Elizabeth line trains undergo intense climatic testing

Elizabeth line trains are currently undergoing climatic testing in preparation for a range of weather conditions ahead of passenger service.

Credit: Transport for London

The front carriage of an Elizabeth line test train is currently being put through all-weather checks at the Rail Tec Arsenal test centre in Vienna with temperatures ranging from -25°C up to +40°C.

Elizabeth line trains tested in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +40°C

The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, windscreen wipers and demister, train horns and the traction motors all went through intense simulations of hot, cold, windy and foggy weather to check that they can still function in all weather conditions the train may face when operating through London and beyond.

Howard Smith, Operations Director for the Elizabeth line, said: “Although we’ve not had snow in London yet this year, we’ve put the train through a white Christmas. It’s important that we check that the new trains can operate in anything that the changing British weather can throw at them and it won’t be long before our customers will be able to get on board a train, with the first of them going into service in May 2017.”

Credit: Transport for London

Bombardier Transportation – currently building the Elizabeth line trains – will continue testing at its manufacturing facility in Derby before the vehicles head to London where the drivers will learn how to operate them. The first train is due to enter service in May 2017.

Commenting on the testing, Dean Taplin, Senior Vehicle Engineer at Bombardier said: “Subjecting the new trains to a range of climatic conditions, including thick snow and ice, is another crucial step towards making sure that the trains perform as intended whatever the weather. With these new trains entering passenger service from next year, it’s key that all elements of the train are fully tested so that passengers have a comfortable experience.”