BLOG - “I wanted to come up with an innovative solution that allows us to analyse our ideas in the moment.”

09/11/2023

James Brown, First Rail’s Principal Rolling Stock Consultant on secondment to WCPD, explains how we can use modern technology to visualise and feedback on the designs of the new high-speed trains.

Given the complexity of our train design, I wanted to come up with an innovative solution that allows us to analyse our ideas in the moment. I’m a big believer in digital design and manufacturing technology.

I enjoy using 3D printed models for their ease, size and that they can be transported easily. In comparison, full scale mock ups – although have a huge part to play in fleet design - are expensive, can be inaccessible a lot of time and require large storage.  

There are two models currently in the office, one of a high-speed train carriage and one of a train door next to a platform. My colleagues can see them as they walk past, and some ask questions or give comments – it gets the conversation going!  Any design is initially made in 3D, and then the 2D drawings come from that. I have simply asked the supplier for the original 3D schematics, and then print the models from there.

At West Coast Partnership Development, our role is to represent the voice of the operator and customer in the procurement of the new high-speed trains. We are using these models to visualise the interior of a high-speed carriage and understand the interface between the train and the platform edge at both HS2 and existing stations. Through this work, we are able to make recommendations to HS2 Ltd on the train design.

“We are also able to get diverse feedback rather than just rely on standards”

The thing I love about this technology is that we can design as we go. With models and digital designs, we can experiment there and then, as well as creating more iterations and getting feedback quickly. It creates a new way for us to look at our designs, by making them in 3D we can understand them better. We can also engage with a wider audience. As engineers, we are experienced in understanding technical 2D drawings, however for the public, stakeholders and other colleagues – they can struggle to visualise them. Through models people can see what the designs look like, but also understand our challenges better. We are also able to get diverse feedback rather than just rely on standards. Everyone interprets the designs through their own needs, and we can capture this to get greater input.

As we progress with the programme, I will continue to look for opportunities to create models to help with any challenges or broaden our understanding of our designs. Innovation is a key part of what we do, and hopefully I can inspire others to come up with new ideas to support our work.

Main image: James Brown, First Rail’s Principal Rolling Stock Consultant on secondment to WCPD

Image in blog: West Coast Partnership Development colleagues speaking with James about his models.