Serco Win Loram Rail Grinding Machines Testing Contract

Serco Rail Technical Services have won a contract from Loram to carry out a programme of type acceptance testing on three new C44 Loram Rail Grinding Machines being manufactured for Network Rail. Serco Rail Technical Services team, located in Derby, UK, will assess the rail grinding machines to ensure that they are compliant with all applicable standards.

Serco will then supply test specification documents for eight individual acceptance tests, following which they will carry out the tests, collect and analyse the data for the tests and deliver their formal report to Loram.

Loram Rail Grinding Machines

The rail grinding machines are designed to restore rail profile and remove irregularities from worn rail. This extends the life of rails, and improves the performance of trains using the track. Rail grinding machines have been used since the early 1900s in the UK, Europe and North America, and are a common way of maintaining vehicles and trains.

Richard Hobson, Serco Rail Technical Services’ Business Director, said:

“Serco Rail Technical Services are delighted to be supporting Loram in the acceptance of their new C44 machines and we look forward to working closely with the team.”

Chris Lidberg, Loram’s Project Engineer for the testing programme, said:

“Loram is looking forward to working with Serco on the introduction of the C44 grinders to the UK for Network Rail. This continues the relationship that Loram began over a decade ago with the introduction of the SPML and C21 grinders.”

Serco Rail Technical Services

Serco’s Rail Technical Services originated in British Rail’s Testing and Development group. It is now a leading specialist in the field, working with Network Rail, London Underground Ltd, rolling stock leasing companies, vehicle and equipment manufacturers and train operators. Serco is also responsible for the management and operation of the 21km RIDC Melton test track for Network Rail.

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