15.11.05
Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook"), a subsidiary of Abbey National plc ("Abbey"), is pleased to announce the completion of a project to upgrade three High Speed Train (HST) power cars.
These vehicles are operated by Network Rail on the New Measurement Train (NMT). The NMT has revolutionised condition-monitoring work on the UK's high-speed railway network. Using Porterbrook HST vehicles, the train can travel at the same speeds as conventional passenger trains yet is able to collect a wealth of data about the condition of the railway. This data is then used by Network Rail's engineers to construct a pro-active maintenance programme.
The upgrade project has taken three HST power cars in the Porterbrook fleet (numbers 43013, 43014 and 43062) and carried out a major programme of modifications. The objective behind these modifications has been to ensure that these HST power cars can operate as reliably and safely as possible for at least a further ten years.
Porterbrook's prime contractor for the works has been Devonport Management Ltd of Plymouth. DML have worked very closely with their sub-contractor, Brush Traction of Loughborough. Certain works were also contracted directly between Porterbrook and Brush.
The scope of the work on each power car has included:-
- Replacing all the vehicle wiring.
- Dealing with corrosion issues.
- Installing a Data Recorder (a "black box"). This data recorder not only records channels which may be of use following an incident, but also a significant amount of power car health-monitoring data is collected.
- Installing a new air conditioning system.
- Installing a new air compressor.
- Installing a new suite of electronics, including traction control systems.
- Installing an overhauled engine, including a new turbocharger.
- Installing new cab desk panels and controls.
- Installing a new engine cooling system.
43013 and 43014 have been in operation with Network Rail for some time. 43062 has now also re-joined the fleet.
Simon Lomax, Fleet Manager for Porterbrook said
"This upgrade is a fine example of how older rolling stock can be upgraded to meet modern-day expectations in terms of reliability and functionality. DML and Brush have worked together as a highly effective team to meet the expectations of Porterbrook".