ESG wins further order from London Underground

The experts in rolling stock consultancy, ESG Rail are pleased to announce that they have received a new contract from London Underground for application of its brake system technology, WSPER.

ESG Rail will be using its Wheel Slide Protection Evaluation Rig (WSPER) based at Derby, to conduct evaluation and optimisation tests on the sander system control software used on London Underground’s S-Stock trains. The aim of the testing is to ensure that the sander system is used effectively to help stop the vehicles in low adhesion conditions.

WSPER makes the braking equipment believe that it is fitted to the train, recreating realistic operational conditions. Automatic Train Protection (ATO) is used on the underground system to stop the trains and so ESG will use testing to emulate ATO, to more accurately represent the train’s braking behavior.

Ian Fisher, London Underground rolling stock engineer said: “This essential work will enable us to safely optimise available train performance in lower adhesion conditions. Along with the new Automatic Train Control system being introduced on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, this work brings us one step closer to running a faster and more frequent train service."

Project Technical Lead and WSPER Manager at ESG Rail, Stuart Brown added: “We carried out some sander algorithm testing for London Underground in 2014 and this work will follow on from this evaluation, to provide an even more realistic simulation of the S-Stock braking. We are delighted to be continuing our excellent working relationship with London Underground.”

In 2015, ESG announced a 4 year partnership with London Underground to maintain their Rail Head Moisture Sensing Equipment. This equipment plays a key role in keeping the underground network operating, by helping to provide advance warning of changes in humidity that may lead to slippery track conditions.