DB Cargo UK started ETCS retrofits to its Class 66s

DB Cargo UK has started work on the fitment of ETCS OBUs to nine of its Class 66 locomotives. The work, which is being undertaken at DB Cargo’s Toton Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD) in the East Midlands, is part of the National Freight ETCS Programme, a critical component of the 1.4 billion GBP East Coast Digital Programme.

Siemens Mobility is the East Coast Digital Programme’s chosen partner, responsible for designing, integrating and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto freight locomotives. DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer and ERTMS Project Sponsor, Neil Ethell said: “Mobilisation work had been underway at Toton for several months to facilitate the delivery of the new contract. This has seen the installation of a new load bank, wash plant and overhead cranes, as well as new accommodation to co-locate staff from Siemens Mobility on the site.

Having recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of our own Class 66 locomotives (66 039), 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.”

Adrian Stubbs, Director of Rail Infrastructure Portfolio - onboard, Siemens Mobility UK&I, said: “This is a pivotal step in the journey towards digital signalling. The integration of ETCS into legacy freight locomotives is a complex task and I’m incredibly proud to see the collaboration between Siemens Mobility, DB Cargo UK, Network Rail, and our industry stakeholders."