DB Cargo UK has commenced installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on nine of its Class 66 freight locomotives at its Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands.

The work forms part of the National Freight ETCS Programme, which is linked to the 1.4 billion GBP East Coast Digital Programme. The initiative will see conventional lineside signals on the East Coast Main Line replaced by in-cab digital signalling.

Siemens Mobility, a delivery partner for the East Coast Digital Programme, is responsible for the design, integration and installation of its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto freight locomotives.

DB Cargo UK begins ETCS fleet fitment at Toton Depot

© DB Cargo

Preparation at Toton Depot in recent months has included the installation of a load bank, a wash plant, overhead cranes and additional accommodation to house Siemens Mobility staff on site.

The ETCS fitment follows earlier work on DB Cargo UK’s locomotive 66039, which was fitted with the system and underwent dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre. The first of the new batch to be fitted will be locomotive 66070.

Siemens Mobility, DB Cargo UK and Network Rail are working in partnership to address the challenges of installing ETCS equipment on older freight locomotives. Once fitted, the locomotives will be able to operate using in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line, a step intended to support the line’s capacity and reliability for freight operations.

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