Return to Infrastructure Index Spotlight on Infrastructure An interview with another key member of our infrastructure team, Principal Engineer John Sinclair, who joined the company in September 2000. Most recently an independent rail technology consultant, John has more than 25 years' experience, encompassing virtually every aspect of railway engineering. What does your role at Interfleet involve? Working with our Principal Infrastructure Engineer John Rastall, my remit is to further enhance Interfleet's infrastructure-related business by providing consultancy services on track technology and wheel/rail interaction, as part of Interfleet's Infrastructure team. Tell us a bit about your background… Having gained a degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College, London, I started my career in 1974 as an Engineer with Rolls Royce, prior to joining the former British Rail Research organisation in 1977. I worked with BR Research (now AEA Technology Rail) on a range of projects on wheel/rail interaction and structural assessment of rolling stock, signalling and track components before becoming self-employed as an independent rail technology consultant in 1996. You have particularly wide-ranging experience in the field of track technologies? Yes, my experience encompasses many different areas, including track asset management and the wheel/rail interface, in particular for London Underground, where I was involved in developing management processes to reduce the incidence of broken rails and also reduce noise & vibration problems. I also have experience of stress analysis, fracture-mechanics, business case modelling and risk assessment techniques, together with development of European CEN standards. What are some of the key projects that you're currently undertaking? My expertise in rail failure management has been employed to assist with the track aspects arising from the recent derailment incidents, demonstrating how Interfleet's Total Rail Systems team can assist with interface issues. The team's extensive engineering skills can also be applied to solve a wide variety of infrastructure and vehicle/track interaction problems. And when you're not busy working for Interfleet? My interests include vernacular architecture and keeping my old house in good condition. I also enjoy playing fantasy football and cricket - perhaps we should start a rail industry league for our clients! John Sinclair- thank you very much!