Hitachi Rail's ETCS signalling on steam powered train
Apr 16, 2025 11:03 BST
World-First: Hitachi Rail Enables Digitally
Signalled Steam Locomotive with ETCS
Technology
16.04.2025 - In a historic first for the railway industry, testing of a steam
locomotive fitted with Hitachi Rail’s European Train Control System (ETCS) in
Level 2 has been completed successfully on the Cambrian line in Wales.
As part of Network Rail’s East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), the historic
Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado is the first steam locomotive in the
world to operate with ETCS. This project marks a milestone in the evolution
of UK rail and future-proofing UK rail infrastructure by bringing heritage and
digital technology together for the first time.
ETCS is a digital signalling technology that replaces traditional trackside
signals. It works by transmitting movement authorities and speed limits
directly to the train cab, allowing drivers to operate with greater precision. By
enabling real-time communication between trains and infrastructure, ETCS
improves safety, enhances reliability, and increases capacity on the rail
network.
The dynamic testing was designed to demonstrate how ETCS performs in a
non-standard, highly complex operational environment, providing insight
into both technical feasibility and broader applicability. Hitachi Rail provided
its ETCS onboard system, successfully integrated into a steam locomotive
cab’s unique physical and operational constraints.
“Tornado’s retrofit with our ETCS is a world-first project that has tested our
technology in one of the most complex and harsh operating environments,
proving heritage and digital systems can coexist without compromise,” said
Tank Porteous, Mainline Signalling Programme Director, Hitachi Rail UK.
“This very special project demonstrates not only the adaptability of our
system but also what’s possible when we combine engineering expertise with
deep, trusted partnerships across the industry. This kind of collaborative
progress, rooted in real-world testing and mutual trust, will continue to drive
transformation across the railway sector. The insights we’ve gained here have
created a valuable blueprint for what comes next. Carrying forward the
relationships, lessons, and technical progress from this work will be essential
to maintaining momentum for heritage integrations and wider applications
across modern rolling stock,” added Andy Bell, Vice President, Hitachi Rail
UK.
While this project breaks new ground in railway technology, it also celebrates
the people shaping the next chapter of our industry. Among them is Tom
Goulding, now a Senior Systems Engineer at Hitachi Rail and a recent
recipient of the IRSE Engineer of the Year Award. Tom began working on both
the Class 43 and Tornado retrofit projects during his time as an apprentice.
His journey embodies the spirit of partnership and continuity that underpins
this programme and captures the essence of this year’s Railway200
celebrations in the UK: honouring the past while investing in the people,
skills and innovation that will power the next 200 years of railway progress.
ENDS
Media Contact
Maya Dumitru at [email protected] or +44 7429 945
310
About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and
has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission
is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of
more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50
countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport
organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with
success built on developing local talent and investing in people and
communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban,
mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and
maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations
and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the
digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation
and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with
over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €54.55bn / ¥8,564 bn.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com
Contacts
Ed Brown
Global Media Relations
[email protected]
+44 7850 071287
