HST used in overnight ETCS tests on East Coast Main Line

A pair of Network Rail HST power cars have become the first older generation train to participate in main line digital signalling testing.

The two Class 43s – 43013 and 43062 – have been fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment as part of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) Digital Programme.

The pair, normally found on NR’s ‘Flying Banana’ New Measurement Train, were coupled to four RailAdventure carriages for tests between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in the early hours of November 24.

The tests are the latest part of the programme to remove lineside signals from the ECML, which has also included installing equipment on Class 66s.

RailAdventure provided drivers for the tests, while Govia Thameslink Railway provided a test train officer.

Matthew Teller, GTR’s head of systems integration who was test train officer said the runs provided “useful insights into integrating ETCS technology on the main line”.

Various test cases were carried out which helped engineers understand how the new technology interacted with the legacy systems on the Class 43s.

“Some non-ETCS issues, such as those related to the performance of the power cars and findings regarding Driver Machine Interface (DMI) behaviour, are under further investigation with our supplier, and they represent lessons learned and valuable opportunities to optimise the integration process as we continue to progress through proving on the main line,” he added.

However, the tests were deemed a success.

Tank Porteous, Hitachi Rail’s programme director, said: “The successful integration of our ETCS technology on the iconic HST marks an important step forward in realising the East Coast Digital Programme’s vision.”

Challenges for installing the equipment included finding space in the ‘43s’ for the equipment and a location in the cab for the driver and how that affects their movement and awareness.

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s Head of Access Integration, ECDP, said it was “great to have the HST as the first older train to be part of mainline testing, where we check that all aspects of the digital system are integrating and working well together”.

Ben Lane, Siemens Mobility’s Train Control Partner project director, added: “I’m excited to see that we’ve reached another significant milestone using digital signalling technology on HST to transform rail travel. We undergo testing at our state-of-the-art facility in Chippenham to ensure our ETCS technology works smoothly on iconic trains such as the Class 43. This achievement highlights the exceptional collaboration among our cross-industry partners.”

The overnight HST trial is being followed up by a complete possession of the ECML over the weekend of November 30/December 1 when a Grand Central Class 180 DMU and Great Northern ‘717’ EMU will be used in high-speed tests.

More overnight testing is also planned over the coming months, as well as a full day test on Boxing Day, when the ECML is closed.

Meanwhile, the Northern City line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate is close to going to 100% digital signalling after ETCS was introduced earlier this month.

Lineside signals are set to be switched off in spring 2025.