DB Cargo UK & Siemens: ETCS Rollout on East Coast Main Line for Freight

Introduction

DB Cargo is undertaking work at its Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands as part of the National Freight ETCS Programme, a component of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme. The project will see the installation of Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto freight locomotives.

Project Scope and Implementation

The work at DB Cargo’s Toton Traction Maintenance Depot is part of the National Freight ETCS Programme, which is part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme. The initial roll-out of ETCS fitment is being delivered by the East Coast Digital Programme, which will replace traditional lineside signals with new digital in-cab technology.

Partnership and Technology

Siemens Mobility is the East Coast Digital Programme’s partner for designing, integrating, and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit. This technology enables in-cab digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line. The first locomotive to be fitted will be 66070.

Infrastructure and Preparations at Toton

Mobilisation work has been underway at Toton for several months to facilitate the delivery of the new contract. This has included the installation of a new load bank, wash plant, overhead cranes, and new accommodation to co-locate staff from Siemens Mobility on the site.

Industry Collaboration and Future Benefits

The project involves collaboration between Siemens Mobility, DB Cargo UK, Network Rail, and industry stakeholders. This collaborative progress aims to unlock benefits such as increased capacity, reduced maintenance costs, and improved reliability for freight operations. Fitting ETCS to freight locos is challenging due to the age and complexity of the vehicles.

DB Cargo UK’s Role and Perspective

DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer and ERTMS Project Sponsor, Neil Ethell, highlighted the company’s industry-leading role in delivering ERTMS in the UK. The project is seen as a further advancement towards securing the long-term growth of the sector, providing much-needed capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and other routes. DB Cargo UK recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of their own Class 66 locomotives (66039), which has recently undergone dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre.

Siemens Mobility’s View

Adrian Stubbs, Director of Rail Infrastructure Portfolio – onboard, Siemens Mobility UK&I, described this as a pivotal step towards digital signalling and a key part of their mission to transform rail travel and transport on the East Coast Main Line. The integration of ETCS into legacy freight locomotives is a complex task.

Network Rail’s Contribution

Emily Woodward, Network Rail’s Senior Sponsor (Freight) for ECDP, expressed pleasure in getting another set of fitment work underway for the Class 66 fleet. She emphasized the importance of collaboration across the sector to progress the design and the vital work of fitting locomotives.

Conclusion

The project at DB Cargo’s Toton Traction Maintenance Depot involves installing Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard 200 Onboard units as part of the East Coast Digital Programme. The initiative aims to enhance capacity, reduce costs, and improve reliability for freight operations on the East Coast Main Line.

Company Summary

DB Cargo: A railway freight transport company.

Siemens Mobility: The East Coast Digital Programme’s partner for designing, integrating, and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit.

Network Rail: Collaborating on the project, particularly regarding the testing of locomotives at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre.

Technology

Trainguard 200 Onboard: Siemens Mobility’s unit, enabling in-cab digital signalling.