The Railway Technical Tour of the Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers provides an excellent opportunity for new graduates, mid-career- and senior engineers to study technologies and operations of international railways. The Tour normally includes visits to a range of rolling stock and infrastructure system manufacturers, workshops, maintenance depots and railway operations. Participants benefit from studying operations that use different practices and technologies in other political, economic and environmental contexts. 

The main benefits of attending a Railway Technical Tour are found in 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 environment 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.

The cost of the tour will be £1360 per person, sharing accommodation in twin/double rooms with a £121 supplement for single rooms in hotels. The rooms in Vienna will be all single or double, there will be no twin rooms. This amount includes all travel from Vienna to Zagreb, but, for strange tax reasons, Ffestiniog cannot include the nights in Zagreb in the cost. Options for travel from the UK to Vienna and return from Zagreb to the UK can be arranged by Ffestiniog Travel on an individual basis. Members of the party are expected to contribute £290 per person for the two nights in Zagreb, coach travel, and incidental costs. Where specified in the itinerary, lunch or dinner are provided, otherwise delegates are expected to make their own arrangements.

A small number of grants of £100 each are available for Young Members of the IMechE Railway Division, and delegates with less than five years of professional experience in the railway industry.

Bookings are taken by Ffestiniog Travel. The booking website can be found at https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/tailored-rail/europe/imeche-technical-tour-2024

Please check here for more details of the tour: 2024_Railway_Technical_Tour_Details.pdf