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Uk: Gwr Adds 26 Class 175 Trains To Southwestern FleetGreat Western Railway (GWR) has announced the introduction of 26 Class 175 trains to its Southwestern fleet.
The new trains are set to replace the operatorâs current slew of older diesel trains, marking the beginning of the first stage of a full plan to reinvigorate its existing regional and suburban services.
Expected to be in operation by 2027; the 10 two-car trains and 16 three-car trains are capable of services of four, five and six-car formations, with the vehicles set to run on lines between Exeter St Davids & Penzance, as well as Barnstaple to Okehampton.
GWR has stated that it hopes the addition of the new Class 175 units will allow for the release of trains to improve performance in other areas of its network.
The benefits of these trains will be felt by customers across the whole of the GWR network. With more trains we will have more scope to increase resilience where it is needed most, delivering the reliability our communities deserve and need.
They are a fantastic addition to our fleet and will provide a welcome boost as we seek to rejuvenate our regional and suburban services.
Weâd like to thank our industry partners, and the Department for Transport, for helping us get to this point and we look forward to welcoming the trains into service later this year.railway
Mar 12, 2025
Railway News
Keeping Trains Running: How Cableguardian Protects Railways From Extreme WeatherWater damage from flooding, extreme temperatures, high winds and electrical storms are a real danger to signalling power systems.
Network Rail warns that increasing instances of extreme weather may exceed âcritical coping thresholds.â As part of CP7, Network Rail has stated it will invest ÂŁ2.8 billion in core renewals, maintenance and technology to deliver weather resilience benefits, including adaptation plans developed by and for regional networks. Due to budget constraints, however, Network Rail must prioritise where it invests.
What risks do weather events create, and how can signalling power systems become more weather-resilient? This article explores the answers to these questions.
To understand why such investments are crucial, it is important to explore the impact of extreme weather on rail infrastructure designed before climate change was the issue that it is today. Signalling power systems are impacted in different ways. For example, by:
Such events can prove costly. If there is prolonged service disruption, Schedule 8 payments fall to affected train operating companies (TOCs). During the 2022 heatwave, losses reached £30 million in one week alone.
Despite the urgency to locate and fix faults, the still-in-use traditional method of manual inspection is time-consuming and dependent on crew availability. It can also be hard for maintenance engineers to inspect and fix faults during extreme weather events, leading to higher costs and longer disruption times.
Viper Innovationsâ CableGuardianâs continuous monitoring detects and alerts cable weaknesses and gives information about outages, particularly those that are made worse by extreme weather. Using Viper Innovationsâ V-LIM technology â developed for the offshore oil and gas industry to monitor the critical infrastructure of production control systems â the system monitors insulation resistance, voltage and current, so action can be taken before severe weather impacts signalling power.
Faults and failures caused by extreme weather can be remedied proactively, reducing the risk of costly Schedule 8 payments. For example, CableGuardian supports:
CableGuardianâs capabilities align with CP7âs goals for maintenance and resilience in the face of climate change and more extreme weather events. The system is preventive, mitigating weather impacts and supporting rail reliability, safety and efficiency. By removing the need for manual inspections, reducing downtime and service disruption and ensuring targeted resource allocation, CableGuardian empowers rail asset managers to overcome the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather while prioritising resource efficiency.
Learn more about Viper Innovationâs CableGuadian
This article was originally published by Viper Innovations.railway
Mar 12, 2025
Railway News
Rax Is A Reliable Manufacturer Of Axles For Tram And Metro WheelsetsTrams, trolleybuses and metros create green mobility â an alternative mobility system that is focused on automobile modes of transport, including buses.
In the late 1990s, within the framework of the concept of sustainable development, its component began to spread: the concept of sustainable mobility. In the modern world, there are many sustainable forms of mobility: walking or cycling (scooters), electric public transport, rail and aviation. Safe, economically accessible, efficient and resilient to change, this way of moving people and goods significantly enhances the economic and social development of current and future generations, and significantly minimizes carbon emissions and negative environmental impact.
The population is becoming more environmentally conscious and actively using rail urban transport, so trams and metros require significant attention in terms of ongoing repairs and modernization, including wheelsets.
DDAP-RAKS is also an âintegral partâ of green mobility and manufactures tram axles and axles for metro wheelsets. The engineering and technological department of DDAP-RAKS has its own library of axle drawings, and the extensive experience of specialists allows us to develop axle drawings according to the customerâs technical specifications. RAX specializes in the production of finished axles or machining of axle blanks according to the customerâs own drawings. DDAP-RAKS production facilities consist of modern equipment and CNC machines that provide high precision machining of cylindrical surfaces and rolling.
DDAP-RAKS actively implements modern technologies and strictly adheres to international quality standards in the production of axles for wheelsets. Thanks to the implemented ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection and other methods of axle control, high quality and reliability of products are ensured. The presence of international certificates confirms the compliance of products with the requirements of the European Union.
All this makes the DDAP-RAKS enterprise a reliable partner in the field of green mobility, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly urban transport.
This article was originally published by DDAP-RAX.railway
Mar 12, 2025
Railway News
Optimise Your Railway Operations With Frauscher'S Point Control SystemWayside Object Controllers (WOCs) play a pivotal role in modern railway signalling as they enable the creation of decentralised systems, where the core system responsible for controlling track movements can be centralised as a dedicated server or located in the cloud. Meanwhile, the control of various field elements, such as track sections and points, remains managed locally by the WOCs. These controllers act as vital intermediaries, linking field elements with the central interlocking system. By transmitting commands and relaying information, WOCs ensure seamless communication and operational control of the respective elements. Additionally, WOCs can gather diagnostic information from these field elements and monitor their status, which enhances the overall reliability and availability of the whole system.
A notable example of a WOC is the Frauscher Point Control System which provides a SIL 4 solution that includes all necessary components for control, detection and monitoring of point machines. Our Point Control System is designed with exceptional flexibility, which enables its seamless integration with a wide range of point machines. This solution can control 20 point machines within a single system, enabling efficient management of multiple devices through one communication interface. Furthermore, the Point Control System also adheres to standardised communication, security, diagnostic and maintenance interfaces such as SCI, SSI, SDI and SMI according to the EULYNX standard.
The support for standardised interfaces carries substantial benefits for the operator as it enables greater interoperability between different components, while ensuring increased system reliability and easy integration into existing systems. For instance, thanks to standardisation, WOCs such as the Frauscher Point Control System promote increased product diversity and grant the operator more choice in procuring components according to specific project requirements, irrespective of the manufacturer.
The Frauscher Point Control System consists of FAdP Point Control, which is a EULYNX compliant object controller designed to control, detect and monitor point machines, as well as Frauscher Connect, a dedicated connectivity manager for all Frauscher systems. Its maximum scalability results in a seamless integration into projects of any size, from small-scale installations to large, complex railway networks, ensuring safe and reliable control of single and multi-motor turnouts. The FAdP Point Control is designed with a number of key features that prioritise efficiency and adaptability in various operational environments. For instance, its compact design makes it an ideal choice for installations with spatial limitations. The DIN rail mounting further streamlines installation by offering a standardised, and space-saving system for mounting the device.
With its exceptional versatility and flexibility, this solution is designed to be compatible with a wide range of interfaces. A core component of FAdP Point Control is the PCU, which supports 4, 7, 9, or 11-wire configurations while accommodating various power supply requirements. One Point Control System can contain up to 20 Point Control Units (PCU) and thereby control 20 point machines via a single communication interface, depending on the precise configuration. Such versatility ensures the PCU aligns with a diverse set of point machine standards and interfaces employed across the globe. Furthermore, thanks to Frauscher Connect, the system adheres to the latest standards in terms of security, meaning it can be utilised in category 3 networks according to EN50159.
The Frauscher Point Control System is also equipped with advanced functionalities including condition monitoring, which is available without the need for additional or external hardware. The solution is able to track critical parameters of individual point machines, including their motor current, voltage, power, and turning time. The diagnostic and health data can be conveniently accessed through the cloud-based diagnostics platform, Frauscher Insights.
This built-in monitoring capability provides information about the operational performance and condition of point machines, enhancing maintenance planning and reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures which in turn improves service availability and reduces maintenance related costs.
The second integral part of the Point Control System comes in the form of Frauscher Connect, a versatile connectivity manager for all Frauscher systems. As a comprehensive connectivity solution, Frauscher Connect is designed to provide secure and reliable communication based on EULYNX and System Pillar standards. Frauscher Connect supports open network communication according to category 3 networks as per EN 50159, providing a secure and robust connectivity framework.
Furthermore, Frauscher Connect provides generic interfaces that are developed in accordance with the EULYNX Baseline 4 standard, including interfaces for diagnostic and maintenance purposes (SDI and SMI), and security services (SSI). In this sense, Frauscher Connect enables the secure transmission of a variety of data and information between individual Frauscher subsystems for various tasks such as train detection and point control, in line with the highest safety and security standards.
In conclusion, Frauscherâs Point Control System, with its flexible hardware and standardised, EULYNX-compliant interfaces, offers a versatile solution for modern railway signalling. By enabling seamless integration with various point machines, the solution ensures that a single system can meet diverse operational needs across different regions and project requirements. The Point Control System therefore guarantees a robust, scalable, and efficient system for managing railway operations. This level of versatility, coupled with the support for standardised interfaces, puts operators in control of their rail networks, so they can reduce costs, choose from a range of product manufacturers and avoid vendor lock-in, among many other benefits. As âYour partner for confidenceâ Frauscher provides the worldâs most reliable field elements for highly available train detection and wayside object controlling, enabling rail operators to run their rail networks with confidence.
This article was originally published by Frauscher Sensor Technology.railway
Mar 11, 2025
Railway News
Mta Introduces Open-Gangway Trains On New York'S G LineThe Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced open-gangway subway cars on the G line, marking a further step in its efforts to modernise New York Cityâs transit system.
This development makes the G line the second in the city to operate open-gangway trains, following the C line, which introduced the design in 2024.
The newly introduced R211 subway cars feature open walkways between carriages, allowing passengers to move freely throughout the train.
The vehicles include a range of modern features aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency. Notable upgrades include:
The deployment of these trains is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the MTAâs rolling stock. In 2024, the New York City Transit Committee approved an order for 435 additional R211 cars, including 80 open-gangway models.
When fully delivered, these units will replace the aging R44 fleet on the Staten Island Railway and R46 subway cars, which have been in service for several decades on various lines, including the G. The R211 models are also expected to begin replacing the R68 series, which has been in operation since the 1980s.
The innovations weâre bringing to New Yorkâs only crosstown subway line are key to improving service long term for thousands of daily riders in Brooklyn and Queens. Thatâs why new train cars and modern signals are such huge components of the next MTA Capital Plan â and why Albany needs to fully fund it so we can keep making progress.
The new trains have an average mean distance between failure (MDBF) rate of approximately 220,000 miles, a significant improvement over the R46 fleet, which averages 46,000 miles. This is expected to lead to improved service reliability and reduced maintenance disruptions.
Between improved reliability, safety enhancements and amenities, R211 train cars will make a world of difference for train riders. The R211s are state of the art and less prone to breakdowns, which means smoother trips and more reliable service for decades to come.railway
Mar 10, 2025
Railway News
China: Sightseeing Trains Debut In Lijiang CityA number of sightseeing trains have begun operation on a dedicated sightseeing line in Lijiang City in the Yunnan Province, China.
The Lijiang Snow Mountain Sightseeing Trains, which were developed and manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Institute Co., Ltd, entered operation on 12 February.
The first of their kind for the city, the trains are now in operation along a 20.7km route, connecting the Old Town of Lijiang with Yulong Snow Mountainâs Scenic Area.
Designed to run at up to 70km per hour, the vehicles are equipped with articulated, independently powered bogies, allowing for accommodations along the lines tighter curves and steep gradients.
Each unit features a set of 1.9-metre colour-changeable side windows, with local Naxi art and Dongba script adorning the interior walls.railway
Mar 07, 2025
Railway News
Sydney Metro'S Southwest Conversion Delayed To 2026Sydney Metro has provided an update on the conversion of its Southwest railway line, announcing a delay into 2026.
The operator has cited project complexity due to industrial action placing pressure on all construction and testing programmes as the reason for the schemeâs later completion date.
Despite delays, conversion of the line has recently seen the installation of 360 new platform screen doors, as well as 170 step-like mechanical gap fillers fitted at stations between Marrickville and Bankstown, the latter of which is the first of its kind to be used within Australia, and has been specifically designed to bridge the gap created between both trains and the curved platforms along the Bankstown line.
Installation of the gap fillers & platform screen doors were handled by delivery partners Hyundai Movex and UGL respectively, with both jobs taking a cumulative 500 hours and necessitating the work of 110 workers in order to carry out the work.
The team has also installed a total of 28.3km of new railway fencing along the line over the last 24 months, with 5.8km of segregation fencing installed between Sydenham and Bankstown, and 22.5km of security fencing installed along the boundary of the Southwest metro rail corridor.
Alongside the security fencing is a new, first-of-its-kind intrusion and object detection security system, which utilises fibre optic cables to monitor for both vibrations or breakage.
If triggered, one of 89 CCTV cameras along the rail corridor will be activated, alerting security staff to the location of any potential intrusion.
The Sydney Metro Southwestern railway line aims to introduce a 66-km metro network between the north west corner of Sydney, under the harbour and cityâs CBD, and stretching out to Bankstown in the southwest.railway
Mar 06, 2025
Railway News
Uk: Work Begins On New Railway Station In OkehamptonInitial work has begun to build a new railway station in Okehampton, Devon.
The new 15 million GBP station, named Okehampton Interchange, will connect West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter, extending the Dartmoor Line.
Upon completion, Okehampton Interchange will serve as the townâs second railway station following the re-opening of Okehampton station in 2021, which saw over 250,000 passengers travel on the Dartmoor Line within 12 months of restoration.
The station is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), with additional contributions being provided by Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council.
Situated at the Okehampton Business Park; Okehampton Interchange will feature a single platform with step free-access, a lift and ramps, as well as a car park with 200 spaces, EV charging points and disabled bays.
The new station is also set to include improved walking and cycling links, sheltered cycle parking and bus stops, with local service integration planned to connect Okehampton, Bude, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Exeter.
It's excellent news that work is starting on this new station. Weâve already seen the positive benefits the Dartmoor Line has had for this part of the county, and Okehampton Interchange will make it convenient for even more passengers across West Devon, North Devon and North Cornwall to enjoy rail travel to other parts of the county and further afield.
Once operational, Okehampton Interchange will provide hourly services towards Crediton, Exeter and Okehampton station.
To mark the occasion, members of the Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, GWR and Network Rail gathered on site for a turf cutting ceremony.
This new interchange will be a hub for all kinds of transport whether coming or going by car, cycle, bus or train, this is the place you can travel from. Our turf cutting event today with our partners is a first step to seeing a wealth of opportunities for the east of Okehampton. Greater access to jobs, education and economic growth through speedier and easier links to other areas across Devon.
In order to facilitate essential track work, buses will replace trains between Exeter and Okehampton from Saturday 8 to Friday 14 March.railway
Mar 05, 2025
Railway News
Impactsentinel Compact: Enhancing Rockfall & Landslide Monitoring For Railway SafetyThe ImpactSentinel COMPACT system has proven to be a highly effective solution for monitoring geological hazards in railway environments. Designed for deployment in remote, temporary and hazardous locations, this system combines portability, durability, and real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance safety for rail workers and infrastructure.
In a previous remote deployment along a steep Alpine slope in Austria, sensors were installed on protective rockfall nets temporarily whilst a Hydro plant was constructed. The system continuously monitored Rockfall & Landslides and transmitted data to a base station within the Impact Sentinel portable case, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
When a significant rockfall event occurred, the force caused a net to bulge, triggering the pull-out pins in the sensors and activating an alarm. The system:
During operations, engineers strategically positioned the sensors to ensure monitoring effectiveness. When a sensor was dislodged during a rockfall, it tumbled 150 meters into a water catchment area. Despite being submerged for two weeks, the sensor continued transmitting data reliably. When recovered, it required no repairs before redeploymentâhighlighting the systemâs resilience in extreme conditions.
The Austrian case study demonstrates how the system has been successfully used in steep, hazardous environments. For railway embankments and landslide-prone areas, the system can be deployed As a targeted solution for specific high-risk zones on a temporary basis.
The wireless connectivity (868 MHz, 433 MHz, and 915 MHz) and optional GPS tracking allow railway safety teams to monitor conditions remotely, even in temporary locations with limited infrastructure.
Housed within a rugged suitcase enclosure (500 Ă 380 Ă 230 mm, approx. 10 kg), the system integrates:
The ImpactSentinel COMPACT system excels in railway infrastructure monitoring and is particularly well-suited for temporary sites and designated safety areas, ensuring proactive risk management in dynamic environments. Its key features include:
The systemâs ability to function autonomously with very low maintenance requirements makes it ideal for temporary safety zones, railway embankments, tunnels, bridges, and other high-risk construction areas. Its portability ensures that monitoring capabilities can be quickly established where needed and easily relocated as projects progress or risks shift.
The ImpactSentinel COMPACT system has demonstrated exceptional reliability in extreme, remote conditions, confirming its suitability for railway infrastructure protection and temporary safety sites. With proven performance in past deployments, this system remains an ideal choice for future use, offering:
For rail safety operatives and project managers, deploying ImpactSentinel COMPACT can mitigate risks, enhance worker safety, and protect critical infrastructureâensuring safer railway operations and adaptable monitoring for evolving site conditions.
This article was originally published by INGLAS.railway
Mar 05, 2025
Railway News
East Japan Railway Company Introduces E10 Shinkansen TrainEast Japan Railway Company (JR East) has unveiled the initial images and animation of the E10 Shinkansen, a new high-speed train designed by UK-based consultancy Tangerine.
The E10 is scheduled to replace the E2 and E5 models on the Tohoku route, with entry into service planned for 2030. The project has now progressed to the design implementation phase.
Tangerine is the first non-Japanese design partner to contribute to the development of a Shinkansen model. The consultancy was tasked with creating both the exterior livery and the interior layout, incorporating elements inspired by Japanâs natural and urban landscapes.
The E10 Shinkansenâs exterior livery features a mid-green colour scheme, reflecting the forests and coastlines along its route. The design incorporates graphic elements influenced by the silhouette of Sakura flowers, a recognisable symbol of Japan.
The interior design of the E10 Shinkansen is based on Japanese aesthetic traditions and hospitality principles. Indirect lighting has been used to create a subdued atmosphere, and seating arrangements vary across different classes to enhance passenger comfort while maintaining operational efficiency.
The introduction of the E10 Shinkansen represents a collaboration between UK and Japanese expertise in rail design. The train is designed to support high-speed rail travel with a focus on passenger experience and sustainability.
JR East and Tangerine have aimed to develop a model that aligns with the evolving needs of rail transport.
The E10 Shinkansen represents a milestone in UK-Japan collaboration within the rail sector, setting new benchmarks for hospitality-focused design and sustainable travel.
With its blend of Japanese spirit, innovation, and user-centric design, the E10 Shinkansen is poised to redefine high-speed rail travel for decades to come.
An animation of the trainâs design can be viewed here.railway
Mar 04, 2025