Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK has provided an update on its £3.67 million project for ScotRail to integrate its Wheel Slide Protection (WSP) technology to 52 High-Speed Train (HST) power cars. This contract, which began in February 2024, is scheduled for completion by August 2025.
The work is being carried out at ScotRail's Haymarket depot, where Knorr-Bremse’s Field Service Delivery Team has established a dedicated facility for the duration of the contract. The company has taken over one road in a depot shed and set up its own office and welfare facilities on-site. The project has also created 14 new roles, including two management positions.
The integration of the Knorr Bremse EP98 WSP system is intended to help ScotRail enhance the reliability of its Inter7City High-Speed Train fleet. The anticipated boost in operational performance aims to improve punctuality, increase capacity, and deliver a better travel experience for passengers. Serving seven of Scotland's eight cities, this will benefit communities and travellers across the region. Knorr-Bremse has fitted more than 2,000 vehicles in the UK with its WSP technology. This project, however, marks the first time the company has undertaken the full design, installation, and management of such an integration working in close collaboration with ScotRail’s HST engineering team.
The EP98 WSP system includes new speed probes, anti-skid valves, and electronics building upon proven reliability. Knorr-Bremse EP98 WSP has previously been fitted to HST power cars that operated on the East Coast Main Line and the Midland Main Lines. It is also fitted to ScotRail Mark 3 carriages that work with the power cars as part of the operator’s Inter7City fleet. Additionally, ScotRail’s fleet of electric multiple units is also fitted with Knorr-Bremse WSP equipment. The on-site work involves removing the existing axle end covers off the Class 43s, fitting toothed wheels onto the axle ends, installing a new axle end assembly that is equipped with speed probes and fitting conduits and connection boxes onto the bogie frames. In the power car engine room the existing WSP rack is being replaced with a new electronics rack with wiring utilising a combination of existing and new cable conduit runs to achieve optimal protection and ease of installation.
The existing WSP dump valves are being replaced on the bogie frames and these are also connected to the wiring. All this work is being carried out in situ without requiring vehicle lifting during installation. Circuit breakers and relay boxes are also being installed to interface with existing train systems. ScotRail representatives and Knorr-Bremse staff have collaborated closely throughout the project, aiming to align execution with operational needs. The successful completion of this project will reaffirm both companies' commitment to advancing rail transport reliability, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.
Contact
Jack Durkin Business Manager
Melksham
SN12 6TL
United Kingdom
Jack.Durkin@knorr-bremse.com
This project showcases the dedication and skill of our Field Service Delivery team. Their work has been instrumental in integrating our Wheel Slide Protection technology into ScotRail’s fleet.
Gwyn Hughes – Manager of Field Service Delivery at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK
Barbara McIntyre, ScotRail Engineering Director, said: “Our ongoing partnership with Knorr-Bremse on this project is a key step in our commitment to improving the operational performance of our Inter7City high-speed trains. “The work being undertaken at Haymarket depot demonstrates a collaborative approach, and we’re confident that these efforts will result in improved service reliability for our customers.”