Porterbrook has announced that they have successfully completed ETCS testing on the Class 387 trains for the first time this month.
The train leasing company teamed up with teams from Great Western Railway, Bombardier, DB Cargo, Department for Transport and Heathrow Airport.
The teams successfully tested the equipment during the weekend of 21st and 22nd March 2020 on the line between Reading and Heathrow.
Over ten return trips were carried out proving the functionality of the on-train hardware and software.
These teams have also already achieved a multitude of first in class outputs including:
- ETCS and refurbishment modifications on 387 units
- ETCS software installation and dynamic testing
- Required infrastructure upgrades
- Technical documentation and support
- Operational procedures and notices
This successful milestone testing also reflects progress with both ETCS fitment and vehicle refurbishment at Bombardier’s Ilford depot.
The GWR 387s will serve Heathrow Express customers later this year. Once introduced, the trains will offer a dedicated airport experience complete with at-seat USB power, fast wifi, ample luggage space and the option of Business First.
What did the officials say?
Mary Grant, CEO Porterbrook, said:
“Notwithstanding these challenging times, we need to continue focusing on delivering key projects so that the railway is ready to support UK PLC when the current situation stabilises. Introduction of an ETCS fitted fleet on services to Heathrow is just such a project and will enable a service uplift to meet expected passenger numbers when the airport returns to its role as a key European aviation hub.”
Matt Byrne, UK President of Bombardier:
“Though we are now on a production pause, project progress and industry cooperation continues wherever it is safe to do so. This landmark refurbishment and upgrade project, involving teams from both our services and rail control solutions businesses, is an industry first: retrofitting ETCS equipment to existing fleets.’
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Responses
It’s a real shame that Heathrow Express is replacing the Class 332s with the Class 387s. Not sure what will happen to the Class 332s. Could it be cascaded to other rail operators that might want the Class 332 trains.
Or will the Class 332s are destined to be sent for scrap. Leaving with the Class 333s to remain with Northern. As both Class 332 and Class 333 units were built by Siemens/CAF in 1998-1999/2000.
Quite a milestone, sets a benchmark for the future. Always thought of the Bombardier family of EMUs as basic suburban units, will be interesting to see how they sit as airport express trains, bearing in mind the diversity of passengers using them. Have been led to assume there is no future for the HEX units being replaced.
As Heathrow Express is to introduce the modified Class 387s in service from May. Perhaps the former Heathrow Express Class 332s could be cascaded to London Northwestern Railway, Great Northern or DfT Northern Trains. Rather than sending them for scrap.
Perhaps Class 379 Electrostars cascaded from Greater Anglia “Stansted Express” could be cascaded to Great Western Railway and some of the Class 379s to be modified to operate on Heathrow Express and to work alongside with the Class 387s.
What’s happening to the Class 332s?
Most likely to be scrapped unfortunately. That’s the plan on what is happening to the Class 332 once the modified Class 387s are in service.