Testing the World’s First Steam Locomotive with ETCS Technology

This week marks the beginning of speed testing for the world’s first steam locomotive equipped with ETCS (European Train Control System) technology. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Tornado, a modern steam engine built in 2008, is taking part in the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) as the inaugural locomotive in the heritage and charter pathfinder project.

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In this Railway 200 year, the initiative combines traditional steam engineering with cutting-edge digital signalling technology, merging the 19th and 21st centuries.

ETCS Technology Integrates with Steam Locomotives

The project’s goal is to integrate digital transformation across all sectors of the railway system. By introducing digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line, the program aims to improve efficiency, reliability, and safety while reducing emissions.

This milestone also highlights the potential for future generations to experience mainline operations of steam and heritage diesel trains, supporting the tourism economy. Heritage rail contributes over £600 million annually to the UK’s tourism industry.

Overcoming Challenges with ETCS Technology

The collaboration between various partners has been crucial for the successful implementation of this project. Hitachi Rail supplied the onboard equipment, AtkinsRealis handled the design, the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust owns the loco, and Network Rail facilitated integration.

Together, they have overcome significant challenges such as managing electrical supply, braking systems, and ensuring reliable operation in a noisy, dusty, and sometimes rainy environment.

This week, overnight test runs have been conducted on the Cambrian Line, which stretches from Shrewsbury to Newtown in Mid Wales. Known for being an early ETCS pilot line, the Cambrian has already been equipped with ETCS since 2011.

Special trains operator West Coast Railway and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) provided the expertise for the test runs, which are scheduled to continue until Thursday, April 17.

The purpose of this dynamic testing phase is to identify any issues and learn from the process. The findings will be carefully analyzed to refine the system further.

Later this year, the heritage diesel locomotive Deltic ‘Royal Scots Grey’ is expected to undergo similar dynamic testing on the Cambrian Line. These efforts will ensure the reliability of the ETCS Level Two system before it is implemented in mainline heritage operations.

Source, photo: Network Rail

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