Omhoogwerkers

During a visit to the NS maintenance facility in Leidschendam, we were tasked with designing an affordable alternative to costly raised platforms. As train technology is now almost entirely located on the roof, mechanics need to bring heavy equipment up with them. Standard elevated work platforms offered too little space, forcing mechanics to constantly travel up and down for tools; resulting in unnecessary time loss and significant physical strain during maintenance work.

Adobe Illustrator Prototyping

The Mobile Solution

Together with my project group, I designed an elevated work platform with a considerably larger working surface than standard models. The platform features a fold-out walkway on the front and side that can be positioned horizontally.

This fully bridges the gap between the platform and the train roof, creating a safe and continuous working surface at height.

Logistics and Efficiency

The larger surface allows a mechanic on the ground to roll a complete tool cart directly onto the platform and take it up in one go. This gives the mechanic immediate access to all required materials at the correct working height without making multiple trips.

The design offers a practical solution for the remaining tracks without requiring costly modifications to the facility's fixed infrastructure.

Design and Realisation

To make the concept tangible, I developed a technical construction kit in Adobe Illustrator for a scale wooden model. I carefully accounted for the 3mm material thickness to ensure all components of the kit aligned precisely.

After laser cutting, we assembled the model using bolts and nuts for the scissor mechanism, allowing the scale model to actually move up and down.

Presentation

As a final touch, we designed the full delivery presentation in the recognisable style of NS platform departure boards. By presenting the project information in the format of departure times and station information, we directly matched the visual identity of the client.