Testing begins on Midland Main Line electrification

Testing of the Midland Main Line’s new overhead line equipment has begun.

Wires have been erected from Bedford-Corby/Kettering. It’s planned that electric trains should start running north of Bedford from next May, although Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has previously suggested that trains could start running earlier once the testing is complete.

Initial testing has been mechanical, running between Bedford, Kettering and Corby.

Network Rail spokeswoman Kathryn Muffett explained that this involves running with the first pantograph in the train raised at speed, and running under the OLE, although the electric locomotive is not under power.

She said this was a key achievement for the project because it meant the full suite of mechanical testing had been completed (as planned) at speeds up to 110mph.

Within the next few weeks, dynamic testing (performing as if in service) is expected to start - initially with a two-pantograph train. Eventually, that will be reformed, and a three-pantograph train will carry out further dynamic testing.

• For the FULL story, read RAIL 916, published on October 21, and available digitally now.