CP7 will present many challenges to operators as they strive to achieve service-level targets, while also maintaining and modernising ageing infrastructure.

Many external pressures, such as geopolitics, supply chain problems and an evolving workforce are compounding existing budget restraints, exerting pressure on prime contractors to explore new ways of saving money and working far more efficiently with the limited funds available.

The message this cycle is do more with less and on a reduced budget, but still ensuring that new technology and infrastructure does not simply postpone operational pressures until future funding cycles.

When you use Baldwin & Francis for your capital projects, you’re not just deploying world-class technological solutions, you’re also leveraging over a millennium of combined knowledge and domain expertise from multi-skilled engineers, designers, installers and support staff.

All these people work together seamlessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for your operational needs and within financial frameworks. Our people, working with our technology is a real equation for your success.

But don’t just take our word for it, these real-world examples highlight our mantra that a problem is just a situation waiting for a solution; and when it’s a Baldwin and Francis solution, you have the full weight of the company’s broad experience and market-leading pedigree behind it.

CP6 PROJECT 1: CORE VALLEY LINES

This project entailed the conversion of an existing ASP to an PSP, but when the original ASP was installed 14 years ago, there was no eye on the future and, as a result, no consideration for eventual enhancement or replacement, as the civil infrastructure had been built around it.

We were given three weeks to undertake the upgrade, which also entailed the addition of more feeders and a upgraded feeder protection unit to bring the PSP to current Network Rail standards. The new installation required a generator removal and a switchboard replacement; but getting a crane into the local area – or even close to it – was an impossibility, so we really had our work cut out. We liaised with Transport For Wales who utilised a rail loader to load and off-load equipment and materials.

The existing container was stripped and refitted with factory-built switchboards and a UPS, all within two and a half weeks, which included the Christmas break and depleted service engineer numbers due to Covid. Not only did we finish ahead of schedule, but the install was a third the cost of a new unit… and we even painted it all.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: The final result was an added-resilience PSP, built to spec, installed in record time and delivered with a 10-year warranty which will more than likely take it beyond CP8 and even CP9.

CP6 PROJECT 2: KINGS CROSS ROYAL HOLLOWAY

We were commissioned to install a new PSP in a repurposed brick-built storage room with a solid floor, and a new ASP within its own dedicated enclosure.

Pre-existing building often present issues, and this was no exception. First, we had limited real estate and second, the solid floor meant we could not use bottom-entry cabling into the switchboards.

Our first step was to undertake a building-services evaluation, to ascertain the building’s operational environment and then design and scope the necessary HVAC systems to maintain it. Then, the electrical solution saw us redevelop the switchboards into seven smaller boards, all of which catered for top cable entry, including the primary incomer. The ASP was a standard design, which saw the housing lowered over the top, before being fastened and sealed.

This project demonstrated our flexibility to adapt to existing infrastructure. We can never assume that we will start from a blank slate, so it is essential to have modular technologies and a modular mindset which can adapt our solutions to a range of real-estate limitation.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: The ability call upon our engineer’s significant experience to re-engineer a solution to fit the surrounds, thus avoiding more costly civil work.

CP6 PROJECT 3: TRANS PENNINE ROUTE UPGRADE WEST

This project involved the installation of new PSPs at multiple sites. We faced a number of installation challenges, relating to existing infrastructure and the local geography, but we did not let these stand in the way of successful on-time and on-budget delivery.

At Miles Platting we were faced with an odd-shaped building with a pitched roof. As a result of this interesting real estate, we updated our switchboard design to be sympathetic with the building’s unique layout.

At Stalybridge, the local geography was our nemesis, with access to the site being via a low bridge followed by sharp 90° turn up a cobbled hill. To ensure a seamless installation, and because we recognised this very early on, we undertook a site-delivery survey, which was all part of the full project scope. Upon discussion with the delivery firm, we discovered we could gain access by reversing a lorry up road. Something that might not have been apparent had our vital pre-delivery survey not taken place.

To date, all the PSPs for TRU West have been supplied and installed on time. Other PSP projects will follow, and a comprehensive spares and training programme has been put in place.

We are a great believer in creating systems that foster our customers’ self-sufficiency, but we do have remote and on-site call-out contracts available for all customer, especially those that are new to the industry or those where staff dynamics are changing.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: We offer a full-service capability that takes a holistic view of the project, identifies issues early and provides solutions at the bid stage as opposed to surprise costs further down the line.

CP6 PROJECT 4: Commonwealth Games

We were challenged to install UPS, HVAC and insulation monitoring systems for 19 infrastructure-critical PSPs in the run up to Commonwealth games in Birmingham in 2022.

This project was multifaceted as it had a wide variety of demands, a broad spread of locations (some up to 17 years old), mixed technology demands, limited budget and an incredibly short critical path for design, delivery, installation and operation.

We were approach by Schneider Electric which had a monitoring solution that it wanted to deploy. Working together, we designed an IMD unit that matched the needs of the customer. This project also demonstrated our one-stop shop approach, which included project management.

We committed significant resources to this project, due to the high profile of the Commonwealth Games. From day one multiple project managers oversaw various elements which the production line capacity was optimized and planned to have a constant flow of completed units leaving the factory in strict adherence to the project timeline. Our ability to plan, absorb and commit engineers to this kind of work means that none of our other work in progress was delayed or hindered in any way.

As well as installing the monitoring devices, we also swapped out numerous UPS and upgraded/installed HVAC solutions at 14 sites too, this allowed for upgraded cooling capacity of the PSP Another example of our value-add service. Just as importantly, we delivered a complete suite of upgraded technical drawings, too, so the customer would not face any issues in the future.

A cost analysis showed that our technology delivered a £250,000 saving versus other solutions available on the market. Not only did they save money, but the restricted timelines were adhered to, too, as all 19 sites were installed and operating in under three months.

The new PSP monitoring solutions are also smarter and more precise, and they leverage GSM networks for better remote capabilities, with a subscription-free remote support interface that delivers information within minutes and fault locations within meters. It has now been through a full PADS approval trial period which has been completed and certified for Network Rail use.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: This project is a perfect example of how we can approach CP7 – with its focus on retrofits and cost-saving – as our new installations are built with resiliency and future-proof technologies in mind.

CP6 PROJECT 6: HOPE VALLEY

Hope Valley is right on our doorstep. This project called for PSPs and ASPs for extensions to signals and electrification. There was also a brand-new brick-built enclosure for one PSP, for which we supplied all the switchboard, generator & systems inside.

The significant highlight to this project was different approach taken to the project order. Normally we would receive drawings, prepare a bid, set up internal and external kick-offs and then ask a lot of technical questions prior to major engineering and build. However, this project had an innovative approach to its project timeline which saw us getting involved far earlier at the initial design stage.

Due to this earlier introduction, we were able to work with our customer and iron out issues a lot earlier in the process, at a stage when they are significantly more cost effective to remedy, as a result, all the questions that would normally be asked at the kick-off discussions had already been answered. An approach that significantly reduced the project engineering lead time.

We believe this is a viable template for future projects. Our engineers, with their extensive experience, can explain what is viable much earlier and ensure that major issues are addressed even before CAD work commences. As a result, the TQs are significantly shorter and tend to stem from minor issues as opposed to major issues that could delay projects.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: CP7 will see issues relating to funding, lead times and supply. This approach proves that involved us much earlier in the project, not only saved time and money but also helped to mitigate future risk.

CP6 PROJECT 5: HS2 CREWE

This project involved the design and installation of a number of PSPs and ASP at Crewe and other sites, to supply signalling power and lights and transformers for the tunnels.

Most modern PSPs are designed to cater for up to six 650 V signal feeders, however, within the new PSP at Crewe, there was a need to make provision for the future Crewe Hub project, which entailed 17 additional unpopulated 650V feeders and space provision for the 17 associated transformers.

The works saw us add extension panels to the existing panels and seamlessly integrate the new switchboards into the existing architecture, a process which went very smoothly even with the shallower depth of new panels, which are designed to cater for limited real estate in relocatable buildings.

The Baldwin & Francis difference: The new infrastructure is all pre-wired ready for future additions so there is minimal or no interruption to the existing supplies. This was the largest single PSP we have ever manufactured.

SUMMARY

As you can see with the majority of these CP6 projects, we are already demonstrably capable of delivering CP7-friendly solutions.

Where time, budget and real-estate create challenges, we deliver solutions that remove the burden, while still offering fully featured and future proof functions and capabilities.

The world has changed, and we have changed with it, to help you adapt to modern pressures, changing mindsets and tighter market constraints. Our approach, people and solutions are second to none, which is why we should be your CP7 supplier of choice.