This presentation outlines how Britain’s railways were early adopters of electricity for control systems, and computers.
Speaker
Bob Gwynne
Synopsis
This presentation outlines how Britain’s railways were early adopters of electricity for control systems, punch card data processing and computers, a story hidden behind the negative press our national system has attracted for over 200 years.
About the speaker
Bob Gwynne
I worked at the National Railway Museum for 26 years, latterly as Associate Curator. I became interested in the history of railways and computing when I came across the Model Railroad Club of MIT.
At some stage I asked the question, ‘How did BR know how to procure this equipment back in the 1970s when the computer age was in its infancy (or perhaps young adolescence)’?
That resulted in my paper to the Science Museum Journal ‘A Long Engagement – Railways, Data and the Information Age’' on which this presentation is based.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
If you are attending in person, please familiarise yourself with the Visitor Instructions for the BCS London Office.
Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via groups@bcs.uk, and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.
BCS privacy notice: your data will be processed by BCS in accordance with our data privacy notice.
Photography: by attending this event, you may be photographed or filmed. Please speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to be included.
For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.
This event is brought to you by: Computer Conservation Society
