DB Cargo UK has commenced fitting the European Train Control System (ETCS) to nine of its Class 66 freight locomotives, marking a significant step in the National Freight ETCS Programme.
The work, carried out at DB Cargo’s Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands, forms part of the GBP 1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP). Under the ECDP, conventional lineside signals will be replaced by digital in-cab signalling, enabling more efficient and reliable operations.
Siemens Mobility, the ECDP’s delivery partner, is responsible for designing, integrating and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto the locomotives. This will allow the Class 66 fleet to operate with digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line.
DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer and ERTMS Project Sponsor, Neil Ethell, said mobilisation work at Toton had been underway for several months, including the installation of a new load bank, wash plant, overhead cranes and accommodation for Siemens Mobility staff.
“Having recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of our own Class 66 locomotives (66039), which has recently undergone dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens Mobility to install the new technology in further locomotives,” he said.
Ethell added that ETCS would deliver a “more dynamic, reliable and safer railway” and provide much-needed capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and beyond, supporting the long-term growth of the sector.
Adrian Stubbs, Director of Rail Infrastructure Portfolio – onboard, Siemens Mobility UK&I, described the fitment as “a pivotal step in the journey towards digital signalling” and praised the collaboration between Siemens Mobility, DB Cargo UK, Network Rail and other stakeholders.
“This collaborative progress is propelling us towards a wider rollout, which will eventually unlock significant benefits such as increased capacity, reduced maintenance costs, and improved reliability for freight operations,” he said.
Emily Woodward, Network Rail’s Senior Sponsor (Freight) for ECDP, welcomed the start of the fitment programme for the Class 66 fleet. “There has been excellent collaboration across the sector to progress the design, and it’s important we move forward the vital work of getting locos fitted,” she said.
Fitting ETCS to freight locomotives presents challenges due to their age and complexity, but the work at Toton expands industry capacity for such retrofits. The first of DB Cargo’s locomotives to receive the upgrade is 66070.
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