VTG Rail has started the network trial of the first digital freight wagon in Britain.
A four-month test began on October 2, with the first modified wagons operating on a daily Dunbar-Seaham cement train circuit.
The VTG iWagon is designed to introduce new and significant safety capabilities, as well as introducing operational efficiencies and improved availability.
A nine-wagon trial will initially focus on technology being made available through a collaboration between VTG and Knorr-Bremse. The first three wagons to be fitted are VTG Rail JPA tank wagons which have been modified at Tarmac’s maintenance depot at Dunbar. Other wagons to be equipped with the technology will be deployed on Hanson and Mendip Rail fleets.
Features of the trial include axle lock detection and Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) technology. This is a patented system that monitors wheelset slide and brake condition. Each of the wagons has also been fitted with new wheelsets containing four axle end generators which provide power to the WFP system. VTG said that these
