Tornado to pioneer new in-cab signalling
PIONEERING new-build A1 Peppercorn 4-6-2 No. 60163 Tornado will once again break ground as it becomes the first steam locomotive to be fitted with a new in-cab signalling system.
Network Rail has appointed design, engineering and project management consultants Atkins (part of the SNC-Lavalin Group) and global technology firm Thales to design and trial-fit European Train Control System equipment to the Peppercorn Pacific, as well as designing the system to fit an LMS `Black Five' 4-6-0 and a Class 55 Deltic.
Future-proof
The project is key to ensuring that steam has a long-term future on the national network. ETCS is the signalling and control component of the European Rail Traffic Management System, which is to replace traditional lineside signals with in-cab radio-based signalling, initially on the East Coast Main Line.
ERTMS is already in place on the Cambrian Coast Line, meaning that steam traction is currently unable to operate over the route.
However, if the system can be successfully installed on a `Black Five', this will potentially reopen the scenic but weight-restricted line for steam railtours, Ian Riley's No. 44871 having been the last steam locomotive to haul the series of `Cambrian Coast Express' trips in 2010 before the ERTMS installation took place.
Tornado has been selected as “a large modern build with established designs and power”, while the `Black Five' and Deltic have been chosen because of similarities with other classes.
Having already undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of Network Rail and the East Coast Digital Programme, Atkins will complete the on-board design. Thales will supply and install the equipment on Tornado and carry out intensive testing.
Toufic Machnouk, Network Rail's director of industry partnership digital, said: “This is an important world-first pathfinder project which is also immensely technically challenging. It blends steam technology with modern electronics; by trying it out and then taking stock of the results, we will know if it is a viable option for heritage and charter operators.
“Establishing the pathfinder project and the work required to fit the vehicles with the technology is an example of exceptional industry collaboration.”
Robustness
Atkins project manager Phil Paisley said: “This is an exciting project to be a part of. Thanks to the skilled and committed teams at Network Rail, Atkins and Thales, we're now able to fit these trains with the equipment needed so they can continue to be enjoyed by the public.”
Mark Newill, project manager at Thales in the UK, added: “Supplying and installing our ETCS equipment onto heritage and charter units for this pathfinder project allows Thales to demonstrate the robustness and versatility of our ETCS equipment.
“While heritage and charter units each come with their own unique challenges, we are excited to be working in partnership with the East Coast Digital Programme and the vehicle owners to ensure these locomotives can be enjoyed by future generations.''
➜ As part of its 2022 itinerary, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has scheduled a series of tours focusing on Aberdeen.
Edinburgh to the Granite City features mainly in the programme, which also includes two trips with the ‘Clyde Aberdonian' from Glasgow on Saturday, August 13 and Thursday, September 15. The full programme for the ‘Aberdonian' is July 9/21/28/30, August 13/20 and September 1/8/15/17.
➜ No. 60163 will undergo an intermediate overhaul next year. It will include a spare boiler which is virtually complete at Meiningen in Germany, and, according to the intermediate work schedule, will be fitted with new tyres for the drivers and tender, with new cylinder liners machined and fitted, plus a repaint.
To help fund the overhaul, the A1 Trust has launched The Overhaul Club to raise £50,000 to supplement capital already set aside. Donations may be made at www.a1steam.com at which a series of incentives are being offered.
➜ The trust's popular road shows were reintroduced in October, the next being at London Transport Museum on Saturday, January 29.