Meet Our Crew: Pjotr Frenkel, Robel Train Foreman
In the rail infrastructure sector, precision and logistics are essential components for success. And if there’s anyone who experiences that up close, it’s our Robel train foreman, Pjotr Frenkel. We spoke with Pjotr, who makes sure everything runs smoothly — quite literally.
From Game Design to Rail Infrastructure
After three years of military service and a brief period as a freelance game designer, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Pjotr decided it was time for a change. He applied for a job at voestalpine and immediately received a tour from his then manager, Dirk Veldhuizen. “To be honest, I still didn’t really know what I was getting myself into,” he laughs. But one thing quickly became clear: from day one, he was fascinated by the Robel train.
Life On and Around the Robel Train
The Robel
train is an innovative solution for the efficient transport and unloading of
rails. With special wagons equipped with an advanced unloading mechanism, rails
can be placed quickly and safely without the need for cranes or other heavy
equipment. This improves safety and efficiency during track renewal projects
and shortens the working time along the tracks. Thanks to its modular design,
the train can be used flexibly for various projects and causes less disruption
to railway traffic.
Unique Work Locations
Pjotr’s work takes him to the most diverse locations. “On average, I work three days a week outside Hilversum. I’m everywhere there’s track — stations, farm roads, or in the middle of nowhere.” One of the most impressive places he has worked is the Eurotunnel between France and England: “The first time I walked in there, it felt surreal — an enormous tube where you sometimes don’t know if you’re leaning forward or backward. Echoes everywhere, and it’s very dark.”
