RH&DR - Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Case Study
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been a prominent feature of Romney Marsh since the 1900’s.
Also, it is known affectionately throughout Kent as a great day out with special occasions for the whole family.
info@rhdr.org.uk
The Customer
This is a case studo on the problems and issues of RH&DR, known as “Kent’s Miniature Mainline,” and how Ikonix Resolved them.
Our internationally renowned railway features one-third scale steam and diesel locomotives that traverse a scenic 13½-mile track from the historic Cinque Port town of Hythe to the picturesque Dungeness.
It is designated as a National Nature Reserve.
Along this route, there are four stations conveniently located within walking distance of beautiful beaches, providing an ideal opportunity to explore this unique corner of Kent.
Whether you prefer coastal or countryside walks, the area boasts diverse wildlife and flora, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
You can also embark on cycle rides, visit medieval churches, and admire iconic lighthouses, all within easy reach.
Our railway offers excellent catering options at select stations, an ever-popular Model Railway Exhibition, play parks for children, well-stocked station shops.
Car parking is free, and also has facilities to accommodate our disabled visitors. Rain or shine, the RH&DR promises an enjoyable day out for all generations.
The Problem
RH&DR previously had a highly disorganized and ineffective telecommunications setup.
Multiple single line telephone numbers, (individual analog lines, and internet connections), scattered across seven different locations.
Each location serviced by various providers.
In addition to this, the main site attempted to provide telephony services to nearby stations through a poorly installed dedicated link. This link frequently experienced disruptions due to its placement along the tracks.
At another site, an unreliable 4G connectivity was used to deliver an internet connection.
Specifically, leading to frequent drops in connectivity.
The lack of communication resulted in each station functioning as isolated entities.
What’s more, with often unexpected surges in customers arriving on unannounced trains at the station, long queues formed with disgruntled customers.
This, in turn, created huge, unacceptable challenges at facilities like cafes and other amenities.
The Solution
Following multiple consultations and extensive site meetings, over a long period of time, Ikonix Telecoms undertook the task of improving the telecommunication infrastructure at RH&DR.
As a proof of concept solution, we established a robust “Point to Point” connection to replace the previously unreliable 4G connection.
Subsequently, we meticulously designed and implemented a tailor-made internal network for each location.
This bespoke network was specifically crafted to accommodate the installation of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution.
This strategic move aimed to unify the entire railway infrastructure, streamlining communication processes and simplifying the numbering plan.
Consequently, this transformation facilitated seamless internal calls and regular communication between all seven sites, enhancing the overall efficiency of RH&DR’s operations.
The End Result
With combined and comprehensive efforts, RH&DR has achieved a complete and robust internet connectivity solution at each of its sites.
Thus, resulting in a seamlessly unified presentation across the railway network.
The deployment of a VoIP solution adds an extra layer of security, ensuring the railway is well-prepared for the transition to digital voice in 2025.
This transformation has empowered every RH&DR site with the ability to communicate effortlessly with all other locations within the railway network.
Such enhanced communication capabilities are invaluable for facilities like shops and cafes, as they can now prepare more efficiently for the arrival of a multitude of customers, knowing what to expect and when to expect them.
This strategic overhaul enables RH&DR to maximize revenue from every trip.
Specifically, simultaneously elevating the quality of service provided to its valued customers.
Instead of operating in multiple locations, all stations function as a cohesive single site, delivering improved functionality and operational synergy.
Additionally, Ikonix Telecoms assume full maintenance responsibilities for all sites.
The railway now benefits from a single point of contact.
This fosters strong relationships and easy accessibility between the customer, RH&DR, and its telecommunications supplier.
Uniquely, this ensures efficient support and streamlined communication channels.
