The UK hosts about 500 steam trains annually, captivating many passengers and enthusiasts. However, the future of these steam operations is at risk due to modern signalling system changes being implemented by Network Rail. Traditional signals will be replaced with in-cab digital systems, with A1 No.60163 Tornado becoming the first steam locomotive to trial this technology. The introduction of ETCS, which costs around 9 million, is critical for keeping steam operations viable, especially with its broader rollout planned for key routes nationwide.
No steam locomotive in the world had ever been run with in-cab digital signalling until now, marking a significant milestone with the trial of the A1 No.60163 Tornado.
It is existential to the sector if steam cannot run with ETCS; the team have done a brilliant job of getting us to this point, according to a Network Rail spokesperson.
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