THE FIRST testing of European Train Control System (ETCS) on Class 387 EMUs took place during the weekend of 21-22 March.
More than 10 return trips were made between Reading and Heathrow ahead of ‘387s’ being introduced on Heathrow Express services later this year.
Testing involved owner Porterbrook, Heathrow Express operator GWR, manufacturer Bombardier, DB Cargo, the Department for Transport and Heathrow Airport, and follows offline testing at the Old Dalby track in Leicestershire.
Twelve ‘387s’ are being fitted with ETCS and refurbished at Bombardier’s Ilford depot for the airport service, where they will replace the current fleet of 14 Class 332s.
