Rail Systems

Optimised railway engineering based on experience and expertise.

We specialise in delivering comprehensive railway infrastructure projects, from track and signaling upgrades to electrification and station enhancements. With extensive experience in rail engineering, we handle every aspect of railway construction, ensuring efficient, safe, and future-ready solutions that meet modern transportation demands. Our railway services integrate the latest technology and innovations, supporting sustainable, high-capacity rail networks for both passenger and freight operations.

Integrated Rail & Infrastructure Solutions

  • Our E&P services cover a broad range of electrical and power infrastructure needs. From surveying to design and installation, we specialize in delivering LV and HV substations, power cabling, and auxiliary supply points.

    Our expertise extends to points heating, lighting for depots, trackside and stations, as well as CCTV systems and more.

    Whether upgrading existing infrastructure or installing new systems, our E&P team ensures each project is executed with precision, enhancing the efficiency and safety of railway operations.

  • Structured IRSE licensing, assessment and competence management delivered by experienced rail professionals.

  • Level crossings are one of our core strengths with one of the most experienced design teams in the country. With over 30 produced, covering everything from simple relay driven AHB’s to PLC based MCB-OD’s.

    We can also provide CCTV control solutions for use worked crossings. This wide skills base has earned us the title of delivery partner of choice.

  • We offer one of the most comprehensive signaling services in the rail industry, covering everything from design through installation, testing, and commissioning.

    With extensive experience across a variety of railway control systems, we work with technologies such as SSI Interlocking systems, ERTMS, and Microlok.

    Our design team ensures innovative and efficient solutions, while our build and manufacturing capabilities guarantee quality at every stage.

    Through rigorous testing and commissioning, we ensure seamless integration and optimal performance, making OSL a leader in railway signaling and control systems.

  • Our track services encompass a wide range of specialised solutions for both Switch and Crossing (S&C) and Permanent Way (Pway). We provide fault analysis, asset condition inspection, and practical training, ensuring operational integrity.

    Our Pway services include CRT management, design, build, and maintenance, as well as precise gauging solutions.

    With a focus on maintaining and optimising railway track infrastructure, we ensure safe, reliable, and efficient rail operations, supporting both new projects and ongoing maintenance needs.

  • We provide specialised training in S&T and track safety.

    Additionally, our consultancy covers plant reliability, HAZID/HAZOP, risk management, and plant management for project delivery. Whether for skills development or compliance, our training programs ensure safety and operational excellence across all aspects of railway infrastructure.

  • We provide comprehensive logistics and asset disposal services across the rail sector. From large scale removals to secure storage and end-of-life disposal, our team manages the full lifecycle of redundant rail infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment.

    We recently supported the Newcastle upon Tyne Metro project, coordinating the safe removal and transport of disused Metro trains from the network. This is just one example of our capability in delivering time critical, safety led logistics solutions in live rail environments.

    Our services include:

    • Transport and removal of decommissioned rail assets

    • Short and long-term secure storage across a national network

    • Environmentally responsible disposal and recycling in line with industry regulations

    • Coordination with heavy haulage, cranes, and specialist rail handling partners

    With safety, compliance, and minimal operational disruption at the core of our approach, we deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of rail operators and contractors across the UK.

  • Early feasibility studies and infrastructure surveys play a key role in the successful planning of rail engineering projects. OSL supports clients during the early stages of project development through asset condition surveys, engineering assessments and digital data capture to inform design, installation and commissioning activities.

    Our teams carry out a range of survey and feasibility activities including asset validation, infrastructure inspections, route surveys and engineering optioneering to identify constraints and develop practical solutions for railway upgrades and renewals.

    OSL also utilises modern digital surveying methods where appropriate, including drone-assisted inspections. These technologies allow infrastructure to be assessed quickly and safely, particularly in locations that are difficult to access or where operational disruption must be minimised.

    By combining traditional rail engineering surveys with modern digital inspection techniques, OSL can support project teams with accurate infrastructure data during the earliest stages of rail system design and project planning.

IRSE Licensing & Competence Services

If you are looking to gain, renew or add to your Institution of Railway Signal Engineers licence, our dedicated licensing team can manage the process efficiently and transparently. As an approved IRSE Assessing Agency, OSL Global provides structured, well-governed licensing and competence support delivered by experienced rail professionals with real-world project knowledge.

IRSE Licensing

OSL Global has successfully completed a range of complex projects across the rail industry, both nationally and internationally. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation ensures that we deliver projects on time and within budget, consistently exceeding client expectations.

Key Projects

  • Scope: OSL is undertaking detailed design services inclusive of REB design, location design, interface specifications, and control tables. OSL is also providing comprehensive off-site testing and validation services for signalling systems, including drafting and validating testing plans, for our Australian Client compliant to RISSB Standard AS7716 Signal Testing Process. This phase includes regression testing, managing test logs, providing test reports and certification, interfacing with PIC/ISA comments, and conducting UTC database testing to validate operational requirements.

    Key Deliverables:

    • Drafted and validated off-site principle testing plans

    • Confirmed integrity of interlocking design based on QR GSS Part 18 and RISSB Standard AS7716

    • Validation of design and installation to meet scope and design specifications

    • Proof testing of interlocking with standard signalling principles Management of principle test logs and provision of test reports and certification

    • Interface with PIC/ISA comments during data testing staging

    • Off-site UTC database testing and validation

    • Testing of PBI data, relay logic, and telemetry/non-vital systems Validation of train path identification and optimisation

    • Coordination of all testing requirements and risk management

    • Expert advice on staging optimisation and operations management Adherence to RISSB AS7716 Signal Testing Process for quality assurance Detailed design: REB design, location design, interface specifications, control tables

    • Principles testing

  • Scope: OSL was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive solution encompassing Design, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning for Signalling, Electrification and Plant (E&P) and Telecommunications operations.

    The design phase involved generating detailed designs up to the Approval for Construction (AFC) level. This covered aspects such as points renewals, terminal sidings, Vital Interlocking eXtended Logic (VIXL) Smartlock data, 650V signalling power supply restorations, train describer designs, staged modifications for the Eastleigh signal panel and alterations to the Eastleigh Audio Frequency Track Circuit Multiplexer (AFTC PMUX).

    Furthermore, Phase 3 telecommunications designs were developed. As part of the lineside cabling routing into switching rooms, OSL provided outline and detailed designs, fully detailing all requirements for the renewal of HV feeder and pilot cables. The routing identification process was thoroughly covered during IDC/IDR to highlight any potential conflicts.

    Installation, commissioning, and recovery works were carried out for Electrification and Plant (E&P), Signalling and Telecommunications, including distribution and supply modifications. This also included HV feeder renewal and modifications, HV feeder diversion works and the supply, build, and commissioning of new 650VFSP class 2 locations. Comprehensive commissioning was carried out for all project scope elements, supported by corresponding test management documentation.

    Key Deliverables:

    • Detailed designs for signalling, E&P, and telecommunications

    • Points renewals and terminal sidings

    • Vital Interlocking eXtended Logic (VIXL) Smartlock data development

    • 650V signalling power supply restorations

    • Train describer and Eastleigh signal panel modifications

    • Eastleigh Audio Frequency Track Circuit Multiplexer (AFTC PMUX) alterations

    • Phase 3 telecommunications designs

    • Lineside cabling routing into switching rooms with HV feeder and pilot cables renewal

    • Installation and commissioning for E&P, Signalling, and Telecommunications

    • Cable containment, segregation, and HV feeder renewal/modifications

    • New 650VFSP class 2 locations (x25)

    • Testing Lead provision and comprehensive commissioning for all scope elements

    • Creation of safety documentation, Work Package Plans and Task Briefs

  • Scope: Docklands Light Railway Limited (DLRL) initiated a project to procure replacement rolling stock for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to meet projected growth in service demand and replace the ageing B92 vehicles. The new rolling stock required different operational and maintenance facilities, prompting the construction of new maintenance facilities at Beckton Depot. These facilities were needed to service and maintain the replacement fleet while retaining the ability to service and maintain the B2007 train fleet in the existing maintenance building. Consequently, upgrade works at Beckton Depot were essential to provide the necessary stabling and maintenance infrastructure for the new trains.

    OSL Global, was awarded the contract for developing detailed designs for the signalling systems for the Beckton Depot Upgrade Project. Including Design CRE support, Construction Support and Commissioning cover.

    Key Deliverables:

    Develop compliant designs for the Signalling systems to AFC for the Beckton Depot Upgrade Project, inclusive of: Scheme plan, Bonding plan, Control tables, Table of routes, Wiring design and Sighting forms.

    • Review the Employer's Design Information to identify and address any technical issues preventing the outline design from developing into a Detailed Design.

    • Signalling Design CRE support

    • Construction support

    • Commissioning cover.

  • Scope: The scope of works covers the preparation and implementation of cable renewals, replacement of internal jumpers and wiring, and design modifications necessary for converting binding posts to disconnectable links. The primary deliverables include producing detailed FED designs in schedule form for each location and cable, enabling easy integration into current maintenance records. All design work and records are documented in eB for seamless future reference. Works are conducted in compliance with SITH/G110 standards, with SMTH/SWTH resources ensuring regulatory and quality alignment.

    Key Deliverables:

    Design Preparation and Documentation:

    • Producing FED design schedules for each affected location and cable, structured for integration into maintenance records

    • Documenting all design work on eB record copies for transparency and future maintenance access

    Cable and Tail Cable Renewals:

    • Replacing internal jumpers and wiring from cables to associated local equipment

    • Fully renewing all tail cables for designated locations (as specified in eB records), adhering to SITH/G110 and SMTH/SWTH guidelines

    • Full cable replacement, including associated de-vegetation

    • Renewing WIG WAG to REB tail cables and barrier machine tail cables

    • Converting binding posts to disconnectable links where applicable, with necessary design work and G110 and SMTH testing

    Testing and Verification:

    • Performing full SMTH cable and cable function testing across all locations to ensure compliance with G110 standards

    • Conducting comprehensive crossing testing, including all system functions and cable performance