Region’s trains to have real-time, remote engine monitoring to predict and prevent defects that would otherwise take carriages out of service

The train operator Northern has teamed up with the rolling stock provider Porterbrook to fit remote condition monitoring (RCM) hardware to the engines of its Class 170 'Turbostar' fleet.

The work, which was carried out at the Neville Hill TrainCare Centre in West Yorkshire, is designed to improve performance and reliability. 

It is part of a digital transformation project supported by Instrumentel, who built the RCM system, and Derby Engineering Unit, who installed the hardware on the trains.

It will mean that instead of relying on manual engine checks, Northern’s engineers will have access to fast and reliable data in real-time, enabling them to adopt a more predictive maintenance programme, preventing engine issues or failings before they happen.

By switching from a reactive to a preventative or condition-based approach, it is expected the train operator will be able to significantly reduce the number of hours trains are out of service for engine repairs.

The work supports Northern’s Intelligent Trains programme, which it launched in 2022.

Iain Burnett, fleet director at Northern, 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.”

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.

“We look forward to continuing to work with all involved to revolutionise the way in which we operate and maintain these important assets.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.