Loram has begun fitment of ETCS digital in-cab signalling equipment to a second of its Rail Grinders that provide precision rail-profile-treatment capabilities to Network Rail’s regions.
The C44 Rail Grinder, vehicle C44-02, is being fitted with an Hitachi Rail ETCS system at Loram’s engineering facility in Derby. It is Loram’s first ETCS fitment to be funded through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).
ETCS fitment to the C44 Rail Grinder follows the successful introduction of Hitachi Rail ETCS equipment on Loram’s new RGC rail grinding unit earlier this year.
The initial installation and commissioning of ETCS on the RGC machine and its subsequent roll out to the C44 machine is a result of close collaboration between Hitachi Rail, Network Rail and Colas who operate the C44 grinder.
Fitment to the C44 began in June this year by Loram’s Derby based engineering and installation teams, closely supported by industry partners.
Lee Tinney, Managing Director of Loram EMEA said:
“Following successful introduction of ETCS to our RGC Rail Grinder I am delighted that we are now expanding our ETCS fitment programme to the C44 grinder fleet, three of which are deployed by NR to support track maintenance and management teams across the network.
“I’d like to thank Loram’s engineering and installation teams, as well as our partners at Hitachi Rail, Network Rail, the East Coast Digital Programme and Colas for their support with this fitment programme, which is helping us to showcase how ETCS can be fitted to On Track Machines both cost effectively and at pace.”
Chris Hobden, Programme Director (ECDP), Network Rail said:
“We’re pleased to see continued progress from Loram, and partner collaboration, to deliver digital in-cab signalling to another on track machine. This pioneering work with grinders will provide valuable learnings for the OTM sector as a whole.
“Progressing OTM fitment is an important part of our overall strategy to get to signals away on the East Coast Main Line, the end goal being a more reliable, more capable and even safer railway for customers.”
Paul Maynard, VP Mainline Signalling, Hitachi Rail SRS UK said:
“The installation of ETCS on a second Loram rail grinder highlights the momentum behind digital railway transformation in the UK. As the East Coast Digital Programme continues to progress, it is essential that engineering fleets are equipped to operate seamlessly within a digital signalling environment.
“For Hitachi Rail, this is another important example of how we are applying our digital signalling expertise across a diverse range of rail vehicles, supporting the industry’s transition to ETCS. By working collaboratively with our industry partners, we are demonstrating that ETCS can be delivered effectively on specialist on-track machinery, helping to unlock the benefits of increased safety, improved operational flexibility and greater network performance.”
The installation programme will shortly see static testing at the RTC in Derby with subsequent dynamic testing taking place at NR’s Test Track facility at Melton towards the end of the year.
Hand-back of C44-02 to Colas for operational deployment across the network will take place in early 2027. Following evaluation in operational service, a third Loram Rail Grinder (C44-03) will enter the ETCS fitment programme in Derby.
Initially C44-02 will operate in ‘ETCS dormant mode’ prior to activation of ETCS Level-2 following an agreed approvals and assurance process, as part of NR’s planned signals-away programme on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line and other agreed routes.
The successful installation of ETCS on C44-02 represents another important milestone in preparing Loram’s Rail Grinders for the evolving digital railway and demonstrates the benefits of close collaboration between all organisations involved in delivering this key safety and capacity programme.
Image credit: LORAM
