DB ESG has secured a place on a Network Rail framework to provide independent rolling stock surveys supporting the continued introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across Britain’s railway.
Following a competitive tender process, the rolling stock engineering specialist has been appointed as a potential provider of ETCS vehicle survey reports, which Network Rail will use to support future ETCS supply and installation tendering.
The appointment draws on DB ESG’s experience of surveying more than 340 locomotives for ETCS fitment, as well as its wider work across passenger and freight rolling stock.
For the wider ETCS programme, detailed vehicle surveys are an important early stage in the retrofit process, establishing the information needed to design how new onboard equipment can be integrated into existing fleets.
Surveys provide foundation for retrofit design
As Network Rail progresses the introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), existing rolling stock operating on affected routes will require compatible ETCS equipment.
Retrofitting that technology can involve significant integration work, making accurate information about individual vehicle classes, configurations and interfaces essential before installation designs can be developed.
DB ESG’s experience covers the process from initial survey planning and depot coordination through to producing ETCS fitment design packages.
Nick Goodhand, Managing Director of DB ESG, said: “We have a depth of understanding that extends far beyond survey delivery.
“Having designed and supported the installation of ETCS equipment across multiple vehicle classes, our survey teams understand exactly what information is required to support the design process, as well as the importance of measurement accuracy, variant documentation and interface recording.
“The lessons learned through completing more than 340 surveys, combined with our continued investment in cutting-edge scanning technology, have enabled us to develop a highly efficient and robust survey methodology.”
3D scanning supports ‘reality capture’ approach
DB ESG plans to deploy a dedicated team capable of completing the different elements of each vehicle survey within a short timeframe.
Its methodology combines two forms of 3D scanning technology with conventional inspections undertaken by experienced systems engineers.
The resulting information is used to create what the company describes as a comprehensive ‘reality capture’ model of the vehicle, combining three-dimensional data with 360-degree imagery.
For ETCS retrofit programmes, the approach is intended to provide engineering teams with a detailed digital record of the vehicle and its available installation environment.
That becomes particularly valuable when dealing with established fleets where differences can exist between vehicle classes and individual variants. Capturing those differences accurately at the survey stage can provide better information for subsequent engineering and installation planning.
Building capability for the ETCS retrofit challenge
The framework appointment comes as the industry faces the substantial task of preparing existing rolling stock for a progressively more digital railway.
ETCS introduction is not solely an infrastructure programme. Its deployment also depends on compatible onboard systems, requiring coordination between Network Rail, operators, rolling stock owners, engineering companies, equipment manufacturers and installation facilities.
The scale and diversity of Britain’s existing fleets adds another dimension. Passenger trains and freight locomotives were designed at different times and with different equipment configurations, meaning retrofit solutions need to reflect the characteristics and constraints of individual vehicle types.
DB ESG’s previous work surveying more than 340 locomotives gives the company a significant body of practical data and experience from that process.
Established in 1995 and part of DB Systemtechnik, DB ESG provides specialist rolling stock engineering services to the UK rail sector and forms part of one of Europe’s largest rolling stock consultancy operations.
Its inclusion on the Network Rail framework strengthens the engineering capacity available for the next stages of ETCS deployment. As digital signalling expands, efficiently surveying fleets and translating accurate vehicle data into workable retrofit designs will be an important part of preparing rolling stock for the transition.
