ETCS technology tested on Grand Central ‘180’

A Grand Central Class 180 has become the first train retrofitted with in-cab digital signalling technology to be tested at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation & Development Centre near Melton Mowbray. The dynamic testing of First in Class trains equipped with European train Control System (ETCS) technology is being done in readiness for the Government-funded East Coast Digital Programme, which will remove traditional signalling from a 100-mile stretch of the ECML between King’s Cross and Stoke Tunnel (Grantham) by 2029. Teams from NR, Grand Central, Angel Trains and Alstom are currently reviewing the results of the ‘180’ testing and carrying out detailed planning of the next project milestone to commission the train into ETCS Level-NTC (National Train Control) operation later this year.