Grand Central Class 180 reaches 125mph in ETCS test on ECML

Grand Central 180108 now holds the British speed record using the European Train Control System (ETCS), having reached 125mph during main-line tests between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The test formed the latest stage of Network Rail’s East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) which is installing ETCS cab signalling between London and Stoke Tunnel, just south of Grantham (RAIL 1010). It took place on August 25 with the East Coast Main Line closed to normal traffic from 2200 on August 24 to 0900 on August 26.

NR had expected to test an HST at the same time but mechanical problems with the train, rather than its ETCS kit, forced its absence.

The Class 180 has Alstom ETCS equipment on board while NR is equipping the lineside with ETCS kit from Siemens. NR has further tests scheduled with various types of train over the next few months but says that most of this work will be done overnight with little impact on passenger and freight services.

ECDP Head of Access and Integration Ricky Barsby said: “We had to do important testing to check the new system is working well with trains operating at high speed. We thank all passengers who were affected for their patience. The vital work is bringing us a step closer to a more punctual, reliable and greener East Coast Main Line”.

Elsewhere on ECDP, NR has completed dynamic tests with Great Northern 387101 (Alstom on-board kit) and DB Cargo 66039 (Siemens) at its Melton test track, known as the Rail Innovation and Development Centre (RIDC). Both types represent ‘first in class’ for their respective fleets, with the ‘387’ part of a suburban fleet and the ‘66’ representing the freight industry’s workhorse.

ECDP Industry Partnership Director Ed Akers said: “This is significant progress with two strategically important fleets. Our partners have worked hard on both these projects to get to this point – those efforts will provide ongoing benefits with durable designs for key fleets.

“Preparing all the fleets is ECDP’s biggest challenge, but the facilities at RIDC are helping us take big steps forward toward a digital future.”