UK: At the Railtex exhibition in London held on March 10-12, Corys TESS exhibited a Class 350/2 Desiro driving simulator for train operator London Midland. The simulator was due to move to Birmingham after the show for commissioning in June. A simulator for the Class 172 Turbostar DMU is also included in the contract. Bombardier is building 27 trainsets for the TOC.

In addition to conventional driver training technology, the simulator includes ‘eco-driving’ software.

The contract reinforces the supplier’s UK presence following the supply of a Class 395 simulator to Southeastern, three simulators for London Underground’s Northern Line and ongoing contracts with Network Rail for 41 GSM-R cab radio simulators. Corys TESS is also providing eight driving simulators to Iarnród Éireann.

‘We are working together to develop a specific “eco-assessment” of power usage, not only for energy used but energy regenerated, to ensure our drivers are fully aware of how their technique actually relates to “eco-driving”, and allowing them to practice the specific techniques required’, explained Paul Owen, Head of Operational Standards at London Midland.