Derby Test Track

Bombardier Hospital Line Electrification

ESL entered in to contract for Overhead Line design and build. Our in-house design team produced an outline design that interfaced with the track layout and existing Overhead Line Equipment. We worked progressively with the Bombardier facilities team to ensure that we were fully meeting their requirements. This process worked to expedite the design stage and allowed faster site mobilisation than with traditionally procured works.
One problem that we encountered was the need for Bombardier to carry on using the test track whilst ESL personal were working on it. To overcome this, we introduced a temporary electrical section to the existing OLE and worked with Bombardier to adjust their testing procedure. This allowed both construction and testing to happen at the same time but on separate sections of the track. We were able to ensure that Bombardier had full access during the nigh time. This was expertly coordinated on site by the ESL Site Manager and Bombardier Test Track Manager.

ESL successfully installed over 750m of Series 2 overhead line. This included:
• Augured cast in situ side bearing concrete foundations
• All main steel
• Siemens balance weights
• All Small part steel, support and registration
• Running out at tension of the main conductors.

Project Description

Derby Litchurch Lane Works (formerly Derby Carriage and Wagon Works) was built by the Midland Railway in Derby, England, in the 19th century. The plant has produced rolling stock under the ownership of the Midland Railway, the LMS, British Railways, British Rail Engineering Limited, ABB, Adtranz and Bombardier Transportation.
Due to a very busy production line Bombardier Transportation started to run out of capacity to test electric trains. They quickly needed to add 25kV overhead line to their testing facility. ESL had worked at Litchurch Lane previously and thanks to the success of our design and build works Bombardier came directly to us for help with this problem.