The first locomotive in Britain’s principal freight fleet to be fitted with digital signalling equipment is moving on to dynamic testing on a test track, following successful static testing.
DB Cargo locomotive 66039 is the “First in Class” to be retrofitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment. The fitment was completed at the Progress Rail depot in Doncaster, with the train then hauled to Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre (RIDC) in Leicestershire.
The locomotive and its newly-fitted ETCS will undergo a series of tests at RIDC in the coming weeks.
The Class 66 is the most common type of freight locomotive on the British railway network, and the retrofitting of ETCS onto the fleet would mark a step towards hundreds of freight trains being equipped for next-generation digital signalling.
ETCS will enable longer, faster and heavier freight trains, taking lorries off the road and reducing transport emissions.
Neil Ethell, Chief Operating Officer, DB Cargo UK, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for DB Cargo (UK) on the journey to becoming European Train Control System (ETCS) ready. We’re incredibly proud to be undertaking the first in class fitment of a Class 66.
“Overall, the design and installation for the Class 66 has taken 4 years, which shows the level of complexity in a retro fitment project of this scale. We’re excited to see how it performs under rigorous testing at RIDC”.
All freight operators in the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) have come together to share learnings and agree the base design for the fitment with Siemens Mobility, which is providing its ETCS Trainguard 200 on-board equipment for the locomotives. The design will eventually provide regulatory approval for all types of Class 66 and its sister fleet, the Class 67.
Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Sponsor, ECDP, said:
“The task of retrofitting hundreds of freight locomotives is one of the biggest challenges we face in the transition to a digital future.”
“The Class 66 FiC project has required innovation, tenacity and perseverance to get to this point. I pay tribute to the hard work of all those involved – the industry wide collaboration involved is providing a strong foundation for the ongoing process of freight ETCS fitment”.
Rob Morris, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility said: “The Class 66 moving to RIDC marks a major step forward for the Programme. Our teams and fitment partners have worked tirelessly to deliver.
“The retrofitting will transform the everyday for freight users as well as delivering wider societal and community benefits afforded by digital signalling. A tremendous well done to all involved to date.”
The locomotive will undergo dynamic testing at RIDC before accumulating 5000 miles of fault-free running. It will then go through the necessary regulatory approvals.
Image credit: Network Rail
