In case you thought that Analysis by Firth only offered finite element analysis, we thought it might be useful to describe some rather different work we recently undertook for Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ltd.

Hand calculations were carried out for the Design Scrutiny of the installation of a 240v generator in the support car 17167, which is part of the 'Northern Belle' train. This has been approved and the coach is now in service.

Created from former British Rail MkII cars, which have been stripped out internally and had a new Pullman-style interior fitted. The existing electrical system only had sufficient power for the air-conditioning and additional 240v power was needed throughout the train for hotel services.

Installation of this generator in the brake car also enables refrigerators and other appliances to keep going when the train is not connected to a locomotive or external supply. This is important when the train spends its working life touring the country and sometimes has to spend the night in remote sidings where there is no external supply.

As we enter a new millenium it is only fitting that the exceptional standards of luxury rail travel continue with the introduction of a new Orient-Express train that fulfils the highest expectations of the original Pullman "Belle" trains of the 1930's; the "Northern Belle".