Trenitalia c2c has celebrated the opening of its new Driver Simulator Academy in Southend.
The facility will boost c2c’s training capabilities, providing a realistic environment for trainee drivers to learn to operate a train in safe and controlled conditions.
Fleet Delivery Improvement Manager, Sabato Citro, headed up the project. He said: “The simulators can replicate train services for the full length of c2c’s network … using three different types of routes.
“It is an extremely realistic computer-generated imagery which provides c2c rail network, four aspect signaling, speed restrictions, speed protections, depot and sidings, and London’s famous skylines."
“The instructor can create various weather conditions, incidents and a large range of accidents, allowing each driver to react and become familiar with rare emergency scenarios.”
The Academy boasts simulators for c2c’s Class 720 and 357 models, with the 720-simulator featuring an exact replica of the driver’s cabin in the real-life fleet.
Both simulators have a detailed virtual rendering of the c2c route, including stations, and can simulate a variety of incidents that drivers may face on an active railway line.
The Academy also features two instructor stations, fitted with control desks from which instructors can set scenarios for trainees to tackle.
There are also two training rooms, where groups of trainees can gather for general training.
The opening of the Simulator Academy marks the end of two years of development and construction. Operations and Engineering Director, Laura McEwen, said: “It has been a long journey; this project has been tricky at times, bringing with it some challenges, so I’m incredibly proud to see the academy open.
“I’m looking forward to our future and current drivers benefitting from the new academy.”
Image credit: c2c
