Porterbrook has installed European Train Control System (ETCS) onboard equipment to three of its Class 43 High Speed Train power cars used on Network Rail’s New Measurement Train.
The installation is the First in Class design and fitment to the 125mph locomotives, for which Porterbrook is the lead train leasing company in the National Joint ROSCO programme. It awarded the contract to carry out the fitment to Thales in 2018.
It is the first time Thales has installed ETCS onboard equipment in the UK, and following successful testing under ETCS Level 2 at Network Rail’s Melton Rail Innovation and Development Centre, preparations are under way for the vehicles to undergo full testing and reach Approval to Place in Service by the end of the year. Fitment is vital to enable them to continue their duties as ETCS is gradually installed across the network.
Porterbrook owns five Class 43s in the QCAR pool of locomotives which operate the New Measurement Train – Nos 43013 Mark Carne CBE, 43014 The Railway Observer, 43062 John Armitt, 43290 and 43299.
