First Class 387 ETCS tests successful

CROSSINDUSTRY collaboration involving teams from GWR, Bombardier, DB Cargo,

DfT, Heathrow Airport and Porterbrook successfully completed ETCS testing on Class 387 Heathrow Express units during March.

Over the weekend of March 21-22 more than 10 return trips successfully proved the functionality of the on-train hardware and software as well as related infrastructure. The runs were carried out on the GWR mainline between Reading and Heathrow Airport.

GWR is converting 12 of its Class 387s (Nos. 387130141) as a dedicated airport express fleet to replace the Class 332s, which are likely to be scrapped as they are not fitted with

Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS), and cannot run anywhere else on the UK network.