Work has started to fit European Train Control System (ETCS) in cab digital signalling to the iconic High Speed Trains (HSTs), a symbol of British rail heritage, significantly in the year of Railway 200.

The fitment is part of Network Rail’s £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which will transform rail operations by replacing traditional, lineside signals with continuous information displayed inside drivers’ cabs, delivering a more reliable, greener and even safer railway.

Eight of Porterbrook’s Class 43 power cars, which are leased by Colas Rail and used for Network Rail's infrastructure management, will now have the technology installed.

This will ensure they are fit for the future to run on the East Coast Main Line (ECML), and on other routes as ETCS expands across the network. The work to fit all 16 is expected to be completed by the middle of 2026.

Ben Mason, Charter and Heritage Lead for ECDP said: “In this year of Railway200 we’re pleased to be equipping iconic older generation trains for the next generation railway.

“This work will enable the much loved Class 43s to continue providing vital freight movements, infrastructure work and charter services for many years to come. ECDP continues to progress and build capability as we work to deliver a more reliable, greener and even safer railway.”

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is pleased to be playing our part in supporting Network Rail and our industry partners with the delivery of the ECDP.

“Having managed the Class 43 First-in-Class design and fitment as the lead ROSCO, it's great to see more vehicles being upgraded now in the next phase of this important programme.”