We were recently invited by BCIMO [Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation] to the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley, West Midlands, to see a couple of the projects that are taking place there. The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre isn’t normally open to the public, so to see behind the scenes is incredibly insightful.
Before the tour commenced, we were introduced to the centre by Olivia Brown, BCIMO Operations and Marketing Manager, and Phil Marsh, BCIMO Non Executive Director. Phil explained that BCIMO has 2.2km of heavy rail that is rated to 200mph with curves and a tunnel to allow for the testing of new products.
The track is separate from the national rail network, which means that they don’t have to comply with the rules and regulations as with other testing areas, with an exemption from the rail regulator.
[Rail Advent did not explain what BCIMO is or means. – Editor]