection Box Bracket.

Shallow Depth ‘D’ Switch installed 02/02/05
A Shallow Depth ‘D’ Switch on concrete has been installed to further broaden the equipment at the school. To compliment the switch a further, 8m of Flat Bottom Rail on concrete and 8m of RT60 Rail on concrete have been fitted.

Semaphore signals installed 10/01/05
2 Semaphore signals were installed at the school in early January. The signals are to be operated from the 8 Lever Frame and complete the circle with equipment spanning mechanical to solid state control.

IRSE News article 10/12/04
A 4 page article on GM Rail’s Rugby school was published in the IRSE News’ 100th issue. If you haven't seen it give us a call and we'll forward a copy.

Rugby open day 20/10/04
GM Rail held an open day at its S&T School and Technical Assessment Centre with over 50 visitors from client organisations. If you came, thanks very much! If you didn't then come and see us at our next event.

Recognition of Excellence in Safety Performance 02/10/04
Network Rail issues a ‘Recognition of Excellence in Safety Performance’ for Stockport Renewals Blockade, completed on 26th September 2004.

TI21 Track Up & Working 13/09/04
Early September saw the TI21 track in the school commissioned, clearing the way for the school to run courses - with the first course planned for mid October.

AzLM Axle Counter 30/08/04
Courses are now being run for the AzLM Axle Counter system.

IEE Railway Professional Network Annual Dinner 10/07/04
GM Rail are pleased to sponsor the above event.

HVI Track Commissioned 10/06/04
Two HVI tracks have been commissioned allowing the school to run HVI Courses.

IRSE Convention to Ireland 10/05/04
GM Rail Services are pleased to be a sponsor to the 2004 IRSE Convention in Ireland.