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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Classic ‘High Speed Train’ in main line digital signalling run

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A familiar and classic train became a new addition to digital signalling in-cab testing runs on the East Coast Main Line at the weekend.

The iconic High Speed Train (HST), a symbol of British rail heritage, has become the first older generation train to participate in main line digital signalling testing.

Two Class 43 power cars, each fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment on board, took part in testing between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin on the East Coast Main Line.

The main line testing is part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) that will transform rail operations by replacing traditional, lineside signals with continuous information displayed inside drivers’ cabs, delivering a more punctual and reliable railway.

The HST testing demonstrated the extensive collaboration involved with ECDP. The on-board Hitachi equipment was tested with the Siemens Mobility wayside system, with testing engineers from both companies involved. The train was driven and operated by specialist European rail operator RailAdventure.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), who provided the test train officer for the testing, has provided ETCS training for RailAdventure’s drivers, on both the Northern City Line and the Thameslink route through central London.

The power cars (at the front and rear of the train) involved are normally part of Network Rail’s New Measurement Train (NMT). The NMT, affectionately known as the Flying Banana, uses technology to proactively measure the condition of the tracks. On this occasion, however, the train featured four carriages provided by RailAdventure.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s head of access integration, ECDP, said: “The HST provides fond railway memories for many of us. For decades HSTs were carrying millions of passengers up and down the East Coast Main Line. Now it’s back again to help us prepare for a digital future with better and more reliable journeys for all users of this vital route.

“It’s great to have the HST as the first older train to be part of main line testing, where we check that all aspects of the digital system are integrating and working well together.”

Matthew Teller, GTR’s head of systems integration and test train officer for the HST, added: “This weekend’s testing exemplifies how the rail industry is working together to deliver digital signalling to the East Coast Main Line.

“We were delighted to support ETCS testing for the iconic HST. By training RailAdventure’s drivers in ETCS and acting as test train officer on the night, we are sharing our knowledge of implementing and operating ETCS with the wider industry – something we’re passionate about doing to ensure ECDP’s success.”

Digital signalling, using ETCS is a proven technology already in use in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. The ECDP will see the first introduction of ETCS to an intercity mainline in Great Britain. Read more about the project here.

Image credit: Network Rail

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