ARA Rollingstock: August 2026

Five weeks | Online course | ARA members $1320 incl. GST | Non members: $1,760 incl. GST

Join the ARA for this interactive online course, bringing a comprehensive understanding of Rollingstock.

Understanding the trains that service the differing sectors of the rail industry is crucial to really developing your knowledge and career in rail. Would a passenger choose or need to travel on a train designed to carry wheat or barley? Would a farmer choose an intercity passenger train to transport bananas? The answer to both is clearly no. Introduction to Rollingstock will give learners an insight into the full asset lifecycle of trains from design, manufacture, operation, maintenance and de-commissioning. As well learners explore the impact of terrain, operational imperatives and other system integration challenges when designing trains. Propulsion is explored including diesel, electric, battery/electric and hydrogen. The rail industry is often described in terms of above and below rail….this module looks closely at above rail, and the increasing integration of systems that are located below rail to assist in train management.

There is a predetermined journey through the modules, however, you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you wish over the four weeks that they are available to you.

Course modules

What is Rollingstock?
Asset management systems
Propulsion – what makes rollingstock move?
Rollingstock and the signalling system
A day in the life of rollingstock
The global future of rollingstock
Design your own train

Learning outcomes

Deep dive into Australian and New Zealand railways and the types of trains that can run on various infrastructure. This includes track machines and maintenance vehicles.
Gain insights into rail networks around the country and the rollingstock that is typical to the various rail corridors.
Learners will be able to match rollingstock to the relevant rail ecosystem, including the signalling systems and typography of those ecosystems.
Understand some of the key differences between passenger, freight, and heavy haul trains, with a focus on train dynamics, wheel rail interfaces and propulsion systems.
Acquire knowledge on the key principles that underpin how trains are kept apart and what role safety plays in the management of trains.
Explore de-carbonisation journeys in the design, manufacture and operation of new rollingstock.

Who should attend?

Whether you are new to the rail industry or want to have access to the latest course offering in this space, the ARA Rollingstock Course will give you a comprehensive insight into the breadth and complexity of Rollingstock in the rail industry.