UK: A year-long trial is to be undertaken with a monitoring system which provides real-time data on adhesion values when a train’s wheel slip protection is active.
This will identify how slippery the rail actually is, not just the fact that it was slippery, producing data to help Network Rail and train operators to move towards proactive adhesion management during the leaf fall season, winter and adverse weather.
‘Hot spots of low adhesion can be identified so that drivers can be made aware and rail head cleaning can be planned’, said John May, Digital Services Business Development Manager at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems which is working on the project with train operator Chiltern Railways and leasing company Angel Trains.
The trial follows initial testing on the heritage Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.
The Class 165 DMU chosen for the first-in-class trial is already equipped with Knorr-Bremse’s MGS2 wheel slide prevention equipment, which has been further enhanced with the supplier’s MGS3 software and additional instrumentation and bespoke components developed at the company’s Melksham site.
Knorr-Bremse will use the data to calculate real time adhesion levels, working with the Rail Safety & Standards Board’s Adhesion Research Group and supported by the University of Huddersfield.
Wider roll-out
If the trial is successful it is hoped that more operators could be involved next year, with a wider fleet roll-out beginning in 2026-27.
‘This project is of massive significance because it marks the start of the path towards pro-active adhesion management’, said Knorr Bremse Rail Systems Adhesion Management Business Development Manager Mick Milhinch. ‘Not waiting for a train to slip or slide, and instead preventing it in the first place.’
