West Somerset offers track for main line operator testing
THE West Somerset Railway is aiming to run more test trains for main line operators during quiet times when passenger services are not running.
Testing of new equipment on the main line is becoming increasingly difficult with more frequent – and faster – trains, said a railway spokesman, and during recent years it has become more challenging for contractors.
In a recent set of tests, the WSR provided a test train of coaches on which experimental equipment was carried between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield. The train was hauled by resident Diesel and Electric Preservation Group-managed Class 33s D6566 and No. 33057 in topand-tail mode.
Contractor Thales reserved two days of train operation on the WSR. On the first day, the contractor’s technical staff installed and tested Train Protection and Warning System – Continuous Supervision (TPWS-CS) equipment to ensure everything was working as expected.
Three weeks later, various key industry managers, including representatives from Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and potential customers from Train Operating Companies and rolling stock owners, attended a further demonstration of the new digital incab system.
The equipment was fitted in a day to a diesel cab, while display boards on the carriages showed guests the train’s position and speed, and the driver’s-eye view of the cab interface.
Thales product line manager Alex Stockill said: “This is a proof-ofconcept demonstration to show that this is something that exists, not an unrealistic idea. It’s been really good working with WSR. It has also given us access to its track so we could carry out testing in safe conditions. It’s taken very little time to arrange because it is in total control of its own track, so we’ve been able to react quickly and collaboratively.”
The WSR also provided seminar accommodation and hospitality for the contractor and its clients.
“Having complete control over test trains by the contractor can enable good control of the experimental environment,” said the spokesman.
“The WSR sees this as a growing activity. The main line junction at Norton Fitzwarren makes it relatively easy for contractors to access the railway with rail vehicles. For much of the year, the railway is not in use by heritage passenger trains every single day, so the availability of the line can be an attractive factor.
“The main function of the West Somerset Railway will continue to be the operation of steam passenger trains for visitors.”
TPWS-CS builds on a radio-based limited supervision system which is currently being defined by Network Rail and industry. It continuously updates a train’s position and warns the driver when approaching track closed for maintenance or under speed restrictions, applying an emergency brake if necessary.