Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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11th September 2023

Alstom to investigate using origami-inspired manufacturing technology​

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STILFOLD co-founder Tue Beijer​

Alstom has entered a partnership with the Swedish design and technology company so the companies can investigate how building trains can be made more environmentally sustainable by using STILFOLD's manufacturing technology that is inspired by origami.

STILFOLD's manufacturing technology has been dubbed “industrial origami”, and uses robotic arms to fold flat sheet metal over curves to form strong and sustainable new structures that use a minimum of component parts.

The technology eliminates any need for cutting, welding, or joining, which increases structural strength but at the same time reduces the amount of waste material, energy consumption, and production time.
 
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STILFOLD origami-inspired technology​

Within the new partnership, STILFOLD will work with Alstom to investigate how a train's structures and components are produced to see whether its innovative steel bending technology can significantly reduce the climate impact of the process.

Over the coming months, both companies will jointly review Alstom's existing manufacturing solutions analyse and identify those areas where the greatest impact can be achieved by implementing the STILFOLD technology.

By using STILFOLD, it is expected that Alstom will use fewer raw materials, reduce the weight of different components, and improve the strength and durability of their trains' structures.
 
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STILFOLD automated robotic folding and forming​

A STILFOLD subsidiary, STILRIDE, is revolutionising the mobility sector by creating a sustainable lightweight electric motorcycle made almost entirely from recycled steel.

The team is also working with Volvo subsidiary Polestar to build the world's first climate-neutral car, and with the Swedish environmental company Kookiejar to produce sustainable “vertiports” for urban drone deliveries.

Alstom is looking at innovation as one of the ways it can reduce its environmental impact.

The company looks upon innovation as creating value and demonstrating its industry-leading position.

As part of its long-term strategy, it is encouraging open innovation by collaborating with universities, research centres, startups, and other stakeholders to strengthen its innovation capabilities.
 
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STILFOLD flexible manufacturing​

It hopes to take advantage of Sweden and Scandinavia's vibrant innovation ecosystem, and earlier this year it set up Innovation Station Sweden, which is the third of its kind globally.

Alstom is also setting up an e-mobility Open Test and Technology Centre at its global traction and brakes component development site in Västerås.

Jonas Nyvang, CEO and co-founder of STILFOLD, said: “At STILFOLD, our aim is to power sustainable manufacturing practices across every industry. Mobility is a key focus for us, which is why we're so excited to be moving into the rail sector through this collaboration with Alstom.

“Rail travel has always been one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, but it could be made even greener by optimising train construction for sustainability. We can't wait to explore what this could look like in practice with the Alstom team.”

Ganesh Chandramouli, Head of Innovation, Strategy and Portfolio at Alstom Sweden, said: “STILFOLD is a very interesting and promising technology where we see many potential applications going forward.

“If we can find solutions that are both more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, it is natural for us to take a closer look at how we can best utilise it, and STILFOLD seems to deliver on many key points.”
 
11th September 2023

‘Western Lady’ makes Four Class 52’s at Severn Valley Autumn Diesel Bash​

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D1048 Western Lady​

The iconic Class 52 D1048 ‘Western Lady' is set to be showcased at the Severn Valley Railway's (SVR) Autumn Diesel Bash from Thursday 28th September to Sunday 1st October.

Visitors to the event will witness the locomotive on static display.

Recently, D1048 has been cosmetically restored, now boasting a blue paint finish complemented with full yellow ends.

The locomotive will be displayed alongside SVR's resident Westerns: D1013 ‘Western Ranger', D1062 ‘Western Courier', and D1015 ‘Western Champion'.

Notably, both the D1013 and D1062, owned by the Western Locomotive Association, are painted in a similar blue with full yellow ends, while the Diesel Traction Group's D1015 features blue with small yellow warning panels.

A special treat is the possibility of D1048 taking part in photoshoot events scheduled for the evenings of 26th September and 6th October.

Those interested can secure tickets for these sessions through the SVR website.
 
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D1048 ‘Western Lady'​

This assembly is particularly significant as it marks the first time in over 25 years that four class members will be exhibited together, reminiscent of the Plymouth Laira Depot Open Day on 15th September 1997, where five Westerns were displayed together.

D1048, named ‘Western Lady', has a rich history.

Manufactured at Crewe in 1962, it began its service journey in December of the same year.

It continued serving until 26th February 1977, a day that also marked the final service day for the Westerns on British Railways.

Interestingly, D1048 was the pioneering class member to don the blue with full yellow ends colour scheme.

Since March 1977, the locomotive has found its home at the Midland Railway Centre.

Speaking about the occasion, the SVR's managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster expressed, “We are thrilled to introduce D1048 to our lineup. Its presence enables us to host the most extensive gathering of Class 52 Westerns in over three decades. Although D1048 is not in an operational state, its restoration to the 1970s BR blue livery aligns perfectly with our event's theme and the planned photo charter lineups. We are optimistic that the inclusion of D1048 will enhance the allure of our event, celebrating 50 years of diesel preservation.”

The SVR has thanked both the Western Locomotive Association and Midland Railway Centre for their contribution in helping to bring Western Lady to the gala.
 
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