16 Class 43 power cars are being fitted with ETCS digital signalling as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

Replacing lineside signals with in-cab displays will mean a more reliable railway.

Four power cars from RailAdventure are being fitted with the system to assist the company with freight and rolling stock movements.

Four power cars belong to Locomotive Services Ltd in Crewe and are used on charter trains across the country, whilst the remaining 8 are leased by Colas Rail for use on infrastructure trains, including the New Measurement Train.

Work on the 16 power cars are expected to be complete by mid-2026.

Ben Mason, Charter and Heritage Lead for ECDP said: “In this year of Railway200 we’re pleased to be equipping iconic older generation trains for the next generation railway.

“This work will enable the much loved Class 43s to continue providing vital freight movements, infrastructure work and charter services for many years to come. ECDP continues to progress and build capability as we work to deliver a more reliable, greener and even safer railway.”

Paul Maynard, Vice President, Integrated Communications Supervision (ICS), Hitachi Rail, said: “Giving Britain’s legendary InterCity 125 power cars a ‘digital brain’ shows how the past and future of rail can run side-by-side. By equipping these Class 43s with ETCS, we’re making them even safer and better connected, extending their working life for charter, freight, and infrastructure duties.

“Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Network Rail through the East Coast Digital Programme, we’re proving that brownfield integration can unlock quick wins on the journey to a fully digital railway.”

Kevin Walker, Managing Director, Rail Adventure, said: “RailAdventure are both proud and excited to play our part in the introduction of ETCS signalling on the ECML. Having supported the project through the last 12 months of testing by operating data collection test trains, having our own locomotives ETCS compliant will put in place our final building block for full ETCS readiness.”

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is pleased to be playing our part in supporting Network Rail and our industry partners with the delivery of the ECDP. Having managed the Class 43 First-in-Class design and fitment as the lead ROSCO, it’s great to see more vehicles being upgraded now in the next phase of this important programme.”