DB Cargo UK has begun fitting the European Train Control System (ETCS) to its workhorse Class 66 freight locomotives. The programme started this week at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands, marking a major step in the national roll-out.
The work is part of the National Freight ETCS Programme, within the £1.4 billion (1.65 billion euros) East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP). The scheme will replace lineside signals with in-cab digital signalling, increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency on key routes.
New technology for proven traction
Nine Class 66 locomotives will receive Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard 200 Onboard unit in the first phase. The technology will enable digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line and future ETCS routes. The Class 66 is the mainstay of freight operations in the UK. The diesel units are a familiar sight all over the network.
DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer and ERTMS Project Sponsor, Neil Ethell, said mobilisation work at Toton had been extensive. “This has seen the installation of a new load bank, wash plant and overhead cranes, as well as new accommodation for Siemens Mobility staff,” he said.
Building on ‘first-in-class’ success
DB Cargo UK has already supported the first ETCS installation on a Class 66, number 66039, which has undergone dynamic testing. “We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens Mobility to install the new technology in further locomotives,” Neil Ethell added. He said DB Cargo UK was proud of its role in delivering ERTMS in Britain. “It will provide much-needed capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and other routes,” said Ethell.
Siemens Mobility is leading the design, integration and installation of the onboard systems. Adrian Stubbs, their Director of Rail Infrastructure Portfolio – onboard, called the work a pivotal step towards digital signalling. “The integration of ETCS into legacy freight locomotives is a complex task,” said Stubbs. “I’m incredibly proud to see the collaboration between Siemens Mobility, DB Cargo UK, Network Rail, and our industry stakeholders.”
Sector-wide benefits in sight
The East Coast Digital Project team says ETCS will ultimately bring significant capacity, reliability and cost benefits to freight operations. “It’s important we move forward [with] the vital work of getting locos fitted,” explained Emily Woodward, Network Rail’s Senior Sponsor (Freight) for ECDP.
She noted the challenge of working with older traction. The Class 66 units were delivered between 1998 and 2015. “Fitting ETCS to freight locos is challenging due to the age and complexity of the vehicles,” said Woodward. “[However], with another depot getting work underway, we’re building our capability.” The first locomotive to receive the upgrade will be 66070.