Infrarail 2003 Review
18th September 2003

The fifth International Railway Infrastructure Exhibition, Infrarail 2003, recently took place at Manchester G-Mex.
Over 270 exhibitors were present, offering a wide selection of services ranging from architectural services to telecommunications, training companies to trade publications. Plant sale and hire companies were also present - many showcasing their latest innovative machines.
Amongst the exhibitors were Derbyshire based LH Access Technology. Earlier in the year, they purchased the design rights for Two-Way Technology access platforms. Since then, they have produced a number of Unimogs with these platforms on for hire and sale.
Two new road-rail demonstration vehicles were launched at the Infrarail event - a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van and a Mercedes Benz 1820 MPV lorry. The MPV lorry has the capacity to have modules added to it, including access platforms.

Another Multi Purpose Vehicle was on display at the Philmor stand. This impressive machine, fitted with a Merlin drain jetting system is destined for Quattro Plant. The MPV vehicle can be fitted with other modules including a swivel skip dumper and an access platform. It also has the ability to tow 120 tonnes.
As well as the MPV, a Komatsu PW150 Ultra was on display.

Rexquote were displaying their latest road-rail machine - a Komatsu PC128US. This revolutionary machine, jointly developed by Rexquote, Komatsu and BCL, has a very short tail swing - just under 1.5 metres, potentially allowing use on a single track possession whilst other lines stay open. Over the coming months, BCL are to receive 25 of these machines.
Also on the Rexquote stand was a Case WX170, the first of five, for Balfour Beatty.
Other exhibits at Infrarail included a Chieftain JCB3185 and a Benford swivel skip dumper for Readypower; a Philmor/Komatsu PW150 Ultra; an SGB platform lift; a Harsco/John Deere Gator buggy; a brand new four person Geismar EGO-5E trolley; and a Bance Ultrasonic Test Cart and aluminium trolley.

At the nearby Museum of Science and Industry, Geoff Brown Ltd were demonstrating their new Unimog U400 based road-railer.
This impressive vehicle can be used for drain cleaning and jetting. The trailer is equipped with a large debris tank and vacuum. The Unimog vehicle is fitted with a large water tank and a 100 metre hose.
