Transurb’s project for Greater Anglia, UK, has advanced with the installation of two new train driving simulators.
In a couple of weeks, drivers will be able to start training thanks to the full-mission simulators dedicated to the new rolling stocks that will equip the Greater Anglia Franchise. Stadler, the train manufacturer, will replace all the existing trains of the franchise between January 2019 and September 2020.
The simulators are at the forefront of innovation, with bespoke design, a realistic general graphics interface (GGI) and an intuitive user interface.
The training tools will play an essential role in training Greater Anglia drivers to the new rolling stock, months before its official roll-out on the network. The full-cab simulators include each an extensive set of malfunctions in accordance with client specifications and a 150-mile portion of replicated tracks.
The first simulator will be dedicated to the FlirtUK EMU rolling stock that will run on the InterCity services between London and Norwich and Stansted Express airport services from London Liverpool St / Stratford – Tottenham Hale – Stansted Airport. The second simulator will replicate the FlirtUK BMU that will be operated on Key Regional services in East Anglia.
To exceed the expectations of both Stadler, and Greater Anglia (the end-user), we suggested an improvement from our original offer. Initially, Transurb meant to create two simulators corresponding to the two rolling stocks. However, to offer more training flexibility to Greater Anglia, we proposed that both simulators would be able to simulate both trains (EMU and BMU).
The installation of the simulators presents itself as a living proof of our collaborative relationship with STADLER. It also embodies our capacity to offer complex training solutions for new rolling stocks.
Indeed, the delivery of the simulators represented a challenge since Transurb had to anticipate the arrival of the trains to conceptualise the simulators in question beforehand. It was an ongoing process of modifications and updates to fit the everchanging train specificities.
The co-creation between all stakeholders has allowed a solution that is adapted to the requirements of the client and faithful to the actual trains. For example, the simulators include real-like instrumentation provided by STADLER and the integration of an actual desk in the shell of the simulator. Furthermore, the software solution comprises extremely accurate trains reproduction of STADLER’s EMU and BMU.
Transurb looks forward to new projects of cooperation with STADLER replicating past successes as the NSB Flirt Training Project in Norway and the SIMFLIRT Project in Algeria. We are again reassured that our promising future will stand upon these experiences and grow from there to reiterate these constructive experiences on the UK market.