Safety approval was obtained in July to proceed with close-headway, multi-train testing with the latest software configuration (PD+8), that was mentioned in my last update. At present this is in ‘standalone’ mode which means that the other signalling systems including ETCS will be isolated.
Because of the scale ofthe changes to the software configuration, only 26 of the previously passed tests were carried-over as passed with PD+8. These mainly related to radio coverage and balise (electronic beacon) positioning tests. Of the tests undertaken since the new release was introduced, 19 have passed, bringing the total up to 45.
However, some tests of auto-reverse functionality have failed and there have also been a number of failures with platform screen door tests. These failures are currently being investigated and a fix for the platform screen doors is currently in the process of being implemented. Testing of the current train and signalling software configurations has also continued at the Crossrail Integration Facility (CIF) in Chippenham. Of 106 test scenarios capable of being executed at the CIF with the current configurations, all have now been attempted, with 60 passing.
The next Siemens software configuration (PD+9) was also developed and available for rig testing as planned on 29 July. The software configuration that follows this (PD+10) is important as it is the software version that is intended to be used at the point where the project moves to Trial Running.
