ROLLING STOCK
‘As-new’ trains for a modern railway
Bombardier and Angel Trains have completed a pre-series development of Class 317 C6x rolling stock to highlight the potential improvements a larger overhaul could provide; Kate Ashley reports from Ilford depot.
N
ew trains present a considerable expense and can take years of negotiation to be procured, built and brought into service. Upgrading existing rolling stock is one of the best ways to ensure reliable services on trains that continue to meet passenger expectations.
With maintenance techniques and new engineering technology developing all the time, the difference that can be made to an ageing train is remarkable. As such, it is a route many ROSCOs and TOCs are investigating.
RTM visited Bombardier’s Ilford depot in April to see the completion of an overhaul of Class 317 C6x trains, which offer a ‘before and after’ comparison for operators to measure the benefi ts of a full fl eet refresh.
Raj Mehta, operations director at Bombardier Transportation, Kevin Tribley, chief operating offi cer of Angel Trains, and Dave Adams, general manager of the Ilford site, provided
updates on the project and explained how the freedom of working without a specifi c contract could allow improved design.
Half and half
The project upgraded just half of the carriages to demonstrate what could be done with the fl eet. The new franchise for the trains, which has yet to be re-let, will see all carriages refreshed in the same way, depending on passenger response to the new design.
The development is based on expected future requirements for the rolling stock and included paint, corrosion repairs, full door system overhaul, component overhaul, light interior repairs, LED lighting, carpet replacement and continued service operation work.
Adams praised the working relationship with Angel Trains for the project, who he said had a “fi x it fi rst” approach, ensuring that the success
of the project took priority over any disputes.
He explained: “It’s multi-disciplined. But at the moment it’s working very well with all the parties, pretty much as planned.
“The level of commitment to the project is superb, which makes it all a lot simpler to manage.”
Testing layout The pre-series trains
feature a new 2+2
seating arrangement with perch seating to allow a metro-style layout, freeing up space for passengers to move around the vehicle. It aims to balance an optimisation of the number of passengers that can be carried, with enough seats to secure passenger satisfaction.
The Ilford site
The depot itself will be undergoing some changes as Crossrail will need the space to build sidings for stabling trains. Relocation of the paint shop and B shop has been agreed with Bombardier, with appropriate compensation, and is expected to be complete in mid-2016.
None of the depot will be surrendered until the lost capacity and capability is recreated onsite, Adams said.
66 | rail technology magazine Jun/Jul 13
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