The Railway Technical Tour (RTT) of the Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers provides an excellent opportunity for new graduates, mid-career and experienced engineers to study technologies and operations of railways, internationally.

The main benefits of attending a Railway Technical Tour are found in personal professional development and the acquisition of knowledge and know how that is of relevance to employers and the UK railway industry in general: 

• Knowledge of different technologies, systems, processes and management approaches;
• Intensive contacts with international railway engineers and operators;
• Knowledge of railway networks in different countries and contexts;
• Exposure to different environments and cultures. 

Other important benefits are new personal and professional relationships and, for newer entrants to rail, opportunities for learning from a broad spectrum of railway experts from all areas of the industry. 

Railway Technical Tour 2023, Friday 5 May to Sunday 14 May 2023

Participants will arrive in Helsinki on Friday 5 May 2023, where we stay for 2 nights. The Technical Tour will start on Saturday, 6 May, including a train excursion to visit the Finnish Railway Museum in Hyvinkää to understand railway development in Finland. In the evening, after an opportunity for using the public transport network of Finland’s capital, Eversholt Rail Group invite the delegates for a welcome dinner in Helsinki. 

Check the rest of the itinerary here: https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/tailored-rail/europe/imeche-technical-tour-2023

PLEASE NOTE: All participants are expected to obtain, bring and use protective footwear and a railway approved high-visibility jacket (orange) during ALL visits. Delegates are advised to minimise luggage as the tour involves several transfers by foot. 

Cost of the Railway Technical Tour 2023

The cost of the IMechE Railway Technical Tour 2023, will be £1700 per person sharing accommodation in twin / double rooms, with a £515 supplement for single rooms in hotels. All participants will share accommodation in the sleeper train. This amount includes all travel from Helsinki to Oslo. Options for travel from the UK to Helsinki and return from Oslo to the UK can be arranged by Ffestiniog Travel individually. Members of the party are expected to contribute £170 per person to a kitty for coach travel and incidental costs. Where specified above, lunch or dinner are provided, otherwise participants are expected to make their own arrangements. 

A small number of grants of £1000 each are available for Young Members of the Railway Division and participants with less than five years of professional experience in the railway industry.

Further Information about the Railway Technical Tour 2023

The 2023 Railway Technical Tour is being organised by Emma Armstrong, Bridget Eickhoff, Richard Lockett, Felix  Schmid and Andrew Skinner, with support from Thomas Schmid and our hosts. For further details and any other information, please contact the team through railtechtour2023@gmail.com.

Bookings are taken by Ffestiniog Travel, our partners for the Railway Technical Tour 2023. The booking website can be found at: https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/tailored-rail/europe/imeche-technical-tour-2023