Long Marston

Hitachi Rail Europe and Bombardier plan to develop a test track at Long Marston that could create up to 50 jobs.

LONG Marston could become home to a test track for Hitachi Rail Europe and Bombardier, if plans receive local authority approval.

The two manufacturers are planning a partnership with Quinton Rail Technology Centre (QRTC) to invest in the Warwickshire site, and create up to 50 new jobs. It is planned the site would be operational from 2022.

Type approval, endurance testing, commissioning and acceptance, and signal integration testing would be carried out at the site.

The aim is to create a “worldclass test centre” for commuter trains built at Newton Aycliffe and Derby Litchurch Lane. The companies are bidding for the Deep Tube Upgrade train contracts as a Joint Venture, while both are also bidding to supply new trains for the next South Eastern franchise.

A planning application has been submitted to Stratford-upon-Avon District Council, and a public consultation will be carried out.

Under the plans, an existing maintenance shed will be extended, with a similar facility constructed. Smaller buildings will also be required to house equipment, while some track will be relaid and third/fourth rail supply and signalling systems installed. An internal bridge for access is planned, along with internal fencing.

The aim is to enable work that is currently carried out in mainland Europe to be completed in the UK.

For example, two HRE Class 385s have visited Velim in the Czech Republic for testing before moving to northern Germany for further tests. Should the Long Marston plans receive approval, then that work would take place here.

Minimal alterations are required to the existing rail loop at the site, according to the submission.

Most of the work would take place to the north of the site, with new buildings mostly erected in a concentrated area on the site of facilities previously demolished, although the new train maintenance shed will be outside of that location and would contain the QRTC Traincare Facility.

JACK BOSKETT. Network Rail 31602 Driver Dave Green stands on a Network Rail test train on the Long Marston test loop on February 5 2007. Another NR ‘31’ is on the rear. Hitachi and Bombardier have submitted plans that would use the loop and create jobs by using the site as a test facility.

Richard Clinnick richard.clinnick@bauermedia.co.uk Assistant Editor