Key modifications made to Caledonian Sleeper traction

Modifications have been carried out to the electrical systems on GB Railfreight Class 73s and ‘92s’, in order for them to haul new Mk 5s with Caledonian Sleeper.

Training is planned for staff working on the coaches, while a steering group has been created to assist with the approval process for the stock. Main line testing begins in March.

The 75 CAF coaches have through train control requirements supplied by a 61-way jumper. This has demanded engineering and design changes to the GBRf locomotives supplied to Caledonian Sleeper (CS). Wabtec Rail has been carrying out the modifications at Loughborough, when the locomotives visit for Dellner coupling fitting.

“There is still an intense programme of testing to be completed by CAF and GBRf, prior to the dynamic testing programme commencing at the end of March,” CS told RAIL.

This phase of testing allows CAF to complete not only testing requirements associated with the Mk 5 approval programme, but also to ensure ride comfort. This will be achieved via testing on the West Coast Main Line as far south as Carnforth and on the West Highland Line to Fort William ( RAIL 845).

CS said that because the coaches will be certified to 110mph during the testing programme, this will be delivered using a Class 90 and the existing CS Mk 3 coaches as barrier vehicles. Two ‘90s’ are hired from Freightliner by GBRf as cover for CS anyway, and these will be used for the tests.

The operator explained that as well as new coaches and modified locomotives, there must be a transition from the maintenance, cleaning, servicing and overhaul contracts currently in place to what is needed for the Mk 5s. This will be delivered via the new Train Service Agreement (TSA - Alstom) and the Train Services and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA - CAF UK).

CS added: “As well as the maintenance reviews, the cleaning and servicing contracts are being reviewed to ensure that the presentation standards set by Caledonian Sleeper are always met in the most efficient way.”

It said that in order to ensure maintenance, cleaning and servicing requirements can be delivered each day, there has been a need to carry out certain works at the depots (Polmadie and Wembley) as well as outstations (Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness), and that this has involved key infrastructure upgrades. CS is working to establish the correct requirements, delivery methods and programmes, to ensure that the optimal infrastructure upgrades will be delivered in time to meet the Mk 5 introduction (October for the Edinburgh/Glasgow trains and May 2019 for the Highland services).

To assist with the approvals process, a steering group overseeing and supporting the working groups from all key stakeholders has been created. CS told RAIL that having a more detailed and staged approach has given the review process sufficient time to ensure standards and legislation is being met.

For staff, an extensive training programme has been introduced. CS explained that as well as changes to the coupling arrangements for the shunters, Mk 5s have a number of new systems, such as Train Control Management System (TCMS), Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO), Passenger Information System (PIS) and WiFi, as well as a substantially improved galley.