Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

New On Train Monitoring and Recording Systems for Serco Metrolink's Manchester Light Rail Trams

As part of a major fleet improvement initiative, Manchester's light-rail/tram system will install replacement on-train monitoring and recording systems (OTMRs) to their Phase 1 vehicles. These will be supplied through Rowe Hankins Components, who will customise the equipment and software to meet Metrolink's requirements. The TELOC 1500 OTMRs are designed and made by HaslerRail of Switzerland.

Serco Metrolink, operates a fleet of 32 twin-car articulated trams of which 26 Phase 1 units will receive the new replacement units. The OTMRs will monitor and record functions such as speed, distance, position and many other data and electrical input levels. This vital data will aid timely maintenance by providing trend information to aid replacement of components before failure can occur and so increase safety and reliability. The Metrolink units include an 8MB crash-proof recorder to provide critical data on vehicle performance in the unlikely event of an incident. TELOC 1500 recorders can be supplied with capacities up to up to 32MB.

Rowe Hankins will supply, customise and program the OTMRs and provide fireproof enclosures. Design work has already started and the installation programme will be complete by March 2006.

During 2004/5 Rowe Hankins has been engaged on a rolling programme to rebuild heavy-duty electrical contactors on Metrolink rolling stock. This included replacement and renewal of all wearing parts including tips, springs and pneumatic seals. All contactors were calibrated and pre and post tested using a 5000 Amp DC current tester to demonstrate a measurable improvement in performance.


More info: Toni Hankins, Rowe Hankins Components Ltd, Telephone +44 (0)161 765 3002 Fax. +44 (0)161 763 1421 E-mail: sales@rowehankins.com Web: www.rowehankins.com

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/rh109/4036rh1a.htm