The trains, which would still operate public services, will travel the network and feed information about the track and surrounding infrastructure to Network Rail.
Horizon-scanning lidar cameras, thermal-imaging software and HD CCTV footage will be used to record infrastructure defects, environmental factors and maintenance issues.
Once the train is stationary overnight, it will perform a ‘digital handshake’ so the information captured can be downloaded and analysed.
The trains have been fitted with a 180 degree camera
Image credit: Northern
The scheme is part of Northern’s 'Intelligent Trains' programme, which was first announced in 2022 and is a collaboration with Network Rail designed to help make journeys by rail safer, more reliable and efficient.
Rob Warnes...