Research in action
AI-powered remote monitoring of freight wagons is on the route to adoption
First fitment of innovative suspension component reducing wheel and track damage
Improved train dispatch technology is a step closer
Join other freight operators and wagon maintainers that have started to use the Wagon Condition Insights tool to improve safety and performance.
Degraded wheelsets cause increased wear to the track and incur higher costs when repairs are carried out. Keeping them in good condition improves safety and performance while reducing costs for operators and the infrastructure manager.
The new Wagon Condition Insights (WCI) tool provides information on both wheel degradation and wheelset unloading. It uses AI to analyse data from wheel impact load detectors and other sources to predict the future condition of wheelsets, based on historical degradation and usage.
The tool looks at asymmetries in load distribution to detect possible structural deformation or suspension faults. The imbalance is calculated as the maximum ratio between diagonally opposite wheel loads. Imbalances can be calculated at both wagon and bogie levels.
The WCI tool relies on fundamental research delivered by the University of Huddersfield. The tool and AI model were developed by RSSB and trialled and improved with industry. Freightliner and Heavy Haul , who were early adopters, have chosen to continue using it.
Access our research findings at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue(search for COF-UOH-78).If you are responsible for operating or maintaining wagons, the WCI tool is here to help. It is straightforward to use through any browser, and RSSB can tailor the reports so only the wagons of interest will appear. To get started, get in touch with Dougie Hill, Professional Head of Freight: Dougie.Hill@rssb.co.uk
‘This offers a unique opportunity to use readily available data to better understand the dynamic performance of fleets and manage the risk of unidentified faults and failures. We are already working alongside RSSB, University of Huddersfield, and our industry partners to use the data to identify faults in our fleets and are feeding our findings back to the industry.'
Paul Long, Head of Traction and Rolling Stock, Heavy Haul
An in-service trial with Transport for Wales is underway, ahead of a fleet-wide adoption.
Trailing arm bushes are used to hold the wheelset in the right position while still allowing just enough movement to reduce vibration, wear and damage. They are a major contributor to primary yaw stiffness(PYS). Reducing PYS helps wheelsets better negotiate curves, reducing track and wheel damage.
RSSB has been working with industry and academic partners to develop an enhanced trailing arm bush (ETAB) that reduces wheelrail forces without compromising passenger comfort or vehicle safety.
The innovation has now reached its first adoption milestone. Working with Transport for Wales (TfW), the novel bush is now fitted to a Mark 4 coach. Data will be gathered from the test vehicle using accelerometers, monitoring vehicle dynamics. Wheel profile measurements will also be taken over the next 12 months, to confirm predicted wear reduction benefits.
In parallel, plans are underway for a full fleet fitment to TfW’s Mark 4 coaches in 2027. Testing to date has demonstrated the fitment could bring potential savings on wheelset maintenance and renewal of up to 25%.
Access our research findings at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue (search for IMP-COF-G25).A new project has recently started to develop and test a smaller ETAB that can be used on a wider range of fleets. If you are interested in supporting this work, or can suggest fleets for future fitments, contact Sharon Odetunde, Head of Partnerships: Sharon.Odetunde@rssb.co.uk
Portable technology will allow staff to dispatch with a better view of the train and passengers.
Train dispatch is one of the railway’s most safety-critical activities. Before a train can leave a station, dispatch staff must makesure passengers have boarded safely, train doors are secure, and the train is ready to depart.
At many stations, staff carry out this process using fixed Train Ready To Start (TRTS), Close Door (CD) and Right Away (RA) equipmentlocated on the platform. These fixed controls can require staff to move away from the best position for observing the area wherepassengers board and leave the train. This can create both safety and operational challenges.In some cases, dispatch staff may need to turn away from the train to operate the equipment. Walking between controls and viewing positions can slow down the dispatch process.
RSSB research explored the business and safety cases for portable TRTS/CD/RA equipment, as well as technical requirements. We found a strong case for deployment. At the 20 busiest stations studied, the estimated benefits were more than double the projected costs.
Network Rail North West & Central Route previously worked with supplier Modux to build a working prototype. A demonstration took place at Preston station in November 2023, where a northbound Avanti West Coast service became the first live passenger train to be dispatched using the portable device.
Network Rail North West & Central Route and Avanti West Coast are now ready to start an operational trial. The trial will assess both the performance benefits of the technology and how dispatch staff feel it supports their day-to-day work. Crewe and Manchester will be the trial locations.
Read the original research behind the trial at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue (search for T1211).
To find out more about the operational trial and opportunities to apply the technology to the stations you are responsible for, contact Marcus Carmichael, Professional Lead, Operations and Performance: Marcus.Carmichael@rssb.co.uk
'The development of portable dispatch technology demonstrates the value of collaboration across the industry to solve real operational challenges. Building on RSSB research, this innovation has the potential to support safer dispatch, improve staff visibility of the platform-train interface, and help reduce delays at some of the busiest stations on the network.'
Hassan Khalil, Head of Performance, Avanti
