UK: Network Rail has appointed Atkins and Thales to carry out design and trial fitment to determine whether it is a viable to fit ETCS onboard equipment to steam and heritage diesel locomotives, enabling them to continue operating on routes where ETCS is to be rolled out as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.
The project will see Thales ETCS equipment trial fitted on the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s Pacific ‘Tornado’, and design work undertaken for a West Coast Railways Black 5 steam locomotive as well as a Class 55 diesel operated by the Deltic Preservation Society.
‘Tornado’ was selected as a large and recently-built steam locomotive with understood designs and power, while the Black 5 and Deltic were chosen as representative types.
Atkins had previously undertaken a feasibility study and will now complete the on-board designs, with Thales conducting trial installation and testing.
‘This is an important world first pathfinder project which is also immensely technically challenging’, said Toufic Machnouk, Network Rail’s Director, Industry Partnership Digital, on October 13. ‘The technology blends steam technology with modern electronics; by trying it out and then taking stock of the results, we will know if it is a technically and commercially viable option for heritage and charter operators.’
Previous proposals to equip steam locomotives with ETCS for use on the Cambrian Lines pilot route in Wales did not lead to any practical development.
