AbstractThis paper describes the introduction of formal systems engineering including the introduction of a requirements management and modelling tool to a particular mass transit railway renewal project. The paper begins by explaining the nature of railway projects and the need, yet current scarcity, of application of formal systems engineering. It describes the specific project and the events leading up to the introduction of a systems engineering team into a project which would otherwise have not adopted formal systems engineering techniques. These are specifically the development of a code of practice and an initial feasibility study. It also describes the issues that have had to be resolved in this emerging application which include selection of a systems engineering tool, training, architecture and processes.