Rail Order launches ‘ER’ service for electrical components

Rail Order – part of transport communication specialist AlanDick Communications (ADComms) – has launched a new ‘ER’ service that helps TOCs, ROSCOs, OEMs and maintainers cut the cost of electrical assembly repairs. Based on pilot trials, the new service typically reduces electrical repair and replacement costs by up to 50%, and also improves the environmental credentials of the rail industry.

Rail Order’s innovative train engineering solutions focus on the inspection and repair of common electrical components, including inter-car jumper units, auto-couplers, and harness assemblies, which are typically used on trains, light-rail, underground and sub-service rolling stock.

A current project carried out by Rail Order at its purpose-designed refurbishment facility in Scunthorpe – to provide a cable support solution for a major OEM – has demonstrated the value of the ER process. A fault diagnosis procedure followed by the application of an over-mould grommet to cables in the assembly has created a significant increase in operational life expectancy, vastly reducing whole life costs. Rail Order believes that the adoption of this inspect-and-repair service could save the industry up to 50% on electrical repair costs.

Barry Larcombe, Managing Director of Rail Order, said: “We’ve identified that this type of product has a finite life expectancy and we use trained staff to repair rather than replace most assemblies saving cost, and potential obsolescence issues. We re-use as many components that we can, but we also stock many of these products so we can cut down on long manufacturers lead times. Our ER solution makes real economic sense and also supports the rail industry’s drive to become more sustainable by delivering real environmental benefits.”

Rail Order’s overhaul solutions also include assistance with the engineering change process and the production of documentation detailing product compliance.

Larcombe concludes: “Our service not only saves money for rail operators, but also results in less engineering time required on emergency repairs, which has a major influence on reliability and therefore a positive passenger experience.”