The carriage project was also supported by Bombardier Transportation Ltd who displayed the work to their team of Railway Carriage Design Engineers at their Derby site.

The engineers evaluated the work produced by the schools and have written to all the participants with their evaluations. Comments include:

· Good visual communication.
· Vandalism is a difficult topic to address. The research was interesting
and showed a good understanding of vandalism problems train operators are
faced with today.
· Design ideas of each key element of the train - seats, tables etc were
explored and offer the opportunity for further design development.
· Seat models were well produced and professional.

The work of Highbury Fields School in Islington was singled out by the engineers who will be presenting the students with a model of one of their carriages.

Over 200 students took part in the curriculum based project which was undertaken in the Autumn term of 2003. The students work was previously displayed at the Acton Depot of the Museum and at Crossrail head offices in London.

Crossrail engineers were also very impressed by the level of understanding displayed by the students.

Chief Executive Norman Haste commented: 'This is a curriculum-based activity currently involving entire year groups and gifted and talented students from schools along the preferred Crossrail route.

'Students were given a set of criteria to work on and find an answer to - just as Crossrail engineers are currently doing.'

He added: 'This country needs more engineers and it is vital our young people get the message of its importance as a career, and vital they take up that challenge for the future of the UK.

'We wanted to show them how interesting, stimulating and challenging engineering and planning can be. Crossrail will need around 15 per cent of the country's engineers for what will be one of the largest infrastructure projects in Western Europe, and it is a matter of great concern that there is a shortage of engineers available now.

'I have myself worked on projects involving building power stations, bridges, and airports. Such items are important for our society so anyone who is thinking about becoming an engineer should remember that it is an essential and responsible job playing a key role in developing a successful economy.'

Ends

issued 13 July 2004

For further information contact Ian Rathbone, media manager, 020 7150 8760,
fax 020 7941 7748, mob: 07739 226 285 or e-mail ianrathbone@crossrail.co.uk