Siemens-ECML Signalling Project

Presented by Luke Reger (Siemens).

Tonight, we had our largest audience since the end of the pandemic to welcome Luke Reger from Siemens Ltd., to explain what was happening along the ECML with the new “East Coast Digital Programme” signalling installation from Kings Cross to Grantham, via Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage and Peterborough. This proved to be a most popular subject, with possibly the most member participation that I can remember. This programme also involves modifying
700 items of rolling stock, removing 750 signals and re-training 2750 drivers. This section of the ECML is the catalyst for digital signalling all along the route to Scotland and wider. Enabling the UK rail network to make future schemes to be installed cheaper, better and have a faster completion, with greater benefit to the whole infrastructure. The system is complete between Moorgate and Finsbury Park and between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin this later section is to be training ground for drivers as nearly all pass through the section. The rolling stack to be adapted for digitalisation are Class 800’s, 700, 717, 387, 60, 66 & 70’s, along with tamping and rail grinding machines and some heritage locomotives such as Tornado. North of Peterborough conventional working will continue as Cross Country trains and some freight services are still awaiting funding for modification. ERTMS / ETCS when complete will allow travel throughout Europe once all the upgrades in the other countries are also complete.
We are grateful to Luke for completing the evening telling us about some of the oddities than can occur with shunting movements and the like, he favourably used a diagram of Hitchin Yard to explain how these operations will be carried out in the future. A great fascinating and informative evening.

Dave Elsdon
Branch Secretary