Loram UK has been awarded an £8 million contract over the next five years for the maintenance of Network Rail’s New Measurement Train.
Known as the Flying Banana because of its distinctive yellow livery, the New Measurement Train monitors and records track condition information at speeds of up to 125mph. The fastest train in Network Rail’s infrastructure monitoring fleet, it is equipped with high-tech measurement systems, track scanners and high-resolution cameras.
The train’s speed means it can measure large distances in a single operating shift. It covers 115,000 miles in a year and captures around 10TB (Terabytes) of image data every 440 miles. Engineers use the data that the train collects to make repairs and plan maintenance.
A converted Intercity High-Speed Train (HST), the New Measurement Train has been travelling around Britain’s railway network for 15 years. It will now be maintained at Loram UK’s Derby facility, where Network Rail’s other infrastructure monitoring trains have been maintained since 2010.
Earlier in December, Loram UK completed a three-month overhaul of the New Measurement Train coaches as part of the infrastructure monitoring fleet operations contract. The overhaul process happens every four years and involves taking apart the train completely, testing all its parts, making any improvements or fixes and then rebuilding the train.
Michael Black, Network Rail supply chain services director, said: “This contract simplifies the maintenance of the New Measurement Train.
“It will not only deliver savings to Network Rail and ultimately the taxpayer, but also ensure that the train is maintained to a high standard so it can continue to work for the safety of passengers and other railway users.”
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