Editor's letter

Welcome to the latest issue of Future Rail.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is increasingly being used in the maintenance – and even the construction – of rolling stock. In this issue, we learn the benefits of using this new technology and how its adoption might spread throughout the industry.

Elsewhere, we look at the new incomings in the UK Department for Transport following the UK General Election in July, as well as considering a potential blind spot in the new government's railway nationalisation strategy – Rolling Stock Companies, otherwise known as ROSCOS.

Finally, we'll profile the history of light rail in the city of Leeds following the announcement of the West Yorkshire mass transit system, speak to Digi about the future of connectivity on trains, and find out what the highest-altitude railways in the world are.

For all this and the latest rail industry news, comment, and analysis from GlobalData, read on. You can also follow us @FutureRail_Mag. 

Peter Nilson, editor