The East Coast Digital Programme has reached another milestone as Network Rail‘s Class 43s, which form part of the New Measurement Train, have been successfully tested with digital in-cab signalling.

European Train Control System, or ETCS, allows trains to have in-cab signalling which brings improvements for services as well as the removal of lineside infrastructure.

The successful testing took place at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre and means other Class 43 power cars can now be commissioned to use the ETCS Level-NTC.

Using the Rail Innovation and Development Centre allows for the progression to Level-NTC without the need for any disruption to passengers due to track possessions.

The testing process took several days of running that follows on from the initial phase of lab testing.

Around 700 vehicles need to be prepared for the East Coast Digital Programme and the First in Classs testing programme will, over the next two years, involve around 20-25 classes of passenger and freight train.

Toufic Machnouk, Network Rail’s Director, Industry Partnership for Digital Railway, said: “The ability to test the first in class vehicles at RIDC is a corner stone for the delivery of ECDP and the further roll out of ETCS across the network. This allows the train to be tested and certified following the fitment of new safety critical control technology without disrupting the operational railway.

“The collaboration created on the Class 43 project is another example of how our partners are rising to the unique challenges with retrofitting vehicles. Over the next two years a variety of vehicle types will undergo ETCS testing as we continue with the upgrades and retrofitments that enable ECML south to migrate to ETCS operations.”

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook said: “Porterbrook is delighted to see the power cars for the New Measurement Train fitted with ETCS completing final testing and commissioning at RIDC.

“This is a key part of the rollout of the Digital Railway, and we are pleased to play our part in supporting Network Rail on this project that will improve performance, enhance safety and reduce costs for the industry.”

Tank Porteous, Programme Director at Thales said: “The successful testing of the Thales ETCS system with the trackside infrastructure at RIDC represents a major milestone for the Class 43 project and is the culmination of a brilliant collaborative effort from the team. Thales is pleased to be able to contribute towards the success of the East Coast Digital Programme as it transforms the railway to the benefit of its users.”