NR power cars complete ETCS tests
Type testing successful for East Coast Main Line digital signalling project.
NETWORK Rail’s HST-based New Measurement Train has completed a series of tests as part of the East Coast Digital Programme that will eventually see in-cab signalling rolled out along the East Coast Main Line.
European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling is claimed to enable a more reliable service with reduced delays, improved safety and reduced costs through the removal of lineside infrastructure.
The tests were carried out at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre (Asfordby, Leicestershire) with equipment fitted to the Class 43 power cars.
Porterbrook managed the project on behalf of the rail industry under instruction from Network Rail, while
Thales designed and fitted the equipment – which also included trackside balises and a radio block centre.
Around 700 vehicles will need to be prepared for the East Coast Digital Programme, so a ‘First in Class’ testing programme will now take place over the next two years, fitting the equipment to 20-25 classes of passenger trains and freight locomotives.
Other companies taking part in the project include Ricardo (which carried out the integration design for power cars), Yellow Rail (which did the installation on behalf of Thales), and Loram UK (which maintains the NR Class 43 fleet).