SNCF is developing a 320 km/h test and measurement train to replace the Mélusine test car currently used to inspect France’s TGV lines. Due to be completed later this year, the train will be known as the MGV.
The MGV will consist of a TGV Réseau set now being converted for its new role at the Hellemmes workshops near Lille. Trials are due to start in September, and the train will be available for commissioning TGV Est Européen, where trials will include operation of ERTMS Level 2 at 320 km/h. The train will be able to run through the Channel Tunnel and could be used for tests on Section 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
AEA Rail is among companies supplying equipment for the MGV. The UK-based company has won a contract for a high speed track geometry measuring system and as prime contractor will undertake the turnkey system engineering to SNCF’s specifications. The equipment will consist of Imagemap Inc’s Laserail 4000 acquisition system and AEA Rail’s TrackSys data management system, which will be installed with help from SNCF staff. AEA Rail will also supply the on-board real-time Vampire-powered Exceedence Validator and Derailment Risk Indicator decision-support tools which model interaction between vehicle and track in real time.
