OTHER FOAK FUNDING WINNERS

THE Tarmac cement sidings at Dunbar on the East Coast Main Line will play host to a nine-month trial of moveable overhead electrification, allowing trains to arrive and depart on electric power – but also retract to allow for safe loading and unloading.

Led by London-based engineering firm Furrer+Frey GB, the initiative aims to show the potential for reducing the use of diesel traction at freight terminals, and is one of 30 projects that will share a total of £9 million from FOAK.

Others include a scheme to re-engineer a Class 66 locomotive to operate on biogas and hydrogen (see also Traction & Stock news), a seating and carriage layout that can be reconfigured according to passenger volume and needs, and electromagnetic technology to make braking more predictable when railhead conditions are poor.

Development of digital technology to assist passengers with accessibility, navigation and information has also been a funding focus.