LU launches largest traction upgrade

摘要

TfL has issued an OJELJ notice seeking expressions of interest in the supply of new traction packages for the fleet of 85 eight-car trainsets operated by London Underground on the Central Line. Built between 1991 and 1994 with traction packages supplied by a consortium of Brush Traction and ABB (p6), the trains have DC traction motors supplied by thyristor choppers. Under the contract, traction control and power circuits will be replaced with modem equipment, although the OJELJ says that it is not intended to replace the combined traction/brake controller. The aim of the project is to 'resolve reliability and obsolescence issues'. With all axles motored and the Central Line trainsets formed of four self-contained pairs, the contract will represent the largest programme of its kind in the UK, involving the supply of 340 traction packages and 2 800 traction motors. RBI estimates the contract value at around £150m before installation costs.