Practical aspects of rolling stock maintenance

This paper highlights some of the factors affecting operation of electric trains in the railway environment and some of the problems that may face the maintainer. Engineers involved in supply and design may feel they have been unreasonably criticised; their decisions may affect the ability of the maintainer to deliver trains to the operator and in turn to the passenger. Railway engineering problems usually have defined solutions that can be implemented when circumstances allow. The behaviour of individuals is less easily dealt with but gives the maintenance activity more variety and interest. The future of electric traction worldwide is reasonably assured; the engineering problems and solutions will change with technology but the human element will remain as unpredictable as ever