AC Class 455 'better than expected'

摘要

Testing of the first South West Trains Class 455 EMU to receive AC traction equipment has gone 'better than expected', SWT Engineering Director Christian Roth told RBI on May 20. The four-car unit has been running between Bournemouth and Weymouth (RBI484 p6), and Roth described the test results as 'very positive and very, very encouraging'. Testing is now focusing on electro-magnetic compatibility with signalling, telecommunications and other lineside equipment. This was a major issue when the first AC traction was introduced to the 750 V DC network almost 25 years ago, the complex risk assessment prolonging vehicle acceptance.