How it all started
Carwyn’s project with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway began three years ago from a discussion with Paul Lewin about the railways on-going plans to improve sustainability. Paul provided Carwyn a platform to create a proof of concept for a battery-electric conversion of one of the railway’s historical vehicles called the Wickham Trolley. The successful test runs impressed railway staff and led to Carwyn leading the ongoing development of the project.
Knowledge and skills gained during this project
Through this project Carwyn has expanded his engineering expertise by working alongside railway staff, volunteers, and Jacob Clarke, a fellow Mechanical Engineering student from Loughborough University. Jacob joined Carwyn for an extended period over the summer, during which both students provided guidance and support to each other on various engineering aspects of the project. In their collaborative efforts, they focused on the electrical systems, as well as the design and manufacturing of approximately 50 pieces of metalwork. These included large sheet metal components for the battery compartment sides and an adapter shaft for the motor. Together, they have worked on designing and manufacturing a more sustainable version of the Wickham Trolley. The project has not only helped to enhance sustainable practices in the heritage rail sector but also helped to improve the skills of young engineers and volunteers working on this project. Carwyn a Mechanical Engineering student at Loughborough University, explains the valuable technical knowledge and practical experience he has gained through the project:
"My Mechanical Engineering degree has given me the confidence to take a leading role in designing and manufacturing the drive system and supporting metal work. Applying the concepts from the course in a real-world setting has highlighted the importance of designing with the manufacturing process in mind. Loughborough has enabled me to build a strong foundational understanding of core skills and knowledge, which has facilitated the designing and manufacturing of the majority of the components with little or no assistance."
What would you say to other students looking to gain a similar experience?
"I would encourage other fellow students to look for volunteering opportunities within heritage organisations. The Ffestiniog railway welcomes these opportunities because they recognise the importance of heritage skills transfer. A simple email to a key individual and you often find they are more than willing to let you get involved with what they are doing. Heritage organisations allow you to experience a variety of skills first hand in a relaxed environment, where the focus is on maintaining and passing on traditional skills, rather than making a profit. From my experience, everyone is more than happy to demonstrate and teach you their skills.
In addition, the Ffestiniog Railway is also promoting an initiative aimed at encouraging more young people to get involved in heritage railways. As part of this strategy, they have introduced an under-25's membership. This membership offers significant benefits and discounts, making it an excellent opportunity for young people to experience the heritage railway world firsthand."
Parliamentary Reception for the Heritage Railway Association (HRA)
Carwyn’s efforts to improve sustainability within the heritage rail sector through his innovative work on battery-electric technology was recently recognised with an invitation to the Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords. The event was hosted by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) and his innovative work in sustainable rail technology earnt him a place representing the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway (Ff&WHR) in North Wales.
The Parliamentary Reception that was held on 13 November 2024 and highlighted the significant role that heritage railways play in supporting local economies, as well as the challenges they face in preserving these historic transport systems. The event brought together key stakeholders, including young members from various heritage railways to represent the future of the industry and to discuss the opportunities the railways provides. The event served to inspire future engineers, volunteers and railway professionals to get involved and continue supporting these important institutions. Carwyn reflected on the event:
"I felt proud to attend this event and represent the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. Being alongside industry leaders and policymakers gave me the unmissable opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable engineering in preserving and supporting heritage railways for future generations. I found myself surrounded by not only a variety of senior influential members of the industry, but also passionate individuals who are helping drive the sustainable movement forward. I am incredibly grateful to Paul Lewin (General Manager FF&WHR) for this unique opportunity."
Continued work on the project
Carwyn and Jacob will continue to work with the team at Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway (Ff&WHR) to finalise the Wickham Trolley, so that it can join the rest of the operational fleet. Any students who are interested in assisting with the project, volunteering at the railway, or who have general enquiries are encouraged to reach out to Carwyn.
Professor Stephanos Theodossiades (Carwyn’s Academic Personal Tutor) from Loughborough University commented: "Carwyn and Jacob are setting a great example for our students with their enthusiasm and thorough technical work. At Loughborough University, we are incredibly proud of their engineering contributions within the heritage rail sector. Their dedication to creating sustainable solutions serve to inspire current and future engineering students, and we wish them well in the completion of this project."
