Northern Introduces Remote Engine Monitoring on Class 170 Trains

Northern and Porterbrook have implemented real-time remote engine monitoring on the Class 170 Turbostar trains operating across Yorkshire.

This new remote condition monitoring (RCM) system was developed by Instrumentel and installed by Derby Engineering Unit at the Neville Hill TrainCare Centre in West Yorkshire.

The digital system is part of Northern’s Intelligent Trains programme, launched in 2022, aimed at improving train performance and reliability. It will allow engine issues to be flagged before trains arrive back at the depot.

Class 170 Turbostar Northern train
Class 170 Turbostar Northern train

This technology will shift Northern’s maintenance approach from reactive to predictive, with real-time data enabling engineers to address potential issues proactively. This will prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce the amount of time trains spend out of service for repairs.

Northern’s Fleet Director, Iain Burnett said:

“Remote and real-time monitoring of track and train is something the rail industry has been working towards over the past couple of years – and forms a central part of our Intelligent Trains programme.

“We’re delighted to be working with Porterbrook on this hardware for the Class 170 Turbostar fleet and look forward to the real-world benefits it will bring to fleet maintenance.”

The adoption of RCM is expected to enhance train availability and efficiency across Northern’s network, which operates nearly 2,500 services daily, connecting over 500 stations across the North of England.

Chris Beales, Head of Digital Engineering at Porterbrook, said:

“Our industry is changing, and we are waking up to the real world benefits a shift towards Digital can afford us.

“This project is a prime example of how close collaboration between train operators, asset owners and the supply chain is key to realising these benefits.”

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