Railway Conversations with Doc Frank: Recent Episodes
Doc Frank
Doc Frank chats with Peter Colacino from Sydney in Australia. Peter gives us a deep insight into his model for improving projects, covering collaboration, productivity and outcomes.
Please enjoy, share, subscribe and support the show by considering the training offers in the advertisements before and after the discussion. This helps greatly keeping this podcast running, and it makes me very happy indeed. Thank you!
Show notes:
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NEC stands for New Engineering Contract, a framework for more collaborative contracting which was developed in the United Kingdom.
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As per Peter’s call to action, check out (and maybe even engage with) the John Grill Institute of Project Leadership. Link here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/engineering/our-research/infrastructure-and-transport/john-grill-institute-for-project-leadership/how-to-engage.html
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CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but if those technologies are not applied properly there will be disappointing outcomes. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done right. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint. -
The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents weekly training modules over twelve weeks. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, and also five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Andy Harrison from London about project management lessons learned, referring to insights from the excellent book “How Big Things Get Done” by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner.
Show notes:
1) No matter which source you use for buying this book, buying it will be very worth it. There are hardcover, paperback and electronic versions of quite different price points, and here is the publisher’s link that links various other distribution channels too: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672118/how-big-things-get-done-by-bent-flyvbjerg-and-dan-gardner/
2) The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents weekly training modules over twelve weeks. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, and also five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
3) If you are a fan of CBTC technology you will absolutely love the recording of the world’s first global virtual CBTC conference, the CBTC World Summit. 18 speakers from 13 different nations all around the globe give long form presentations on the most up-to-date and exciting CBTC topics imaginable. This unique recording provides you with lifelong on-demand access to all presentations, including their subsequent Q&A sessions, and also three VIP fireside sessions that were held at the end of the three regional live sessions when this conference took place. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost and update your intelligence on the latest CBTC trends and check out this link: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
This Special is from the upcoming podcast episode 88 with Andy Harrison and discusses ideas how to transform project delivery methods for groundbreaking improvements. The book references in this talk relate to the project management bestseller "How to Get Big Things Done" by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner.
Doc Frank chats with Andy Petrie from Sydney in Australia. Andy specialises in Systems Safety Assurance but what is even more exciting is his passion for “cutting the BS” in order to ensure more value for money and make the railway industry a better place. Enjoy this episode and share it widely with others who may want a bit of inspiration for speaking their mind.
Show notes:
1) One of the best training portals for advanced digital signalling and railway capacity increase can be found here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com .
Checking out the outstanding offer of training courses and considering to boost your signalling education with one of those trainings (works regardless of your current signalling knowledge) is the best support you can give for this podcast which is not sponsored by any third parties. Thank you.
2) If you are a fan of CBTC technology you will absolutely love the recording of the world’s first global virtual CBTC conference, the CBTC World Summit. 18 speakers from 13 different nations all around the globe give long form presentations on the most up-to-date and exciting CBTC topics imaginable. This unique recording provides you with lifelong on-demand access to all presentations, including their subsequent Q&A sessions, and also three VIP fireside sessions that were held at the end of the three regional live sessions when this conference took place. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost and update your intelligence on the latest CBTC trends and check out this link: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
This clip is part of a longer episode with Andy Petrie from Sydney in Australia which will be broadcast on Thursday 19/09/24.
Interoperability of digital signalling systems is a hot topic in Australia, and I used this opportunity to bounce my views off Andy and get his perspective as well.
This is the second part of the conversation between Doc Frank and Sean Connolly where they talk about guiding principles and success drivers for High Speed Rail.
If you missed the first part of this talk, make sure you also check out the previous episode #85.
Show notes:
1) Here is the link to the overview one-pager of Sean’s success drivers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HyBxzAnFfu8Ugcn35K1muX2bEAsBxTqE/view?usp=sharing
2) And here is the link to Sean’s full report on High Speed Rail in Australia: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwnmwgDwszIWHWLlpwTmGqQUSZTQe7Ap/view?usp=sharing
3) One of the best training portals for advanced digital signalling and railway capacity increase can be found here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com .
Checking out the outstanding offer of training courses and considering to boost your signalling education with one of those trainings (works regardless of your current signalling knowledge) is the best support you can give for this podcast which is not sponsored by any third parties. Thank you.
Doc Frank and Sean Connolly talk about guiding principles and success drivers for High Speed Rail that Sean postulated in his elaborate report with High Speed Rail recommendations for Australia.
Show notes:
1) Here is the link to the overview one-pager of Sean’s success drivers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HyBxzAnFfu8Ugcn35K1muX2bEAsBxTqE/view?usp=sharing
2) And here is the link to Sean’s full report on High Speed Rail in Australia: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwnmwgDwszIWHWLlpwTmGqQUSZTQe7Ap/view?usp=sharing
3) One of the best training portals for advanced digital signalling and railway capacity increase can be found here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com .
Checking out the outstanding offer of training courses and considering to boost your signalling education with one of those trainings (works regardless of your current signalling knowledge) is the best support you can give for this podcast which is not sponsored by any third parties. Thank you.
Doc Frank chats with Michael Thiel from a small town in Austria near the border to Germany. Michael is the CEO of Frauscher Sensor Technology, a globally active signalling component supplier specialised in wheel sensors and axle counters. We talk about tips and tricks how being focused, specialised and close to the customers can help a small company compete successfully with much bigger players in the global rail signalling market. An insightful conversation that will offer something for everybody in the rail industry, signalling association or not.
Show notes:
1) The best support you can give to this show (apart from subscribing and sharing) is checking out the world’s most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of yourself or a coworker of yours who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
2) CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but if those technologies are not applied properly there will be disappointing outcomes. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done right. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
This is the second and last part of a longer conversation between Doc Frank and Thomas Laux from German Rail (DB). We keep talking about the technology ambitions of the second stage of the “Digitale Schiene Deutschland” program for the increasing digitalisation of rail operations in Germany. The adoption of metro-style moving block technology and the use of AI are the main topics in this second part.
Show notes:
1) The European Train Control System (ETCS) is hands down the most popular train control technology for mainline railways worldwide (and a main topic in this podcast episode). One of the perhaps best training courses available for ETCS has been the “ETCS Kickstarter” training which has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling.
The online version of this training called Understanding ETCS Fundamentals is currently being developed, and subscribers of this podcast can get a 25% discount if they sign up before 30 September 2024 at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and use the code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
2) The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents weekly training modules over twelve weeks. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, and also five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Thomas Laux from Berlin in Germany. Thomas is responsible for the introduction of new technology in the second stage of the “Digitale Schiene Deutschland” ™ program. In this first part of our conversation we talk about the technology elements of the first stage which are already being implemented on parts of the German rail network, and about an important element of the second stage, namely the transition to driverless train operation.
Show notes:
1) The official name of the program is the German term “Digitale Schiene Deutschland”. The English translation offered by Doc Frank in the introduction of Thomas is only for better understanding by the international audience of this podcast.
2) The European Train Control System (ETCS) is hands down the most popular train control technology for mainline railways worldwide (and a main topic in this podcast episode). One of the perhaps best training courses available for ETCS has been the “ETCS Kickstarter” training which has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling.
The online version of this training called Understanding ETCS Fundamentals is currently being developed, and subscribers of this podcast can get a 25% discount if they sign up before 30 September 2024 at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and use the code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
3) CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but fulfillment falls short if not applied properly. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done properly. More information here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint
Doc Frank chats with Mike Palmer from Toronto in Canada. With substantial responsibilities in brownfield CBTC application for several projects in London and Toronto, Mike is ideally placed for comparing notes about dos and don’ts for introducing the world’s most sophisticated mainstream train control technology that is CBTC.
Show notes:
1) Mike mentioned the upcoming IRSE Convention in Toronto on 26-30 August 2024 which is highly recommendable if you are able to get to Toronto at this time. Here is the link to the registration for this convention: https://liveportal.irse.org/Get-Involved/Convention
2) Mike also mentioned another recommendable upcoming conference, the Next Gen Train Control in Baltimore, USA on 17-18 October 2024: https://www.railwayage.com/nextgen24/
3) If after hearing this episode you want to learn more about CBTC, the arguably best online training in the world is Understanding CBTC Fundamentals. It helps you with just that, gaining a solid understanding of CBTC technology, and it is proven to work regardless of your level of rail signalling knowledge prior to the training. Check out the world’s most comprehensive CBTC online training, with 30 on-demand lessons which you can take whenever you like and how often you like, knowledge checks and an industry-leading Q&A support during your training and for at least a full year after your training: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc.
If you are a fan of CBTC technology you will absolutely love the recording of the world’s first global virtual CBTC conference, the CBTC World Summit. 18 speakers from 13 different nations all around the globe give long form presentations on the most up-to-date and exciting CBTC topics imaginable. This unique recording provides you with lifelong on-demand access to all presentations, including their subsequent Q&A sessions, and also three VIP fireside sessions that were held at the end of the three regional live sessions when this conference took place. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost and update your intelligence on the latest CBTC trends and check out this link: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
In this extraordinary episode, Doc Frank reports from ETCS presentations recently given at the Urban Rail conference. Expect to hear what could well be the two most exciting ETCS projects on the planet, why Australian city railways got to choose between ETCS and CBTC, how ETCS Hybrid Level 3 gets ETCS closer to CBTC, and much more.
Show notes:
1) The European Train Control System (ETCS) is hands down the most popular train control technology for mainline railways worldwide. One of the perhaps best training courses available for ETCS has been the “ETCS Kickstarter” training which has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling.
The online version of this training called Understanding ETCS Fundamentals is currently being developed, and subscribers of this podcast can get a 25% discount if they sign up before 30 September 2024 at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and use the code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
Interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge not just for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability. Check it out here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
In this second part of their conversation, Doc Frank and Sean Connolly discuss the correlation between top speed and construction costs for High Speed Rail.
Show notes:
1) Sean’s report that is discussed in this episode is highly informative reading for anyone interested in High Speed Rail, not just in Australia. Here is a link to the Executive Summary chapter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQ1nIjIUmRhnoM3vlRqa6BTrOAPWlIY3/view?usp=sharing
2) And here is the link to the full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwnmwgDwszIWHWLlpwTmGqQUSZTQe7Ap/view?usp=sharing
3) The best support you can give to this show is checking out the most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways in the world: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
4) The European Train Control System (ETCS) is hands down the most popular train control technology for mainline railways worldwide. One of the perhaps best training courses available for ETCS has been the “ETCS Kickstarter” training which has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling.
The online version of this training called Understanding ETCS Fundamentals is currently being developed, and subscribers of this podcast can get a 25% discount if they sign up before 30 September 2024 at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and use the code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
Doc Frank got Sean Connolly back on the show to talk about Sean’s massive 66-page report giving recommendations for High Speed Rail, and High Speed Rail Freight, in Australia.
Show notes:
1) Sean’s report that is discussed in this episode is highly informative reading for anyone interested in High Speed Rail, not just in Australia. Here is a link to the Executive Summary chapter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQ1nIjIUmRhnoM3vlRqa6BTrOAPWlIY3/view?usp=sharing
2) And here is the link to the full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwnmwgDwszIWHWLlpwTmGqQUSZTQe7Ap/view?usp=sharing
3) The best support you can give to this show is checking out the most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways in the world: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) is hands down the most popular train control technology for mainline railways worldwide. One of the perhaps best training courses available for ETCS has been the “ETCS Kickstarter” training which has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling.
The online version of this training called Understanding ETCS Fundamentals is currently being developed, and subscribers of this podcast can get a 25% discount if they sign up before 30 September 2024 at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and use the code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
Doc Frank chats with Cara Cohen from England. She is an organisational psychologist currently working as Business Change Manager supporting the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS) to British rail freight operator Freightliner. An insightful episode for anyone not knowing what a Change Manager does and why it makes sense to have one when introducing advanced digital signalling to a railway organisation.
Show notes:
1) ECDP is the East Coast Digital Programme which will introduce ETCS Level 2 on parts of the busy East Coast Mainline, one of the main north-south rail arteries in Britain.
2) The well-proven “ETCS Kickstarter” course is arguably one of the best ETCS trainings there is and has already helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System, regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling. The online version of this iconic training is being created as we speak and will allow railway professionals from anywhere in the world to watch the training lessons on demand. Subscribers of the show can now get a special 25% discount by signing up on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs and applying the coupon code ETCS-RC25 at checkout.
The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents weekly training modules over twelve weeks. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, and also five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Ralph Heredia from Sydney in Australia. Ralph recently made the jump from a government-owned suburban rail operator to a private international operator of the future metro line to the new Western Sydney Airport.
We talk about various aspects of cultural change, the future outlook for Sydney Metro, the benefits of having more than one operator for a metro network, international best practice of operating a metro, and much more.
Show notes:
1) “Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive and longest-running CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
The official recording of what attendees called the best global CBTC conference in history, the CBTC World Summit with 18 long-form presentations from around the globe, is still available for lifelong on-demand viewing Right now my podcast listeners get a special discount until the end of August. Simply go to
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
and apply the discount code SUMMIT20 at checkout.
Doc Frank chats with a repeat guest on the show, Andy Harrison from London in England. Inevitably the discussion starts with a question about Andy’s views on the controversial High Speed 2 project, and all of a sudden this topic filled almost the entire episode. A little bit on the High Speed Rail planning in Australia had to be added to the mix as well, making it another jam-packed episode with insights on how to do High Speed Rail, and how not to.
Show notes:
1) CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but fulfillment falls short if not applied properly. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done properly. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint
2) Interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge not just for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability, and as listener of this show you get a special 10% discount until 30 June by going to https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability and applying the code DSIPODCAST at checkout.
This is the second part of Doc Frank’s chat with Joe Langley, Director of the Australian High Speed Rail Association. Of course there will be the technology question regarding achievable top speed to really keep up with air travel. But this episodes also tackles a maybe surprising angle, and it has to do with taxes believe it or not.
Show notes:
1) Joe’s Australian High Speed Rail Association is most worthwhile checking out. Here is the link: https://www.auhsr.org.
2) Here is the link to the upcoming High Speed Rail conference on 25 June in Sydney that Joe mentioned during our conversation: https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-high-speed-rail-mini-conference. If you are into high speed rail and happen to be in Sydney that day you definitely want to be there.
3) The best support you can give to this show is checking out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
Interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge not just for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability, and as listener of this show you get a special 10% discount until 30 June by going to https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability and applying the code DSIPODCAST at checkout.
Doc Frank chats with Joe Langley from somewhere between Sydney and Canberra in Australia. Joe is a director of the not-for-profit Australian High Speed Rail Association, and although he is of course an avid promoter of creating a high speed rail network along the Australia east coast, he was open to sensible arguments and enabled a profound discussion on the dos and don’ts of introducing high speed rail to Australia.
Show notes:
1) Joe’s Australian High Speed Rail Association is most worthwhile checking out. Here is the link: https://www.auhsr.org.
2) Here is the link to the upcoming High Speed Rail conference on 25 June in Sydney that Joe mentioned during our conversation: https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-high-speed-rail-mini-conference. If you are into high speed rail and happen to be in Sydney that day you definitely want to be there.
3) Interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge not just for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability, and as listener of this show you get a special 10% discount until 30 June by going to https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability and applying the code DSIPODCAST at checkout.
Please support this show by sharing it with friends and coworkers, but specifically for CBTC fans also by checking the possibly best CBTC online training on the planet (mentioned in the podcast – https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc) and the best-ever global virtual CBTC conference (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023).
The podcast returns to the popular topic of high speed rail by Doc Frank chatting with Michael Byng from England. Michael is a quantity surveyor, is other words cost estimator, who came to fame by producing the cost estimate for the notorious High Speed 2 project in England during the Oakervee project review. Of course we talk about that project, what went wrong and how things could improve, but also about sensible suggestions for the high speed rail aspirations in Australia.
Show notes:
1) Information about the Oakervee review of the High Speed 2 project can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oakervee-review-of-hs2.
2) CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but fulfillment falls short if not applied properly. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done properly. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint
As you hear in the podcast, interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability, and as listener of this show you get a special 10% discount until 30 June by going to https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability and applying the code DSIPODCAST at checkout.
Doc Frank chats with Carina O'Brien from Melbourne in Australia. She is not only the Head of Strategy of a large multinational railway systems supplier, but has also initiated the Working Mumma project which includes a podcast and various other resources to support working parents.
Expect to learn important insights on how to balance career, family and passion projects, where to find support as a working parent, how diversity can help tackling the resource shortage in the railway industry, ways for attracting young women to railways, the importance of workforce flexibility, trends facing the Australian rail industry, the Australian interoperability challenge, and much more.
You would support this show, and make me very happy, by subscribing and sharing it with friends and coworkers. You may also find great value in checking out the arguably world-leading platform for online training on digital signalling systems – https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Show notes:
1) Carina’s Working Mumma project is an outstanding resource supporting women (and men) who want to combine parenting with a thriving professional career. Check out the website https://workingmumma.com.au/ where you also find links to the Working Mumma podcast.
2) Become part of what may well be the ETCS event of the year, the creation of the online training version of the well-proven ETCS Kickstarter training. Having helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling, the online version of this iconic training will allow railway professionals from anywhere in the world to watch the training lessons on demand. Get on board before 31 May at a discounted early mover special on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs.
As you hear in the podcast, interoperability of digital signalling systems is an acute challenge for the Australian railway market, but also other places where interoperability between different systems is required. The best and most specific training on the market is aptly called Digital Signalling Interoperability, and as listener of this show you get a special 10% discount until 30 June by going to https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability and applying the code DSIPODCAST at checkout.
This episode features some of the pre-talk with the guest interviewed in episode 69, Charles Page from Sydney in Australia. It includes important insights regarding the winning or losing of tender bids and effects on those involved, and it also addresses changes to the workplace structure post Covid.
Show notes:
1) One of the ETCS events of the year will be the creation of the online training version of the well-proven ETCS Kickstarter training. Having helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling, the online version of this iconic training will allow railway professionals from anywhere in the world to watch the training lessons on demand. Get on board before 31 May at a discounted early mover special on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs.
2) The official recording of what attendees called the best global CBTC conference in history, the CBTC World Summit, is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing with a special discount for my podcast listeners. Go to
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
and apply the discount code WSPODCAST20 at checkout.
Doc Frank chats with Charles Page from Sydney in Australia, until his recent first attempt of retirement the grey eminence of railway strategy in Siemens Mobility and past president of the IRSE. In a very deep conversation Charles opened up about his esteemed career of 44 years, issues with contemporary project delivery, the best countries to work in, dos and don’ts of company takeovers, the threat of Chinese exports, the reinvention of the IRSE, how employers can stop senior workers from checking out, how to retire right, and much more.
Please support this show, and make me very happy, by subscribing and sharing it with friends and coworkers. You will also find it worthwhile checking out the perhaps world-best platform for online training on digital signalling systems – https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Show notes:
1) One of the ETCS events of the year will be the creation of the online training version of the well-proven ETCS Kickstarter training. Having helped more than 200 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to boost their understanding of the European Train Control System regardless of their prior knowledge of signalling, the online version of this iconic training will allow railway professionals from anywhere in the world to watch the training lessons on demand. Get on board before 31 May at a discounted early mover special on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/etcs.
2) The official recording of what attendees called the best global CBTC conference in history, the CBTC World Summit, is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing with a special discount for my podcast listeners. Go to
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
and apply the discount code WSPODCAST20 at checkout.
This is the rest of the long-form conversation between Doc Frank and Bill Whitmore from Tel Aviv, Israel. With a view on the upcoming rollout of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) for Tel Aviv’s three-line greenfield metro network, we discuss different options for the provision of interoperable CBTC, lock-in risks with a CBTC supplier, pros and cons of segregated versus interconnected metro lines, tricks for CBTC procurement to minimise the risk of future price hikes, and much more.
Please support this show by sharing it with friends and coworkers, but specifically for CBTC fans also by checking the possibly best CBTC online training on the planet (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc) and the best-ever global virtual CBTC conference (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023).
This is the first part of a longer conversation between Doc Frank and Bill Whitmore who currently lives in Tel Aviv, Israel and works on the inception of a brand-new three-line metro network. The focus of this conversation is the planned rollout of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on this greenfield metro network, including the need for a CBTC supply strategy, whether CBTC and rolling stock should come from the same supplier, how to ensure the selected CBTC product is proven but not outdated, what options there are for interoperable CBTC, and much more.
Please support this show by sharing it with friends and coworkers, but also by checking out one of the best CBTC online trainings in the world (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc) and the first-ever global virtual CBTC conference (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023).
This is the second part of the conversation between Doc Frank and Sean T. Connolly, talking about his profound experience in high speed rail and how those insights could inform any plans for high speed rail in Australia or other countries.
In case you missed the first part of this conversation, please check out episode 65 as well. And while you are at it, why not subscribing to the podcast so that you always get informed first-hand about new episodes.
Also, your best support of this show is checking out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
This is the first part of a chat between Doc Frank and Sean T. Connolly from Malaga in Spain. Sean has long-time experience with high speed rail in Spain and various other countries and, as a native Australian, is keen to contribute to upcoming high speed rail considerations in Australia. We discuss how lessons from successful rollout of high speed railway in Spain could inform the plans for Australia, why European references may be the most relevant for Australia, how to yield widespread political support for high speed rail, and much more.
Please support this show by checking out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
Doc Frank chats with Khaled Daher from Palestine, now living and working in Jerusalem, Israel. The conversation covers how modern railways fit into the concept of ‘smart cities’, what makes a city or railway system ‘smart’, how to ensure consistent high quality of installation works, how to minimise service disruptions caused by installation works, tips to keep a project on schedule and on budget, and much more.
Please support this show by checking out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and I would love if they could help boosting the understanding and confidence for those modern technologies of you or a coworker who may benefit from such training. Thank you.
This is the second and last part of a recent live discussion about the pros and cons of a High Speed Rail network in Australia. My main guest was Stephen Allday from Sydney, but guests of the live event had the opportunity to contribute their views as well.
If you want to support this show, the best ways are to subscribe and share with your friends, and also check out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com. Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and they are likely of great benefit to yourself or a coworker you know.
This episode is the first of two parts of a recent live discussion about the pros and cons of a High Speed Rail network in Australia. The main protagonist of the discussion was Stephen Allday from Sydney who had been on the podcast twice before, but several guests of the live event had the opportunity to contribute their views and comments.
If you want to support this show, the best ways are to subscribe and share with your friends, and also check out the arguably most comprehensive training portal for advanced digital signalling and everything high capacity railways: https://docfranktraining.podia.com. Many of the course offers on that portal are leading-edge and globally unique, and they are likely of great benefit to yourself or a coworker you know.
No show notes this time.
Doc Frank chats with Jakub Tomczak from Warsaw in Poland. Jakub is lawyer by education and this conversation explores how he came to the railway industry, what he does to keep learning and improving his value to the industry, a comparison of notes regarding innovation and the future of rail, and much more.
If you like this podcast and want to support it, please share it with others that may be interested and check out the training courses recommended at the beginning and end of the episode which may be of use for you or your coworkers. Thank you.
Show notes:
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Here is the link to Jakub’s newsletter on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7042486154226544640/ -
This is the link to Jakub’s newsletter and blog, mostly in Polish language though:
https://prawokolei.pl/kontakt/ -
“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive and longest-running CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
Doc Frank chats with Craig Evans from Ipswich in England about the impact of introducing the European Train Control System (ETCS) to a freight and logistics company. Craig’s organisation Freightliner operates a fleet of nearly 200 locomotives to be gradually equipped with ETCS, and employs around 700 locomotive drivers to be accustomed and trained on driving freight trains under ETCS control. The discussion covers the structure of the British railway industry, the ETCS introduction to the East Coast Main Line, project delivery structures that support collaboration, the challenges of locomotive fitout and driver training, and much more.
If you like this podcast and want to support it, please share it with others that may be interested and check out the training courses recommended at the beginning and end of the episode which may be of use for you or your coworkers. Thank you.
Show notes:
-
“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive and longest-running CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
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The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is set to introduce the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 to the East Coast Main Line, one of the busiest railway lines in Great Britain.
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Here is the link to the Freightliner website on ERTMS that Craig mentioned:
https://ertms.freightliner.co.uk/ -
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is a pivotal topic in 2024 and the subject of a brand-new training that launches in March. With eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability, ETCS interoperability and cross-technology interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
Doc Frank chats with Sita Brown from Sydney in Australia. Sita managed very successfully to build a career in both corporate and charity organisations while prioritising her growing family. This conversation provides great tips how to balance one’s professional career with other important aspects of life and will be insightful for listeners of both genders.
If you like this podcast and want to support it, please share it with others that may be interested and check out the training courses recommended at the beginning and end of the episode which may be of use for you or your coworkers. Thank you.
Show notes:
-
“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive and longest-running CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
-
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is a pivotal topic in 2024 and the subject of a brand-new training that launches in March. With eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability, ETCS interoperability and cross-technology interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
Andy Harrison is back! After our quite deep conversation in episode 6 this is a follow-up to reflect a few things happening during 2023 in the railway industry. We cover why an open mind is important in railways, cross-fertilisation of the industry from new employees and suppliers, how to introduce new technologies and associated philosophies without losing the original railway identity, industry partnering models most conducive for ETCS delivery, the drive for ongoing change and innovation, how to combat industry scepticism, the importance of business cases and aligned stars, how ETCS implementation can be made repeatable to drive costs down, whether AI is rather fascinating or terrifying, and much more.
You can support this show best by subscribing, telling your friends about it and checking out the world-class trainings mentioned before and after the conversation (and in the show notes below). Thank you!
Show notes:
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“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
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The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is set to introduce the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 to the East Coast Main Line, one of the busiest railway lines in Great Britain.
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Here is the YouTube link to the very recommendable previous episode with Andy Harrison:
https://youtu.be/KMkjrXGbKzo -
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is a pivotal topic in 2024 and the subject of a brand-new training that launches in March. With eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability, ETCS interoperability and cross-technology interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
Doc Frank chats with Sonny Kaur from Perth in Western Australia. Sonny collected vast project management experience in Australia, the USA and Europe while managing to coordinate her career with her partner’s. We talk about the importance of small actions in projects, the work culture compared between Australia and the USA, spicy relationships between project managers and project engineers, how to get projects back on track, the value of women on the project team, the Women in Technology initiative, David Goggins’ cookie jar, and much more.
Subscribing to the podcast helps this show greatly, so please do so and thank you if you are already subscribed. Also, you will surely have friends that would enjoy this podcast too. Remember, sharing is caring.
Show notes:
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“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
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Doc Frank referred to the BART project which Sonny worked on while in California. BART stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit and is the commuter train network in the San Francisco area.
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For any female railway worker interested in the Women in Technology initiative, Sonny recommended joining this group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/120870
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“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is a pivotal topic in 2024 and the subject of a brand-new training that launches in March. With eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability, ETCS interoperability and cross-technology interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
Doc Frank chats with Tony Eid from Sydney, Australia, who presently works as Deputy Project Director on the prestigious Cross River Rail project in Brisbane. Tony shares from his vast experience why 2024 is a special year for his project, the difference between line and project management, what shutdown fatigue is, the difference between change and transformational change, the three most important questions in change management, what makes a good project sponsor, and a great leader, and much more.
Do not miss this most insightful episode and if you like it tell your friends about it.
Show notes:
-
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is a pivotal topic in 2024 and the subject of a brand-new training that launches in March. With eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability, ETCS interoperability and cross-technology interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability.
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Tony talks about the SEQ network where SEQ stands for South East Queensland, the most populated area in Australia except for Sydney and Melbourne, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and everything in between.
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Woolloongabba (“Gabba”) and Exhibition are two of the new stations delivered by the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane. The Gabba is Brisbane’s famous football stadium, and at Exhibition station are the Brisbane Showgrounds.
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Mayne Yard is a large train stabling and maintenance yard near Brisbane’s city centre, and Tony compares it with two similarly large yards in Sydney, at Auburn and at Clyde.
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Tony mentions DDA requirements which are related to the Disability Discrimination Act.
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The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents monthly training modules over an entire year. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, and also five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank explains the concept of ‘Regional Fast Rail’ as a third pillar of passenger rail apart from city metros and intercity high speed services. He discusses characteristics of Regional Fast Rail, the suitability of candidate lines in Australia and a case study from India.
Subscribe to the show and share it with your friends and coworkers helps the impact of this podcast to the railway industry and motivates work on further exciting episodes. Thank you.
Show notes:
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“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
-
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is the training this podcast episode (and soon the wider railway industry) is talking about in 2024. Fully revised and expanded with eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability and ETCS interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability
Doc Frank discusses a critical topic for the railway industry, not just in Australia but arguably everywhere else where interoperability between advanced digital signalling technologies is required. Frank talks about his experience with interoperability from Europe and Australia, risk factors that may prevent interoperability, how he developed a training on interoperability, the recent update of this training to make it contemporary in 2024, and how he sees the future of digital signalling interoperability in Australia.
A must-watch (or listen) episode, not just if you work in Australian railways.
Subscribing and sharing with friends and coworkers helps the impact of this podcast to the railway industry and motivates work on further exciting episodes. Thank you.
Show notes:
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“Understanding CBTC Fundamentals” is a more explanatory title for the brand-new 2024 update of the legendary CBTC Kickstarter online training. Get the latest version of the arguably most comprehensive CBTC training worldwide here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtc
-
“Digital Signalling Interoperability” is the training this podcast episode (and soon the wider railway industry) is talking about in 2024. Fully revised and expanded with eye-opening lessons on CBTC interoperability and ETCS interoperability, this training is a treasure trove for anyone involved with interoperability challenges for modern signalling. Get access to this worldwide unique training here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/interoperability
Doc Frank explains why signalling knowledge becomes relevant for the wider railway organisation as it transitions from conventional signalling to high performance operations under CBTC. The podcast includes part of a presentation from the CBTC World Summit 2023 which illustrates that challenge.
Show notes:
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The official recording of the entire CBTC World Summit 2023, arguably the best global CBTC conference in history, is available for lifelong on-demand viewing on
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023 -
Podcast listeners now enjoy a special discount for the top-class CBTC Kickstarter Online training, the most comprehensive CBTC course in the world. Listen through the episode to find out how to claim it, then go here for access:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023
Doc Frank chats with Steve Boshier from Melbourne in Australia, the current global president of the IRSE (Institution of Railway Signal Engineers). The open and deep discussion covers differences between the railway industries in New Zealand and Australia, the specifics of big and small projects, what it means to be an IRSE president, and much more.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and tell a friend about it. That helps keeping this show going. Thank you.
Show notes:
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CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but fulfillment falls short if not applied properly. The “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” training teaches how it is done properly. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint -
The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents monthly training modules over an entire year. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, as well as five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Here is the link to the podcast episode with Steve’s predecessor as IRSE president, Andy Knight.
Audio version: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12843102
Video version: https://youtu.be/_eTTmolP8GA
The first episode of 2024 presents the first-ever guest from the USA. Hares Rahimzei from San Francisco joined the railway industry just six months ago, and he picked the supposedly difficult field of CBTC for his first role.
This conversation explores the motivation for joining the railway industry and some tips how to get in. We also discuss why one should either change role or industry but not both at the same time, the importance of building confidence in addition to knowledge, the value of eliminating misunderstandings and confusion, the pros and cons of in-person and virtual conferences, and much more. Please enjoy and share this podcast with a friend or two – thank you.
Show notes:
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The CBTC Kickstarter is arguably the world’s longest-running, and most comprehensive, CBTC training. Check out the online version here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023 -
The CBTC World Summit 2023 was praised by participants as the best international CBTC conference of all times. The official recording provides lifetime on-demand access to all 18 top-class presentations from around the world. Sign-up for this treasure trove of the latest global CBTC insights here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
This episode reveals some lessons learned from 2023 and tips how to improve things sustainably for the new year 2024.
Show notes:
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Those were the two books recommended during the podcast:
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
Atomic Habits by James Clear -
Here is the link for the recordings of the CBTC World Summit 2023 which participants called the best international CBTC conference of all times. Lifetime on-demand access to all 18 top-class presentations from around the world!
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
In this end-of-year episode Doc Frank talks about some industry highlights in 2023, both from a personal and global perspective. Topics covered include:
· The (shocking) independent review of the Inland Rail project
· The independent review of the Sydney Trains network
· The creation of not one but two worldwide unique railway training courses
· The long-awaited publishing of the new ETCS Baseline 4
· The most affordable (and international) CBTC conference ever
· The descoping of the High Speed Two project in England
· The independent review of the Sydney Metro projects
· And Doc Frank’s biggest wish for the rail industry entering 2024
Please enjoy and if you do, subscribe to the show on your platform(s) of choice and tell a friend (or two) about it. Thank you!
Show notes:
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The independent review report for the Inland Rail project can be found here:
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/delivery-inland-rail-independent-review -
The interim report of the independent review for the Sydney Trains network can be found here:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2023/Sydney-Trains_Review-Phase-One_Initial-Report_12-May-2023.pdf -
These two globally unique trainings are currently available to podcast listeners at a 23% discount (listen in to find out how to get that discount):
High Capacity Signalling Blueprint (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint)
High Capacity Railway Mindset (https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset) -
The Technical Specification for Interoperability that governs the new Baseline 4 for the European Train Control System can be found here:
https://www.era.europa.eu/domains/technical-specifications-interoperability/control-command-and-signalling-tsi_en -
Here are the links to the full episode 7 with Rodrigo Alvarez, if the clips from that episode made appetite for more:
Video: https://youtu.be/3mTXIUHL7RM
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12257610 -
The official recordings of the outstanding virtual CBTC conference CBTC World Summit can be found here (apply coupon code BOXING23 before 31/12/2023 for a 20% discount):
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023 -
A good overview about the descoping of the High Speed Two project in Britain can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Speed_2
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Here are the links to the full episode 27 with Roy Unny, if the clips from that episode made you want to listen to more of that:
Video: https://youtu.be/IZkbrUgJpug
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/21106
This episode presents end-of-year highlights from the first six episodes of this podcast. In case you missed some and find the highlights intriguing, there are links to all full episodes in the show notes below. The highlights include:
· Likely reasons for the industry discourse regarding CBTC interoperability
· How a supply strategy can tackle two major challenges to project success, interoperability and shortage of resources
· Insights into the dedicated mindset of a signalling design engineer
· Tips and tools to keep complex projects on track
· Four keys for successful project delivery (legendary!)
· Is there at all demand for CBTC interoperability?
· Will interoperable CBTC standards be usable for metro operators with diverse requirements?
· State and major change triggers for the railway industry as it transitions to digital train control
· The optimistic outlook for generational change
Please enjoy and if you do, thank you for recommending the podcast to a friend or two.
Show notes:
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The world’s longest-running, and most comprehensive, CBTC online training is the CBTC Kickstarter Online. Check it out here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023 -
CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS promise an increase of signalling capacity, but fulfillment falls short if not applied properly. The High Capacity Signalling Blueprint training teaches how it is done properly. More information here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint -
Audio version of Episode 1 with Matthew Tan: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12091374
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Video version of Episode 1 with Matthew Tan: https://youtu.be/dAb2pWznSDo
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Audio version of Episode 2 with Stephen Lemon: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12092224
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Video version of Episode 2 with Stephen Lemon: https://youtu.be/DcnvRc6293w
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Audio version of Episode 3 with Ben Stockton: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12097831
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Video version of Episode 3 with Ben Stockton: https://youtu.be/HIStn6QOWUw
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Audio version of Episode 4 with Vinay Kumar Singh: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12100359
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Video version of Episode 4 with Vinay Kumar Singh: https://youtu.be/DAEq8SB1YTU
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Audio version of Episode 5 with Alan Rumsey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12162323
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Video version of Episode 5 with Alan Rumsey: https://youtu.be/8qd82Itk8h4
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Audio version of Episode 6 with Andy Harrison: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/12192731
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Video version of Episode 6 with Andy Harrison: https://youtu.be/KMkjrXGbKzo
Today’s guest is Melbourne-based railway manager and leadership coach Teeshal Bal who was already featured before in episode 28 and the leadership episode 44. This conversation emphasises the importance of people in our industry, including their need to take over and operate large projects developed and built over many years by others. Topics of this deep conversation include:
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How to transition a railway organisation to new technology and new ways of operating
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How to make the world a better place
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What is “mind engineering”
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Initiatives to foster the role of women in the railway workforce
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The importance of gratitude and living in the present
And much more. Please enjoy and tell a friend about this podcast. And if you’d like to subscribe (or already have), I thank you.
Show notes:
1) ‘High Capacity Signalling’ is a trendy term used not just in Melbourne but many other places where the increase of signalling capacity is needed to make the business case for new technology viable.
But how is High Capacity Signalling defined, how is it achieved with CBTC technology, how can it be achieved with enhanced varieties of ETCS technology, and how do CBTC or ETCS need to be applied to really achieve high signalling capacity?
All of those questions are comprehensively addressed in the online training course “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” which is now available to podcast listeners at a special end-of-year discount (listen in to find out how).
More information on this globally unique training course is available here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint
2) As discussed in the podcast, MINDSET is critical for general success (or lack thereof) in life, but also more specifically for success with signalling technology projects that are meant to transform a railway to the next higher level of high capacity metro-style operation.
The online training program “High Capacity Railway Mindset” is based on cutting-edge research and presents monthly training modules over an entire year. Every module includes a “Transformation Guide” lesson with coaching how to facilitate change and learning, as well as five examples of an outdated legacy mindset with an associated new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway and tips how to get there.
This online training course is the only one of its kind worldwide, so use this opportunity to get an edge and join the program at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset. Podcast listeners now enjoy a special end-of-year discount (listen in to find out how to claim it).
3) South Morang to Mernda was a recent conventional network extension project in Melbourne.
4) MTM in the context of this episode stands for Melbourne’s rail operator Metro Trains Melbourne (sometimes just referred to as “Metro” by Teeshal).
5) The Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project delivers a new twin railway tunnel underneath the city centre of Melbourne, introducing five new underground stations and connecting two lines of the existing suburban network, the Dandenong line and the Sunbury line.
6) The other railway podcast that Doc Frank referred to is the “Railway Transportation Systems” podcast by Sydney-based Rahiman Shaik. Here is a link if you want to check it out:
https://railwaytransportationsystemsrtspodcast.buzzsprout.com/
7) The initiative to support young girls that was mentioned in the podcast is “Flourish Gi
This episode is a special about the need for mindset shifts when a railway transitions from a legacy environment with conventional fixed-block signalling to a high capacity metro-style service. It contains three elements of the cutting-edge High Capacity Railway Mindset training: the training introduction for understanding the context, and each one clip for each of the two types of lessons which form part of each training module – a “Transformation Guide” and a “Mindset Shift Example”.
Please enjoy this free training, and if you like this podcast, please subscribe on the platform you listen or watch it, and also please tell your friends about it. Thank you!
Show notes:
1) Tune in to the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats again with Steve Allday from Sydney, Australia, a previous guest from episode 16. Following the great success of that episode, this conversation spans across a wide range of topics including the professionalism of the railway industry, keeping commitments, risk aversion versus risk awareness, risk management in project budgeting and scheduling, Sydney Metro Southwest and much more. Please enjoy, and if you do, subscribe and share with a friend.
Show notes:
1) Doc Frank Training offers great savings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023. The official recording of the CBTC World Summit 2023, according to speakers and live attendees the best CBTC conference ever held, is now available in combination with a FREE online training on High Capacity Signalling which regularly sells for AUD 500. You can redeem this offer on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/blackfriday-confplus.
2) A second one-time offer for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 is the complete CBTC education package, comprising of the CBTC Kickstarter Online training, a formal CBTC Certification after that training, the recording of the CBTC World Summit conference for latest practical CBTC insights from around the world and the High Capacity Signalling Blueprint training. All four components sell regularly for AUD 2,200 but until Cyber Monday only the entire package is given away for less than half of that. A truly unique opportunity for anyone wanting to boost their CBTC education, and hand down the best training offer this industry has ever seen. This CBTComplete package can be redeemed at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/blackfriday-cbtcomplete.
This is a highlight reel of previous episodes 28 with Teeshal Bal and 31 with Mick Spiers, both living in Melbourne/Australia. Both are involved in leadership training, although in quite different ways, and in this episode they take turns in sharing some instructive insights. Please enjoy and share with your friends and coworkers.
Show notes:
1) High Capacity Signalling is a major trend for city railways that outgrow their existing capacity limits, commonly due to the legacy signalling system. The new training “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” will explain the basic concepts of High Capacity Signalling, the two main technologies that can provide it, and application tips how to get real capacity gains out of those technologies. This training is suitable for any railway professional regardless of the extent of signalling knowledge and will launch on Friday 7/7/23. The sign up link available from that date is https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Here are the links to the full episodes with today’s providers of leadership highlights.
Episode 28 Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/13243809
Episode 28 Video: https://youtu.be/lAuyjHyH-_I
Episode 31 Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/13369110
Episode 31 Video: https://youtu.be/tSlXQcB0oRE
In this episode we have a role reversal where Doc Frank is interviewed by Rahiman Shaik from Sydney, Australia on Rahiman’s Railway Transportation Systems podcast. Many good insights in there, and if you like this podcast, please tell your friends about it.
The Railway Transportation Systems podcast is not available as video version which will impact the visual experience a bit if you watch this episode on YouTube. Hope you are okay with that.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre makes it an unmissable event if you are interested in the latest CBTC insights from around the world. The official recording is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing, regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. The recording includes all 18 presentations of the conference, all Q&A sessions, and also all VIP fireside chats. Secure this treasure chest of nearly 20 hours of top-level CBTC insights at
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
3) The very recommendable Railway Transportation Systems podcast hosted by Rahiman Shaik can be found on most popular podcast platforms and is always worth listening to (no video version of that one though).
Here is the link to the RTS podcast on Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/railway-transportation-systems-rts-podcast/id1627708260
And here is the show link on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QxO5nstvtGyg5I85dQuqE?si=nm8lDinGThuihAAIXqAKgw&nd=1
This episode is a real treat for fans of Communications-Based Train Control or short CBTC. The first part of this episode is a recap of a CBTC presentation that Doc Frank gave at a conference in June 2023. The second part gives a background story what happened after that conference presentation and how a red-hot update of New York’s CBTC strategy got presented at the CBTC World Summit 2023. Please enjoy and share with your friends and colleagues.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre makes it an unmissable event if you are interested in the latest CBTC insights from around the world. The official recording is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing, regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. The recording includes all 18 presentations of the conference, all Q&A sessions, and also all VIP fireside chats. Secure this treasure chest of nearly 20 hours of top-level CBTC insights at
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
Doc Frank chats with Tiff Lykke, a railway project manager from Melbourne in Australia. We talk about how to start a career in railways, even when coming from a completely non-railway background and specifically as a woman. It shows that there is an opportunity for the railway industry to attract talent from the outside, but at the same time the industry has a responsibility to nurture such talent too.
Please enjoy and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre makes it an unmissable event if you are interested in the latest CBTC insights from around the world. The official recording is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing, regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. The recording includes all 18 presentations of the conference, all Q&A sessions, and also all VIP fireside chats. Secure this treasure chest of nearly 20 hours of top-level CBTC insights at
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
3) The previous podcast episode 24 with Lisa Hogben was mentioned repeatedly in my talk with Tiff. If you want to listen to that one as well, here are the links:
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110625/13044630
Video: https://youtu.be/EE0q-XBhzMA
This special episode highlights clips from four previous episodes with experts in the the field of rail systems testing. Artur Wolnica (episode 13), Danny O’Connell (episode 21), Frederic Sancho (episode 23) and Xavier Ricco (episode 34) shared insightful views on testing. Please enjoy.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The official recording of the arguably best global CBTC conference in history, the CBTC World Summit 2023 is now available for lifelong on-demand viewing. The recording includes all 18 presentations of the conference, all Q&A sessions, and also all VIP fireside chats. Secure this treasure chest of nearly 20 hours of top-level CBTC insights at
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
In the most labour-intensive episode in the history of this podcast, Doc Frank presents highlights from all 18 presentations of the recent CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference concept that redefines the landscape for CBTC conferences.
The full official recording of all presentations including Q&A, and all “fireside chats” for VIP attendees as a bonus, can be accessed via
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtcworldsummit2023
Don’t miss this unprecedented collection of leading-edge CBTC insights from all around the world.
Doc Frank chats with another double act from Scandinavia, this time from Norway which adds yet another country to the map of international podcast guests. Jørgen and Lennart both work for Jarbtech which develops products for the railway industry based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and accordingly our conversation focused on innovation in the railway industry. Please enjoy and share this podcast with your friends and coworkers.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
3) Find out more about the iFairPlayer product discussed in this podcast, and about Jarbtech, on their website https://jarbtechsolution.com.
Doc Frank chats with Dr Chris Hale, an expert transport planner from Melbourne in Australia. The two doctors discuss transport planning in Melbourne and Sydney, with the inevitable comparison between the cities, in the context of international best practice. Enjoy, and if you do check also out the older episodes and recommend this podcast to your friends – they will thank you.
Show notes:
1) Everything you need to know about High Capacity Signalling is provided in the new online training “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint”. This is literally three trainings combined to one course, providing not only a basic understanding of High Capacity Signalling, but also how CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS can provide it, plus a blueprint how to apply those technologies for a real high capacity outcome. Get on top of an absolute mega trend for city railways around the world by signing up at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
3) Find out more about the planning world of Chris Hale by getting in touch with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-hale-a8361123).
Doc Frank chats with Peter Thornton from Sydney in Australia, an experienced veteran in railway consulting. A lively discussion between two thought leaders of the industry about touchy topics such as the strategy for Sydney Metro and the expectations for High Speed Rail along Australia’s east coast versus Regional Fast Rail around the major cities.
Please enjoy and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
3) Peter referred several times to more detailed information about what he discussed on his website http://www.transportationassociates.com.au/downloads/ which is worth checking out.
This experimental episode is a highlight reel of three conversations with female guests.
Victoria Winder from episode 11 talks about her testing experience in the challenging environment of London Underground, her perception of the Crossrail project delay from inside the project team, and her experiences from talking to politicians and senior management.
Lena Harnisch from episode 15 explains cyber security, first lines of cyber hygiene, protection against professional hackers, and what individuals can do at home to reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
Lauren Guiney from episode 25 discusses her passion for safety on railways for female passengers, her own experience on railways in Melbourne and her comparisons with railways visited in Europe and Japan.
Please enjoy and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) Everything you need to know about High Capacity Signalling is provided in the new online training “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint”. This is literally three trainings combined to one course, providing not only a basic understanding of High Capacity Signalling, but also how CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS can provide it, plus a blueprint how to apply those technologies for a real high capacity outcome. Get on top of an absolute mega trend for city railways around the world by signing up at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
Doc Frank chats with Xavier Ricco from Mons in Belgium, adding another country to the range of international guests. Xavier is arguably one of the global top experts in the field of testing tools for the European Train Control System ETCS. As it turns out in the conversation, flexible design of these tools allowed for testing of not only ETCS but also similar train control systems in China and Korea, and possibly in the future CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control). Enjoy the deep dive into the fascinating field of tool-based testing.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
3) CEDEX was the first prominent test laboratory for ETCS, located in Spain.
4) Baseline 2 refers to the cluster of older versions of the ETCS standard.
5) Baseline 3 is a category term for newer versions of the ETCS standard,
the current Release 2 and the older Maintenance Release 1.
In this special episode, Doc Frank lets you look behind the scenes of organising a global railway conference single-handedly. It shows what is possible for a single person with just enough commitment and determination, and it can also provide ideas for future improvement of other conferences in the railway industry. As such this is arguably of wider interest, not just for CBTC enthusiasts.
More detail about that conference can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit23.
Doc Frank chats with Mats Boman from Stockholm in Sweden. Mats is a truly global player who has been “around the block” and now focuses on how railways can formalise how they work. This is important for a number of things including the succession planning for retiring experts and the introduction of new technology without losing the character of the railway. Please enjoy!
Show notes:
1) The CBTC Kickstarter course is the longest-running CBTC training in the world. The new online version of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway. But experience has shown that “signalling people” and even seasoned CBTC specialists can benefit from this training, too.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Mick Spiers from Melbourne in Australia. Mick not only holds a senior position in the railway industry, he is also the founder of “The Leadership Project” which combines leadership consulting and coaching with a podcast of more than 100 episodes and a book for first-time leaders and their mentors.
The conversation disclosed surprising parallels between Mick’s leadership business and Doc Frank’s training business and spanned over a wide range of topics, including how to build new expertise, how to get clear about your purpose (sometimes only in retrospect), how to facilitate change in people, how to think like your target audience, how to pivot from a corporate career into founding a small business, and how to combine a senior corporate role with such a small business. Enjoy!
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) Everything you need to know about High Capacity Signalling is provided in the new online training “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint”. This is literally three trainings combined to one course, providing not only a basic understanding of High Capacity Signalling, but also how CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS can provide it, plus a blueprint how to apply those technologies for a real high capacity outcome. Get on top of an absolute mega trend for city railways around the world by signing up at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
3) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Check out Mick’s book for first-time leaders and his awesome podcast. You find links to both those treasures at https://www.mickspiers.com.
Doc Frank chats with Craig Sparrius from Melbourne in Australia. Craig has a substantial career background in railway planning, including timetabling and operational modelling and currently runs his own specialist consultancy in this field. Our conversation focused a lot on planning challenges in Melbourne, but I believe that a lot of that will be similar or transferable to the railway planning in other cities, making this talk interesting for a global audience (I hope).
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Professor Clive Roberts from Birmingham in England. Clive is outstandingly active in bringing together academics and industry to combine the best of both worlds, research and real life applicability. This conversation is a lot about innovation in railways and how to foster it. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 (20-21 September) is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) Tune in the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
The early bird special until 31 July saves you two month – pay ten, get twelve. This offer expires very soon, so take it up while you still can.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Teeshal Bal, now from Melbourne in Australia, but originally from Malaysia which adds another country to the portfolio of international guests. Teeshal is another example of an awesome woman in the railway industry. She has not only built a fulfilling career in the railway industry, but “on the side” become a serial entrepreneur who founded three companies in very different fields over the years. A very inspiring episode for anyone pursuing or considering a side hustle outside their main job in railways.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, and a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
The early bird special until 31 July saves you two month – pay ten, get twelve.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Time for the first repeat guest. Doc Frank chats with Roy Unny from Melbourne in Australia. After a well-received episode 22 with him, this one is specifically about the topic of “Reference Class Forecasting” for which Roy is a certified practitioner. This method aims at predicting realistic forecasts for project costs, duration and benefits based on a reference class of comparable projects and how they did in that specific aspect.
The current industry of mega projects in railways, in Australia and internationally, is rattled by an almost epidemic overrun of costs and durations compared to the original estimates. See for yourself if this conversation provides ideas for improving this in the future, bringing reliability and trust back into the business of delivering big projects.
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, as well as a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
The early bird special until 31 July saves you two month – pay ten, get twelve.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
In this special episode Doc Frank talks about the importance of high capacity, for the entire railway organisation about to transform to new levels of operational performance, not just from a signalling perspective. Regardless whether you are attracted to new training offers in this area or not, there will be important food for thought that will be highly relevant for railway upgrades now and in the future. Enjoy!
Show notes:
1) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
2) High Capacity Signalling is a major trend for city railways that outgrow their existing capacity limits, commonly due to the legacy signalling system. The new training “High Capacity Signalling Blueprint” will explain the basic concepts of High Capacity Signalling, the two main technologies that can provide it, and application tips how to get real capacity gains out of those technologies. This training is suitable for any railway professional regardless of the extent of signalling knowledge and will launch on Friday 7/7/23. The sign up link available from that date is https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint.
Join in with the latest railway research to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new training “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totalling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, as well as a way to get there. Additional coaching lessons for adapting to change will be included in this training as well, and those may help you greatly not just in your career but in your private life too.
The early bird special until 31 July saves you two month – pay ten, get twelve.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
Doc Frank chats with Lauren Guiney from Melbourne in Australia. Lauren has just completed a double degree in civil engineering and architectural design. You will see quickly that she is a very promising addition to the railway industry and I’m certain that our wide-ranging conversation will be interesting not just for young people or industry starters. Enjoy!
Show notes:
1) Join me in my newest training to explore the ultimate frontier to success for technology projects: MINDSET. The brand-new course “High Capacity Railway Mindset” will present five examples of an outdated legacy mindset every month for a year, totaling 60 of those examples. For every example, a new mindset that is more conducive for a high-capacity railway will be suggested, as well as a way to get there.
The early bird special until 31 July saves you two month – pay ten, get twelve.
This is cutting-edge research which you find in no other training course anywhere in the world, so use this opportunity and join at https://docfranktraining.podia.com/mindset.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest caliber will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in, from the comfort of a place of your choice. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Doc Frank chats with Lisa Hogben from Melbourne in Australia. Despite her being between jobs as her project was just put on hold, we have quite an upbeat conversation about building a project team culture, integrating minorities, women in construction, resilience and humour at work. I trust you will find Lisa as fascinating to listen to as I, so please enjoy this conversation.
Show notes:
1) CBTC Kickstarter is the longest-running CBTC training in the world, but until Covid was only available for people travelling to training venues in Australia. The new online format of this training allows people from all over the world to improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) The acronym NAWIC which Lisa used several times during the second part of our conversation stands for National Association of Women In Construction.
Doc Frank chats with Frederic Sancho from London in England, but originally from France (just to add another country to my guest list). Frederic developed his career in testing and commissioning and founded his first company on the back of that. A very informative talk which I hope builds on the great interest in previous episodes in the testing and commissioning field (#13 and #21). Enjoy!
Show notes:
1) Now that the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, is available in an online version people from all over the world can improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) The acronym CTRL which Frederic used during the conversation relates to Channel Tunnel Rail Link which connects the railway tunnel between England and France to London.
Previous episodes about testing and commissioning, in case you want to check them out too:
#13 with Artur Wolnica – https://youtu.be/VUQjKdfKMgI
#21 with Danny O’Connell – https://youtu.be/XZueedWUtfI
Doc Frank chats with Roy Unny from Melbourne in Australia. Roy is the National Executive Chair of the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA) and while this role and the organisation of the upcoming Conference of Railway Excellence (CORE) in Melbourne was a central piece of our conversation we also covered several other topics. One thing this talk definitely shows is that it is never too late to join and thrive in the railway industry. Enjoy!
Show notes:
1) Now that the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, is available in an online version people from all over the world can improve their understanding of the most sophisticated technology for signalling and train control, regardless of time zone or preferred learning rhythm. This training is specifically targeted at railway professionals with little or no prior signalling knowledge whose jobs are now impacted by the introduction of CBTC for improving capacity and performance of the railway.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) The CBTC World Summit 2023 is the first truly global CBTC conference that does not require travel around the world to attend. Three sessions from different global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre will make it an unmissable event, and all presentations are available as recordings to allow watching them all regardless of the time zone you are in. Sign up for this blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) There are still a few tickets available for the upcoming CORE 2023 conference in Melbourne (19-21 June) and attending will benefit you greatly given the quality of 90 papers presented (one of which from Roy and two from Doc Frank) and the extraordinary networking opportunities. Get yourself informed and register at https://www.core2023.org/.
The day after CORE 2023, 22 June, will bring Doc Frank’s first in-person training since early 2020 (you know why), and it will be a world-first special. In only one day you can learn the essentials of “High Capacity Signalling”, including how it is provided by CBTC and enhanced varieties of ETCS. Info and registration here:
https://docfranktraining.podia.com/hcsblueprint-jun2023.
Doc Frank chats with Danny O’Connell from Brisbane in Australia. Danny is a specialist in testing and commissioning of complex railway systems which is of course the centre of our conversation. We got deep so quickly that we did not even get close to covering his career to date, so that this talk will absolutely need a follow-up. I hope you will find this talk as captivating as I did.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) You can find more information on the impressive Dubai Metro here:
https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/metro/about-metro.
4) For anyone not knowing famous Thomas the tank engine, here is a little taster:
https://youtu.be/oUNZhBwJkKU.
Doc Frank chats with Ivan Ristic from Belgrade in Serbia, adding another country to the list of international guests. Ivan is Managing Director of Signalling Solutions, a company providing design and assurance services mainly for the West Balcan region. We talk about the Eastern European railway market and the challenges to balance resources and demand. Please enjoy this episode and if you like it, tell your friends and colleagues about it and check out the previous episodes which are all… AWESOME.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Doc Frank chats with Andy Knight from Derby in England. Andy is Managing Director of Signet, a prime provider of signalling training in the UK, and he also was President of the IRSE (Institution of Railway Signal Engineers) for the last year. Accordingly, we talk about the challenges of his IRSE presidency, the importance of training and ways to attract talent to the railway industry. Please enjoy this episode and if you like it, tell your friends and colleagues about it and check out some of the other awesome episodes.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) IRSE 10/// is a series of short videos of about ten minutes duration which was launched during Andy’s presidency and is meant to introduce people to the IRSE and the railway signalling industry at large. Here is a link to this very recommendable video series:
https://vimeo.com/showcase/irse10.
Doc Frank chats with Lloyd D’Cruz from Sydney in Australia. Lloyd works on the important “More Trains More Services” program in Sydney and of course we talked about that program and his role in it. But maybe even more insightful is our chat about career planning, development and the role of mentors. As always, enjoy this episode. And if you do like it, tell your friends and colleagues about it and check out some of the other awesome episodes.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) Sydney Trains is the operator of Sydney’s suburban railway network.
4) More information about Sydney’s More Trains More Services program can be found here:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/more-trains-more-services.
5) A short informative video about the key objectives of More Trains More Services is this one:
https://youtu.be/K6hV0PbINmI.
Doc Frank chats with Paul Roach, a business consultant and coach from Perth in Australia. But this time the podcaster gets “podcasted” himself. This interview was held for Paul’s podcast “Business Spotlight”, and since Paul is not a railway person (but still a nice guy) our conversation is not about railway technology or operations. Instead we talk about an example of a small business in the railway industry (guess which one), the dealing with economic crises, the power of decision making, the importance of taking action, benefits of a morning routine and the wonders of global networking in the digital age. I’m sure there will be something of interest in there for you and I hope you enjoy this episode.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) Doc mentions a LinkedIn article with his blueprint how to get out of a mental crisis, which you can find here: Stuck in a rut? Try those 5 steps to dig yourself out. | LinkedIn
4) The training platform that Doc mentions and uses is Podia.
5) Doc’s morning routine started off with inspiration from the book “The 5am Club” by Robin Sharma. For further inspiration, another recommendable book not mentioned in the interview is “Discipline Equals Freedom” by Jocko Willink.
6) Memorable quote from the interview: “Find excuses or find a way forward.”
Doc Frank chats with Stephen Allday from Sydney in Australia. Steve can look back at a railway career of over 50 years and just last year he resolved to “collect” a number of accreditation from professional bodies for engineers working in the railway industry, an initiative he called “Project Self-Esteem”. We talk about the roles of the various institutions he got accredited from, the importance of understanding the other side, railway operations and the inspiration of others. A very insightful conversation which I hope you will enjoy and maybe get inspired from yourself.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass typical online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) The professional institutions and accreditations mentioned in this conversation include the following:
IRSE – Institution of Railway Signal Engineers
Engineers Australia
CPEng – Chartered Professional Engineer
NPER – National Professional Engineer Register
RPEQ – Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland
RPEV – Registered Professional Engineer in Victoria
IET – Institution of Engineering and Technology
PWI – Permanent Way Institution
CIRO – Chartered Institution of Railway Operators
Doc Frank chats with Lena Harnisch from Braunschweig in Germany. Lena is an expert in cybersecurity which is of course the central topic of our talk. Cybersecurity is not just a red-hot topic for the increasing digitalisation of the entire railway industry, it also matters to anyone having a computer, smartphone or tablet at home, in short everyone. Please enjoy this episode and I hope you can take something useful away for both your professional and private life.
Show notes:
1) The new online version of the iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, can be consumed from anywhere in the world regardless of the time zone you are in or what your preferred learning rhythm is. With massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration this is one of the most comprehensive CBTC trainings on the market. Benefits surpass ‘normal’ online trainings by including an ‘immersion plan’ for structured and timely progress through the course, access to an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. You can find more information and sign up for this world-first blockbuster event on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
3) Lena mentioned various standards for cybersecurity during the chat. More information on one of them, TS 50701, can be found here: https://www.enisa.europa.eu/events/ENISA-ERA_Conference/enisa-era-conference-slides/4-status-update-on-cenelec-wg-26-benoliel-schlehuber.pdf
Doc Frank chats with Rebecca Want from Sydney in Australia. She talks about her impressive career in railways that led her to a very senior position in a global consultancy firm, and we also dive into one of her most unique roles to date – being responsible for the “customer strategy” of the newly created Sydney Metro. I’m sure you will enjoy this episode which is refreshingly free of signalling talk, emphasising that this podcast is really meant to serve the entire railway industry.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) The iconic CBTC Kickstarter training, the longest-running CBTC training in the world, is now available in a completely overhauled and expanded online version which can be taken regardless of time zone constraints. The course with massive 30 video lessons of over eleven hours total duration exceeds the means of a ‘normal’ online training by including an online study group, fortnightly live coaching calls and an alumni community for networking and ongoing Q&A support after the end of the training.
Information and sign-up for this CBTC Kickstarter Online training is available on and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/cbtckickstarter-online2023.
2) Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with 18 international speakers of the highest calibre. Information and sign up on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Doc Frank chats with Artur Wolnica from Katowice in Poland. Artur is an internationally experienced system tester of ETCS technology. We talk a lot about testing, of course, and also about the challenges of ETCS interoperability which is too often and falsely taken for granted. A very instructive conversation which went for over an hour (and another two hours post recording).
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Registrations are now open for the inaugural CBTC World Summit 2023, a virtual conference across three global regions with international speakers of the highest calibre. Information and sign up on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/summit2023.
Doc Frank chats with Matthew Rea from Kent in south-east England. Matthew is an experienced signalling trainer and also works in assurance of landmark projects such as Crossrail and HS2. Of course we talk a lot about training, the inception of my flagship training CBTC Kickstarter and the massive improvement made when I transformed this training to an online course. We also talked about getting through the tough times of the pandemic and the funny story that led to my very first podcast interview. Enjoy the lively chat from trainer to trainer.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) Specific short-term offers include the unique live online training “Automatic Train Control and Interoperability” which will run on 28-29 March, and the free “Melbourne Signalling Strategy Challenge” which will run 3-5 April. Both trainings can be registered for on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/courses.
3) The tough times of Doc learning about CBTC were in 2009 during the tender for the CBD Metro project in Sydney which was later abandoned due to a change in state government.
4) From its first launch in 2014, the CBTC Kickstarter training has been held regularly for over eight years and has become the longest-running public CBTC training in the world.
5) The CBTC Kickstarter Online Challenge took place in January and February 2023 for the initial launch of this online offer. Key elements of that challenge have been taken over to the current format of the CBTC Kickstarter Online training, including a unique “Immersion Plan”, live coaching calls and an online study community.
6) The very first podcast interview that Doc talks about is the one with Venkata K which was published as episode 8 of this podcast series.
The first online course by Doc Frank, even before the CBTC Kickstarter, was “High Capacity Signalling in a Nutshell”. This introductory low-cost training is still available on Doc Frank’s training portal https://docfranktraining.podia.com/courses.
Doc Frank chats with Victoria Winder from Brisbane, Australia. Victoria is my historically first female guest on the podcast, keeping another promise for variety of guests regarding internationality, industry experience and gender. Victoria has long-term experience in testing, commissioning and system integration of mega projects including the Victoria Line Resignalling and Crossrail in London, the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project and Brisbane Cross River Rail. The wide-ranging conversation covers the complementary effects of balancing men and women in project teams and the comparison of signalling testing with an old shoe, to name but two of the curious highlights. Enjoy!
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) Specific short-term offers include the unique live online training “Automatic Train Control and Interoperability” which will run on 28-29 March, and the free “Melbourne Signalling Strategy Challenge” which will run 3-5 April. Both trainings can be registered for on https://docfranktraining.podia.com/courses.
3) Otherwise, the interview is rather self-explanatory and very instructive.
Doc Frank chats with Barry West from London, England. Barry is a trainer for train drivers and has notably been involved in the driver training for the London Thameslink project which features Automatic Train Operation (ATO) over ETCS. The conversation suggests a curious parallel between Formular One car racing and ATO for trains and lots of other interesting aspects of automatic train driving.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
Otherwise, the interview is rather self-explanatory and very instructive.
Doc Frank chats with a double act from Stockholm, Sweden – Andreas Mårtensson and Gunnar Smith. They have spent many years populating “Formal Methods” for the benefits of diverse railway signalling systems and technology generations in Stockholm. It is impressive to learn about the great potential benefits of Formal Methods for a railway organisation, not just for improving the quality of project delivery but also for conservation of legacy knowledge which may otherwise get lost through retirement of aged experts.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) Otherwise, the interview is rather self-explanatory and very instructive.
Doc Frank chats with Venkata K Haranadh Marra from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who entered the railway signalling industry only six years ago but has since built an impressive international career in maintenance, testing and commissioning for CBTC and ETCS technology. This conversation will be of great interest to anyone seeking career advice for joining the railway industry, demonstrating that CBTC and ETCS are not to be afraid of.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) Venkata worked on a Thales CBTC in Grade of Automation (GoA) 2 in Hyderabad and another Thales CBTC in GoA 4 (unattended train operation) in Dubai. He talks quite a bit about the comparison of those two systems.
In 2020, Dubai hosted the Expo exhibition which was also the target date for an extension of the metro network there.
Doc Frank chats with Rodrigo Alvarez from Perth, Australia, who is one of Australia’s top experts for modern railway telecommunications. Rodrigo has been my go-to person for telecommunications over many years, and you will see in this conversation why this is the case. A deep yet very understandable talk about the requirements for client-provided railway radio, the difference between carrier and dedicated railway radio networks, and how a new telecommunications system can be introduced to an already utilised frequency spectrum. A true masterclass for railway communications with many important insights.
Show notes for better understanding:
- Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
- In the London Underground example discussed, the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines do not share tracks but run in parallel. However, the differences in the CBTC solutions between both lines lead to operational constraints as trains can no longer be re-routed from one line to the other.
- The acronym FRMCS which is discussed towards the end of this episode stands for the Future Rail Mobile Communications System.
Doc Frank chats with Andy Harrison from London, England, who is a highly renowned consultant in the field of modern railway signalling following several executive roles with signalling supply companies. The conversation revolves around the massive change to the wider railway industry that is introduced by the move from conventional signalling to advanced train control. A very ‘frank’ exchange of very similar views which will provide numerous eye-opening moments for anyone working in railways that introduce such modern train control.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) The free training on the impact of the move from signalling to train control for the railways and individual careers that Doc Frank mentioned can be accessed here: https://docfranktraining.podia.com/new-signalling-impact. The perfect match to this conversation.
Doc Frank chats with Dr Alan Rumsey from Toronto, Canada, who is one of the most distinct global authorities in the field of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) with over 40 years of pertinent career experience. We talk about definitions of industry terms and about the increasingly hot topic of CBTC interoperability. Surely not our last talk.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) IEEE 1474 is the oldest set of CBTC standards. The IEEE recently ran a study group to analyse demand for CBTC interoperability with a view on potential expansion of the standards.
2) Doc Frank will have a comprehensive article on CBTC interoperability in the February issue 296 of the IRSE News.
3) The “note I put on LinkedIn” that Alan mentioned was a white paper he posted in early January where he put Automatic Train Protection (ATP), CBTC, the European Train Control System (ETCS) and Interoperability in perspective. This white paper is presently being expanded towards an article in the March issue 297 of the IRSE News. Both articles together will likely boost the discussion about CBTC interoperability to new levels, and maybe another podcast conversation.
4) A range of different product names are dropped during the conversation, including Seltrac, Urbalis and Trainguard MT for CBTC, Altrac, Atlas and Trainguard 100/200 for ETCS, and ACSES and ITCS for Positive Train Control.
5) Alan recommended the newest textbook of the IRSE titled Metro Train Control Systems. Doc Frank has written a book review on it and can second Alan’s recommendation.
6) Doc Frank will present a paper on New York’s journey towards CBTC interoperability at the CORE conference in Melbourne in June 2023.
7) Doc Frank’s last article on CBTC interoperability was published in issue 268 of the IRSE News in July 2020. This year’s February article is kind of an expanded sequel of the 2020 article.
8) Alan referred to the Crossrail project in London where trains are fitted with three different signalling systems, CBTC, ETCS and TPWS (the British Train Protection and Warning System).
9) The first CBTC in New York was supplied by Matra which later became Siemens France.
Apologies for the many acronyms thrown around in this conversation. As Alan said “these acronyms, they kill you after a while”.
Doc Frank chats with Matthew Tan, a railway consultant from Birmingham, England. Matthew recently graduated with a Master of Science in Railway Safety and Control Systems from the University of Birmingham and wrote his master thesis about the interoperability of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which became a key topic for this conversation.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) In the London Underground network, the tracks for the Jubilee Line (fitted with Thales CBTC using inductive loops for data communications) and the Metropolitan Line (fitted with Thales CBTC using Wi-Fi radio for data communications) run in parallel between Finchley Road and Wembley Park stations. Under conventional fixed-block signalling, trains could be re-routed from one line onto the other in case of blockages on one line (on this section only). Under CBTC this does not work anymore due to the non-interoperability between the inductive loop CBTC and the radio-based CBTC, even though both systems were provided by the same supplier.
3) Doc Frank misunderstood during the interview that those two lines would share common tracks on that line section. Several of his comments are based on that assumption.
4) It can be argued whether it really is a significant operational constraint not to be able anymore to re-route trains between those two metro lines. As the lines get busier and operate closer to their capacity limits, the available slots for re-routing additional trains will be very limited. Keeping the operation of both lines separated also avoids any ripple effects where problems on one line affect other lines of the network.
5) Matthew’s master thesis on CBTC interoperability investigated the suitability of “ontologies” for resolving parts of the obstacles preventing interoperability.
6) The conversation displays an interesting contrast between a strongly academical view from Matthew and the more practical orientation of Doc Frank’s research results.
Doc Frank chats with Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) from Delhi, India. His organisation is responsible for developing the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) around Delhi, India’s first deployment of Regional Fast Rail and a global showcase of the transformative potential of such a regional rail network. The mantra of NCRTC is “Progress through Speed” which is as inspiring as this entire conversation.
Vinay is without doubt a great leader for an impressive railway organisation, and I hope you can join me in responding to his request to the listeners to “wish them good luck”.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) The National Capital Region is the area around and including the capital city of India, Delhi.
3) Information about NCRTC and the RRTS program can be found here: https://ncrtc.in/
4) The first line of the RRTS network is Delhi-Meerut with a route length of 82 kilometres.
5) RRTS will reduce the end-to-end journey time between Delhi and Meerut from currently 2.5-3 hours to only 55 minutes, despite 14 station stops on that line.
6) The application of the European Train Control Systems (ETCS) on Delhi-Meerut is arguably the most advanced and innovative one worldwide at this stage. Based on ETCS Level 2 the project features ETCS over LTE radio, Automatic Train Operation and “Hybrid Level 3” with virtual blocks for more potential signalling capacity.
7) The line has the potential for movement of freight trains between passenger services, from depot to depot without stops at passenger stations. The trains used for those freight transports are old metro trainsets in fixed formation that get retrofitted with ETCS and can travel at speeds of 90-100 km/h. In comparison, the operational speed of the RRTS passenger trains is 160 km/h.
8) The RRTS program has various other features that are first in India, including slab track, high speed overhead catenary, and high speed trains made in India.
9) Vinay mentions the use of BIM for the design of the railway system. BIM stands for Building Integration Modelling and creates a “digital twin” of the railway.
10) The Delhi-Meerut line travel underground for about seven kilometres each in the city centres of Delhi and Meerut. The remainder of the line is elevated, except for the train depot which is at grade.
11) The second RRTS project will be Delhi-Alwar. A network map with all lines planned in two stages for RRTS can be found on https://ncrtc.in/overview-project.
12) Regarding the government approvals for the RRTS projects, there are four governments involved: the central government in Delhi and the regional governments of the three regions surrounding Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
The first “priority corridor” stage of Delhi-Meerut is planned to enter service in June 2023, the entire end-to-end corridor in June 2025. Note Vinay’s determined statement “this is our promise”.
Doc Frank chats with Stephen Lemon from Sydney, Australia who is currently the Global Lead Digital Train Control for a major consulting company. Steve was previously the Professional Head of Signalling and Train Control for Sydney Trains and the Program Director for Digital Systems, one of the most exciting deployments of the European Train Control System (ETCS) worldwide. The conversation starts with a debate on complexity versus complication in projects and then discusses ideas to address the resource shortage in the rail industry.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
2) Steve referred multiple times to the Cynefin framework that offers five domains for decision-making: clear (previously called simple), complicated, complex, chaotic and confusion. More detail on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework.
3) Frank uses a thought model that distinguishes between complex and complicated in that complexity is an inherent project or technology characteristic which cannot be eliminated without major loss of outcome but only managed, while complication is self-made and can be avoided by keeping matters as simple as possible. Complications are often disguised as complexity to defend them as “unavoidable”.
4) The discussion about a supply strategy with one, two or three suppliers is based on the need to achieve an interoperable solution between ETCS trackside and onboard subsystems from all suppliers represented on the network and train fleet.
5) For their ETCS Level 2 introduction, Sydney has chosen a very strategic approach with two trackside suppliers delivering two separate early deployment projects, with the main focus of developing an interoperable solution which is ready for use in the wider rollout.
The ETCS Level 2 introduction in Brisbane, in contrast, has been focused on two highly critical projects for the rail network in Brisbane, Inner City and Cross River Rail. Since both projects were merged for supposedly synergistic effects, contracting a single supplier, the priority shifted exclusively to Cross River Rail while Inner City will be delayed for many years despite its importance for the network performance.
Doc Frank chats with Ben Stockton, a railway signalling consultant from Auckland, New Zealand. Aside from his work for a local consulting firm Ben has a leading role in the Younger Members section of the Australasian IRSE (Institution for Railway Signal Engineers). Brace yourself for some serious and enthusiastic signalling talk towards the end of this conversation.
Show notes for better understanding:
1) Information about training courses for advanced signalling technologies that are proven to work for railway professionals regardless of their prior extent of signalling knowledge, including the CBTC Kickstarter and ETCS Kickstarter trainings, can be found on https://docfranktraining.podia.com.
The Institution of Railway Signal Engineers or short IRSE has a specific section for Younger Members, including for IRSE Members of all grades aged 35 and under or within their first ten years since joining the signalling industry. The main objective of this Younger Members section is to improve the benefits that the IRSE provides for its younger members.
Enjoy this little teaser reel with guest previews and bloopers for the full episodes of authentic conversations with interesting people about railway subjects that matter.