Class 717 ETCS testing

[swt_passenger]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but NR have issued a press release about testing a 717‘s ETCS capability in the Thameslink Core.

The article shows 717002 sitting at Blackfriars:

Great Northern train tests successfully for first stage of East Coast Digital Programme

Govia Thameslink Railway has successfully run one of its Great Northern Moorgate Class 717 trains using the digital in-cab signalling system ETCS level 2 (European Train Control System).

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

 

[OFFDN]

I believe this happened around a month ago in the early hours of Saturday 28th August I think, or around then.

I seem to remember it ran from Hornsey Depot to Herne Hill and back.

 

[Roast Veg]

This is surprisingly significant, and a testament that a good communication standard really will work across different parts of the network and on board different trains. Good news!

 

[XAM2175]

Yes, very encouraging.

 

[swt_passenger]

Presumably the existing test site (Hertford north to Stevenage line?) is still operational as well? I suppose Thameslink core adds further test capability such as crossovers, I wonder if it will be used again in future, accepting that not all stock can run through..

 

[W230]

ENIF is still operational on the Hertford loop but this test was about ensuring the Class 717 onboard system worked in ETCS L2 on Thameslink infrastructure (as well as a couple of other integration tests that needed doing).

The reason being that the future Northern City Line ETCS infrastructure is the same system version/baseline as Thameslink (for the first few years at least). So if the 717 works on Thameslink then it will work on the NCL; if it doesn't then work on the NCL it's a trackside issue rather than onboard.