At Fenix, we pride ourselves on the unique paths our team members take to join the railway industry and Sam Daubney journey is a perfect example.

With a BSc in Computer Science and over a decade in the IT industry supporting global clients, Sam developed a strong foundation in technology. Inspired by family visits to heritage lines and model train sets, eventually led him to take a leap into a completely new field. Encouraged by a friend, he joined the railway industry in an entry level role that required no previous rail knowledge, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Fast forward three years, and Sam is now a valued member of the Fenix team, having completed his BST and IST certifications and contributed to some of our most exciting projects to date. His background in tech has given him an edge in understanding and implementing complex signalling systems.

Project Highlights
Sam played a pivotal role in the Northampton SRFI Depot project, designing elements of the REB, leading work on Frauscher axle counter systems and helping integrate them successfully with the RRI. He was also a key driver behind the implementation of Fenix First Fix from day one, helping to deliver this cutting edge technology.

Passion Meets Practicality
Since February 25, he has been volunteering on Saturdays with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, initially joining the Permanent Way team and looking to expand into Signal and Telecoms. For him, it's not just about preserving history, but learning from it and applying those lessons to today’s rail systems.
Outside of rail, Sam enjoys hands on hobbies like carpentry, countryside adventures with his wife, and even brewing his own beer.

What’s Next?
He is expected to obtain IRSE Signalling Designer Licence, which will allow him to take on more independent design work. He’s also exploring ways to integrate advanced tech solutions into depot operations, drawing on his software background to help bridge the gap between development and real world rail implementation.

Sam is also enthusiastic about the ongoing advancements in AI driven technology, with Fenix already evolving the Fenix-First-Fix PPM system into a more comprehensive Train Facility Management System. This system will bring the digital revolution into train depts and intermodals replacing and upgrading current labour intensive, high maintenance legacy systems.

A Vital Part of the Team

Sam’s journey reflects the power of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. His hands on approach, technical skillset, and genuine passion for the railway have made him a trusted and valued member of the Fenix team. His contributions across both signalling innovation and project delivery continue to strengthen our capabilities and drive our mission forward.

We’re proud to have team members like Sam who bring passion, innovation, and dedication to everything they do.