Digital signalling for heritage stock
AS part of the East Coast Digital Programme, Network Rail is spearheading a project that will see European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling equipment fitted to ‘A1’ Pacific No. 60163
Tornado, and also designed for a ‘Black Five’ and a Class 55 ‘Deltic’. ETCS is the signalling and control component of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), which will replace traditional lineside signals with in-cab radio-based signalling, initially on the East Coast Main Line.
A trial fitment will determine if it is a viable technical and commercial option for heritage vehicles, and the option of retro-fitting the technology would enable heritage steam and diesel vehicles to continue operating on mainline infrastructure under radio-based train control.