Planning support for operational testing

British Train Operating Company – West Midlands Trains – is in the process of introducing a new fleet of class 196 units to replace some of their oldest diesel trains.

With the new units, they wanted to increase capacity and improve customer satisfaction, and they required additional planning support to facilitate the operational testing of these new units.

Home > Case Studies > Planning support for operational testing

Background

West Midlands Railway(WMR) is a UK-based train operating company that offers rail services in the West Midlands region, including services to and from London Euston and local and regional services.

To improve the capacity of their service and deliver a more enhanced customer experience, WMT is in the process of introducing a new fleet of trains, whose features include intelligent air conditioning, plug and USB chargers at every seat, extra storage space, and most importantly 25% more capacity than the oldest diesel fleets they are replacing.

The brief

WMT needed additional timetable planning resources to support them with the planning of operational testing paths for their new fleet. The project deadlines were often tight, and there were challenges to resolve during path validation and crew availability, so they needed an experienced planner who could work well with all the relevant stakeholders involved in the project and hit the ground running.

As experienced engineers specialising in new rolling stock projects, WMT engaged the services of Encompass Engineering to provide an experienced planner to support them with train planning activities and identify compliant paths for operational testing of their Class 196 and Class 730 units.

The result

Encompass provided an experienced planner, adept at working effectively under pressure, who was able to help WMT validate the paths and seek solutions balancing the needs of WMT against the needs of Network Rail (engineering work) and other operators.

With a good grounding in planning skills, which was well-suited to the needs of the project, the planner was able to provide solutions for the operational paths required and slotted right into the existing team – working well with both the planning team, fleet projects team and Network Rail until the project was completed.

Testimonials

“We needed additional timetable planning resources to support us with the planning of operational testing paths for our new train fleets. Encompass provided an engineer with the skills and experience that fitted the bill perfectly and we were able to successfully plan testing paths across the West Coast and West Midlands routes as a result, supporting the entry into service of our new fleets”

— Mike Hoptroff, Head of Planning, Access & Timetable Strategy, West Midlands Trains

Case Studies

Strengthening cybersecurity for a new train fleet

Faced with the challenge of balancing strong cyber defenses with operational efficiency, the fleet owner and operator needed expert support.

Encompass Engineering was brought in to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities and develop tailored strategies to strengthen the fleet’s cyber resilience.

Read more

Noise management strategy for Northern

In line with new UK DfT requirements - Northern was required to identify and map all noise-prone, densely populated areas and vulnerable locations as part of their noise management strategies.

Northern engaged us to help complete this project. We were tasked with identifying Noise Important Areas, prioritising vulnerable areas and creating a framework for effective monitoring and targeted mitigation.

Read more

Maintenance documentation review for West Midlands Railway’s Class 196

West Midlands Railway, a major operator in the UK’s rail network, engaged our team at Encompass to conduct a comprehensive review of their Maintenance Design Justification File (MDJF).

This document plays a key role in ensuring proper fleet maintenance by outlining tasks and schedules essential to the safe and efficient operation of their trains. Our job was to validate this documentation, ensuring that the maintenance schedules matched the actual operational requirements.

Read more

Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) Implementation Support for Rock Rail’s Arterio Fleet

Rock Rail and South Western Railway sought to take a more proactive approach to the maintenance of their Arterio fleet by installing an Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS).

We supported Rock Rail with the system's implementation, ensuring it met technical specifications and delivered reliable, real-time monitoring of train components for early detection of potential issues.

Read more

Chiltern Railways – Stourbridge depot noise management project

Chiltern Railways was receiving growing noise complaints from the community around their Stourbridge depot.

They asked us to carry out a noise assessment and develop a Noise Action Plan to address the issue and demonstrate their commitment to resolving the problem and making improvements.

Read more

Value stream mapping of rail sidings activities at Tyseley depot

West Midlands Trains has multiple depots across the UK where it carries out essential maintenance tasks. One of their key depots is Tyseley, in Birmingham.

All units arrive and depart in the sidings in the upper part of the depot with direct links to the live network. Between arrival and departure, there are a series of tasks to undertake, which given its state, were challenging to complete and led to depot inefficiencies.

Read more

Got a project in mind?

Find out how our team of specialist engineers can help