Rail Live 2017
A chance to experience the new D-Train first-hand as RAIL teams up with Rail Alliance to stage Rail Live.
RAIL and RailReview have struck a partnership with the Rail Alliance to stage Rail Live 2017 on June 21-22.
Rail Live is an outdoor rail show aimed at the entire rail sector. It attracts more than 300 exhibitors who showcase a wide range of products and services in a real rail environment. A comprehensive timetable of events and demonstrations, seminars and presentations will take place in 2017. More than 6,000 visitors attended over the two days in 2016.
The event has taken place at Long Marston (Warwickshire) for the past four years, but this new partnership on the unique 120-acre site will build on the success of the current show to create the UK’s biggest and best rail exhibition.
One of the biggest developments this year is that, for the first time, visitors to Rail Live will be able to travel by train right to the show, courtesy of Vivarail’s D-Train. Passenger shuttles will run between Honeybourne station and a special platform inside the showground at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre (QRTC).
This will be the first time the Class 230 has been in passenger service. The prototype ‘230’ was built and tested at QRTC, and this will be a unique opportunity to see and experience the train first-hand.
“Vivarail is delighted to be able to show off our train to the many passengers at Rail Live,” said Vivarail Chairman Adrian Shooter.
The Vivarail team will be out in force throughout the show to talk about the prototype DMU and the new battery test train.
The shuttles are made possible as a result of close cooperation with Network Rail which inspected the track and approved the temporary platform.
Network Rail Chief Executive Mark Carne said: “Rail Live is a great event that helps to bring the industry together, showcasing innovation and technology and
promoting our expertise for the markets at home and abroad. We are happy to support this year’s event and to have played a small part in making the venue more accessible than ever before.”
RAIL will produce the official Rail Live 2017 show guide and stage a series of seminars over the two days, while playing an integral part in growing the event itself.
“This is an exciting development for Rail Live,” said Rail Alliance Chairman Colin Flack. “It builds on the legacy of the partnership with Network Rail and brings a whole new dimension to what is already a successful show. We look forward to sharing more announcements with visitors and exhibitors over the coming weeks.”
RAIL and RailReview Managing Editor Nigel Harris said: “We have wanted to be involved with a rail exhibition which not only has a conventional indoor exhibition but also an exciting outdoor show. The rail industry has some exciting hardware and equipment which is not