The Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) has announced that 1200m2 of rail engineering capacity is available to hire in its Engineering Hall at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley in the West Midlands.
BCIMO is encouraging new or existing customers to take quick advantage of this unexpected capacity at the UK’s newest state-of-the-art R&D centre. The space will be available from mid-February 2024.
A core component of the Rail Development & Test Site, the triple-height Engineering Hall accommodates OEM, operator, supply chain and contractor requirements for a range of overhaul, maintenance, and development work. It serves heavy and light rail fleets alike and can be used for project overflow/infill capacity.
Key features of the Engineering Hall include:
- 1200m2 footprint (60m x 20m).
- 60m through track.
- 48m maintenance track & pit.
- 100m2 of divisible floorspace for workshop areas.
- 32m2 of portacabin-based office space, accommodating up to six workstations.
- Two roller shutter doors (each measuring 7.55m x 4.96m).
- 10 tonne double girder overhead crane.
- Compressed air supply.
- Single & 3-phase electricity supplies.
- High speed Wi-Fi.
- Easy delivery access by road.
The through track leads directly onto the 2.2km, 100 mph standard gauge Rail Test Track, which includes an 870m brick arch tunnel.
The Rail Development and Test Site also offers an extensive range of additional facilities to support the development and testing of future rail technologies, including:
- Two split-level platforms.
- 45m siding.
- Car 10 mule vehicle.
- World first rapid charger for battery-powered rail vehicles.
- Prototype street-based mobility hub.
- 15m radius rail test loop.
- CRAB 1500E electric shunter.
- Four synchronised Windhoff lifting jacks.
- Four-seater battery electric motorised alumicart and trailer.
Supported by complementary facilities including meeting & event spaces, engineering laboratories & equipment and serviced offices & meeting rooms, the VLRNIC provides an extensive rail engineering client facility and is open for business.
Organisations interested in using the facility can contact Martin Little, Strategic Partnerships Manager. Alternatively, they can contact BCIMO, and a member of the team will be in touch shortly.
To find out more, visit the BCIMO website.
