Back on Track: The RTSA Locomotive Challenge

Ignite Your Passion for Engineering: Design, Build, and Test the Future of Rail.














What is the Challenge?

The RTSA Locomotive Challenge is a unique and demanding competition that brings together the brightest minds in engineering from across the region.

Based on the prestigious IMechE Railway Challenge in the UK, teams of university students, apprentices, and graduates are challenged to design, build, and operate a one-fifth scale miniature railway locomotive to a rigorous technical specification.

This is more than a design project—it’s a comprehensive industry simulation that tests your technical knowledge, commercial acumen, and hands-on manufacturing skills in a live-test environment. This challenge will truly train the next generation of rail innovators.

Who Should Get Involved?

This competition is a brilliant opportunity to apply your knowledge, gain industry exposure, and build your professional network.

For University Students, Apprentices & Graduates:

  • Showcase your technical design, manufacturing, and innovation skills.
  • Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Develop a full business case for your locomotive.
  • Gain high-impact, real-world experience to boost your resume.
  • Compete for prizes and industry recognition.

For RTSA Members, University Staff & Industry Professionals (Volunteers/Links):

  • Help us plan and deliver the event as a valued volunteer.
  • Inspire and support student teams as a University Link or Mentor.
  • Contribute to the future of the Australasian rail industry by fostering emerging talent.
  • Contact us via the EOI form to get involved!

The Competition Tasks

Teams compete across a series of demanding static and dynamic challenges, simulating the full life cycle of a commercial locomotive project.

CategoryChallenge Examples
Key Skills Tested
Design & Business

Design Challenge: Detailed report on technical components, costing, and maintenance.

Business Case: Presenting a tender proposal to secure an order for a fleet of locomotives.

Innovation: Written submission detailing a novel and innovative aspect of your design.

Technical Report Writing, Costing, Project Management, Commercial Presentation, Creativity
On-Track Performance

Traction: Testing the locomotive’s ability to pull a load. Energy

Storage: Assessing the efficiency of energy recovery and reuse (e.g., regenerative braking).

Ride Comfort: Measuring the effectiveness of the suspension system against track irregularities. Reliability & Maintainability: Demonstrating fault-free running and ease of component replacement.

Vehicle Dynamics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Systems Integration, Live Testing

Ready to get on track?

For Teams (Students/Apprentices/Graduates)

Expression of interest forms will be opening soon, watch this space

For Volunteers & University Support

We are calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to help plan and deliver this inaugural event, and from anyone with university links who can inspire and support teams to get involved. Please fill out the below form to get involved. 

Contact Information

For all inquiries regarding the RTSA Locomotive Challenge, please contact:

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