Testing and Homologation of rolling stock

Testing and Homologation plays an essential role in ensuring that new rolling stock can operate safely on the network.

DB Systemtechnik has extensive experience of undertaking rolling stock testing and homologation both in Germany, Europe and Worldwide. They offer turnkey homologation projects and working in collaboration DB ESG  are able to offer local content with DB Systemtechnik competencies in the UK.

For example, DB Systemtechnik (DB ST) supported the train manufacturer, Hitachi Rail Europe with the testing and commissioning of 122 Class 800 (bi-mode) and Class 801 (electric) trains (866 cars in total) that started to enter passenger service on the Great Western Mainline from 2017 and the East Coast Mainline in 2018. The new trains were tested on a track at Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, on the East Coast Main Line and on the Great Western Main Line.

DB ESG engineers were trained by DB ST experts to carry out the pantograph testing in the UK on behalf of DB ST.

DB ST also supported Hitachi Rail Europe with the testing and commissioning of 46 3-car and 24 4-car Class 385 electric multiple units for Abellio ScotRail. Passenger service commenced in the autumn 2017, with all units in operation by the end of 2018.

The testing programme was carried out in Germany, at the Velim test centre in the Czech Republic and equipment was supplied for UK based testing by DB ESG.

DB ESG engineers were trained by DB ST experts to carry out the pantograph testing in Scotland on behalf of DB ST.