DB ESG is to carry out an in-service trial of a continuous track monitoring system for Network Rail.

DB ESG, in collaboration with DB Systemtechnik (DB ST), is to carry out an in-service trial of a continuous track monitoring system for Network Rail using DB ST’s CTM2.0 system.

It will continuously monitor the railway infrastructure and is the first time that such a system has been used on a passenger train in the UK.

A Chiltern Railways Mark 3 driving van trailer (DVT) will accommodate the equipment.

DB ESG will design the vehicle modifications, get all necessary approvals, supply the material, install the CTM equipment, and test and commission the system.

The equipment comprises external vehicle-mounted sensors and an antenna, which are connected to an equipment enclosure inside the DVT. Sensors will measure the longitudinal level, track twist, dynamic alignment, ride comfort, cyclic top speed, and the vehicle’s motion response. The antenna transmits data to a land-based computer platform, which receives, stores, processes, and reports on the data.

DB ST will remotely monitor the system for the duration of the trial. They will also analyse the data and supply Network Rail with regular reports that detail both actual track conditions and predicted future track conditions.

Chiltern will operate the DVT in normal passenger service on their Marylebone to Birmingham mainline.

The trial will enable Network Rail to assess the suitability of DB’s system in helping to reduce the number and impact of service-affecting failures and to predict future conditions so that preventative maintenance actions can be implemented.

For Network Rail, the system represents a new approach to monitoring assets and track conditions, focusing particularly on performance. The project is part of a wider in-service monitoring trial being led by Network Rail’s Research & Development team.

Several train-borne track measurement/monitoring systems will be fitted to in-service vehicles to understand the feasibility of supplementing the traditional full track geometry systems. Eight supplier solutions are being trialled across 12 systems.

Commenting on this contract, Nick Goodhand, Managing Director, DB ESG said: “We are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with our important customer, Network Rail. DB’s global expertise, coupled with its UK rolling stock knowledge will support Network Rail in their aim to achieve more proactive maintenance planning.”

Christoph Kirschinger, Managing Director, Sales, DB ST added: “Our proven, cost-effective solution allows the early detection of issues before they disrupt the network. The quality of operations is therefore improved, by decreasing service disruptions and speed restrictions. This system has been in operation now for over seven years and is currently actively monitoring more than 3,000km of track. “

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