A pair of former Intercity Class 125 driving cars have become the first older generation type of HST to go on test with the European Train Control System (ETCS), which saw the new system put to the test on the East Coast Main Line last weekend.

The test was part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which has been progressing well using trains from a number of operating companies that run on the East Coast Main Line.

The ETCS system will replace colour light trackside signals, which will allow trains to run more frequently and reliably.

Two driving cars from Network Rails New Measurement Train (NMT) which were fitted with ETCS equipment in 2022 were used for the run, though the MK3 coaches they were attached to were provided by Rail Adventure.

The test run involved them following a Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) EMU between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, which proved successful.

The two class 43 power cars will soon be using this new signalling system when they take their ‘Flying Banana’ train across the country to measure the condition of the nation’s tracks.

It was vitally important that these HST power cars were fitted with the ETCS equipment.

The testing of the High-Speed Train highlighted the significant collaboration within the East Coast Digital Programme.

Engineers from both Hitachi and Siemens Mobility were involved in testing the on-board equipment against the wayside system.

The operation and driving of the train were managed by the specialist European rail operator RailAdventure, members of which have also undertaken training on the Northern City Line and the Thameslink Line through London in partnership with GTR.

“The HST provides fond railway memories for many of us. For decades HSTs were carrying millions of passengers up and down the East Coast Main Line. Now it’s back again to help us prepare for a digital future with better and more reliable journeys for all users of this vital route.     

It’s great to have the HST as the first older train to be part of main line testing, where we check that all aspects of the digital system are integrating and working well together.”

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s head of access integration, ECDP