The project for Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) is taking an additional step with the first-ever commercial pilot in cooperation with a German local operator – Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn (WLE). After tests with two wagons, DAC manufacturer Voith will deliver more e-couplers to equip 13 wagons and one locomotive.
“The European pilot project DAC4EU has now commissioned coupler manufacturer Voith to supply a further 30 CargoFlex freight couplers and two CargoFlex hybrid couplers”, the manufacturer said. The rolling stock will be equipped by the end of year, while the tests with the first wagons have been going on since March.
Only automatic brake test for now
It was not specified on which route the test train will be running, but Voith did offer some details on the tests themselves. The wagons will be connected via the e-coupler, which will provide continuous power and data supply, which will enable automatic brake testing. “Further functions, including automatic detection of train length, wagon sequence and train integrity, are planned for later operation”, the company added.
Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn
WLE is part of Westfälische Verkehrsgesellschaft, a group managing various transport company in the Westphalia region, in northwestern Germany. The company owns and operates around 120 kilometres of network, moving around 1,4 million tonnes annually. Its main business revolves around limestone and cement. WLE also handles a service for the Warstein Brewery, taking its products to Munich and Hamburg.
