Freightliner brings Fic Fitment in-house

Freightliner announces in-house fitment of digital signalling equipment to Class 66591 locomotive in collaboration with Siemens Mobility

Freightliner has agreed to a pioneering partnership with Siemens Mobility to fit their First-in-Class (FiC) locomotive; 66591 in-house with European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment to allow the ‘next generation’ of digital signalling. The introduction of in-cab signalling will ultimately improve the network’s reliability supporting the movement of freight onto rail – taking lorries off Britain’s roads and reducing carbon emissions.

This partnership marks a significant milestone as Freightliner will retrofit European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment to its First in Class 66V locomotive, number 66591. As owner and operator of 66591, Freightliner is innovating by completing the fitment in house as a first for the industry. Due to the working knowledge held by the internal fitment team on the subtle differences between core and variant vehicles, Freightliner will bring the knowledge, skills and experience to make the fitment process streamlined.  

This is one of the first of hundreds of freight locos that will be fitted with the technology, many of which will be required to deliver ‘no signals’ operations through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) which forms the foundation for the progressive roll out of digital signalling on the rail network. 

This is the first time on the programme that the operator will independently install ETCS components on its own locomotive. The Class 66V locomotive 66591 will be fitted by Freightliner’s own personnel at the Leeds Midland Road Vehicle Maintenance Facility.

Euan Rideout, ERTMS Lead Engineer at Freightliner commented:

“Collaboration is at the heart of the process. We will be keen to share learnings throughout the fitment process with colleagues on the East Coast Digital Programme. This presents a great opportunity for collective learning and enhancing the way we fit future classes of locomotive.”

Matt Kent, Director of Operations for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility said:

“I’m excited for this continued collaboration on the programme and I’m confident that our learnings to date, combined with Freightliner’s expertise will support the smooth fitment of the Class 66V locomotive. Ultimately this retrofit of digital signalling equipment will transform rail travel and transport as delivering wider societal and community benefits afforded by digital signalling.” 

To guarantee success, the fitment team will receive continuous support from Freightliner’s ERTMS Engineers and the Siemens Mobility team, who have worked together on the design and installation processes.

The fitment work is scheduled to start in June this year.