Further work to fit the European Train Control System (ETCS) digital in-cab signalling equipment has begun for freight locomotives.
GB Railfreight’s 66784 is currently at EMD Longport, beginning the fitment work which will make it the first freight fitment outside the ‘first in class’ process.
The challenging aspect of the £1.4 million East Coast Digital Programme is fitting the ETCS to the locomotives, some of which are 30+ years old.
Siemens Mobility is in charge of designing, integrating and installing the onboard units.
Network Rail, freight companies and Siemens have been working together to carry out the work.
They have set an initial baseline design for the Class 66 and will be progressing to fitting eight locomotives with the equipment.
“Today marks a step forward. We’ve collaborated with the rail freight sector to address the challenges involved with fitting 21st century technology to 20th century locomotives.
“Fitting locos provides more certainty for the sector and the business change required for digital transformation. ECDP involves ‘learning by doing’ and much hard work has already taken place to get us to this point. We continue to build our capability in freight fitment as we begin this exciting new phase.”
Ed Akers, Network Rail’s industry partnership director, ECDP
