Some trains operating across Yorkshire will soon be monitored remotely, in real time, to flag any engine issues before the unit arrives back at the depot.
Northern, the train operator, has partnered with rolling stock provider Porterbrook to install remote condition monitoring (RCM) hardware on the engines of its Class 170 ‘Turbostar’ fleet.
This work, conducted at the Neville Hill TrainCare Centre in West Yorkshire, aims to enhance performance and reliability. It is part of a digital transformation project supported by Instrumentel, the RCM system builder, and Derby Engineering Unit, who installed the hardware on the trains.
Instead of relying on manual engine checks, Northern’s engineers will now have access to fast and reliable real-time data. This will enable them to adopt a more predictive maintenance programme, preventing engine issues or failures before they occur.
By shifting from a reactive to a preventative or condition-based approach, Northern expects to significantly reduce the number of hours trains are out of service for engine repairs.
This initiative supports Northern’s Intelligent Trains programme, launched in 2022.
Iain Burnett, fleet director at Northern, said:
“Remote and real-time monitoring of track and train is something the rail industry has been working towards over the past couple of years – and forms a central part of our Intelligent Trains programme."
“We’re delighted to be working with Porterbrook on this hardware for the Class 170 Turbostar fleet and look forward to the real-world benefits it will bring to fleet maintenance.”
Chris Beales, head of digital engineering at Porterbrook, said: “Our industry is changing, and we are waking up to the real world benefits a shift towards Digital can afford us.
“This project is a prime example of how close collaboration between train operators, asset owners and the supply chain is key to realising these benefits.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all involved to revolutionise the way in which we operate and maintain these important assets.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Image credit: Northern
