Proceedings 2002/2003 - IRSE

PLYMOUTH SECTION
129
ask the awkward questions. Nineteen members and
guests attended the meeting.
The main thrust of the presentation surprised
attendees, steering away from the expected summary
of the project and instead concentrating on the
unusual problems encountered along the way, not
least of which being the lack of crucial data
concerning distances and gradients necessary for
system design. Another very interesting topic was
the effect of the tolerances applicable to each
parameter involved in ATO and ATP operation,
especially when compounded into design considerations
in attempting to stop a train automatically
within a plus/minus one metre tolerance.
The third and final paper of the session was
entitled “ERTMS in the UK”, read by Patrick
Clipperton. The 20 members and guests at this
meeting included Peter Stanley, President of the
Institution. Post-presentation discussion was substantially
enhanced by the involvement of the
President as a result of his knowledge of the subject.
Pat’s presentation took the form of an across-theboard
picture of ERTMS in the UK, including a
summary of the current project and report status,
statistics of signal, driver and rolling stock numbers,
financial considerations, GSM-R radio, the three
ERTMS level benefits or limitations, reports from
installed systems abroad both valid and propaganda
and media reporting.
All papers presented during this session culminated
in lively questions and answers on all three
occasions with the Chairman having to call a halt to
proceedings.
Following earlier postponements as a result of
work commitments, the Annual General Meeting of
the Section was held on 24th June. Under local
rules, one member of the standing Committee had
to retire, and the Section was delighted to welcome
Past President Alastair Wilson on to the Committee
following a unanimous vote. The Committee for the
coming session will be:
Julian Stiles (Chair)
Dave Biss
Mick South
Geoff Ledger
Andy Marsh
Alastair Wilson
Dave Came was confirmed as Secretary/Treasurer
with Alan Peters as Auditor.
There was discussion on the licensing of staff and
the need to understand that this was now a requirement
expanding beyond safety signalling design and
test, to include in the future all disciplines involved in
work in the railway environment. It was agreed that
locally there is a need to assist and encourage
younger members to attain the required licences,
irrespective of job function.
In view of the successful numbers attending
technical meetings, it was agreed to continue with
the same policy in terms of number, time of start and
venue of meetings.
A special mention was made concerning longstanding
member and previous Section secretary
Stan Buttery, who is seriously ill. The thoughts of the
members are with him. D Came, Secretary
Scottish Section
Chairman:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Committee:
Paul Humphreys
Alan King
Alistair McWhirter
Peter Allan, Peter Rowell
Ian Hill, Tommy Gallacher
This session the Scottish Section has held most
meetings at the premises of Caledonian University.
Following a very successful 2001 experience, the
Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, proved again to be a very
suitable venue for the annual dinner in November
2002. (The Section AGM was held prior to the last
meeting of the session on Thursday 21st March
2002.)
The 2002/2003 session commenced in October
with a presentation from Peter Ramsay, First
Engineering, on “Development of Track Warning
Systems in the UK”. This lecture was held jointly with
the Permanent Way Institution. The presenter very
capably steered the content of the presentation to
hold rapt attention from attendees representing each
discipline. Those attending left this meeting with a
comprehensive insight into the background, and
development so far, of this important subject area.
Pros and cons of the operation of various systems
available were discussed, and for the signal
engineers in the audience, the means of interfacing
to the surrounding signalling system was also
covered. This event was sponsored by First
Engineering. (Attendees 42)
November’s meeting followed the established
format of a lecture followed by the Scottish Section
Annual Dinner. This year, Harry Archibald, Jarvis Rail
Projects, presented “The Alternative IRSE Exam”.
This eye-catching title must no doubt have raised a
few eyebrows at Savoy Hill House when compiling
the programme card! The lecture proved to be an
interesting study into how past and present
practices match up to modern day signalling
principles! Harry picked several ‘rules’ set out in
railway group standards and used a wide range of
photographic illustrations, past and present, UK and
overseas, to show how the various principles were /
are applied. As expected. the talk was thought
provoking and led to some interesting debate afterwards.
This event was sponsored by Jarvis Rail
Projects. (Attendees 58)
In January 2003, Frank Hyland, Head of
Operations, HMRI, described the evolution of
processes that have been applied to the investigation
of UK railway accidents in the last few years.