UK steam locomotive is first to operate with digital ETCS signalling system

Testing took place on the Cambrian line in Wales as part of Network Rail’s East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

According to Hitachi Rail, the project marks a milestone in the evolution of UK rail and future-proofing UK rail infrastructure by bringing heritage and digital technology together for the first time.

ETCS, a digital signalling technology that replaces traditional trackside signals, works by transmitting movement authorities and speed limits directly to the train cab, allowing drivers to operate with greater precision. By enabling real-time communication between trains and infrastructure, ETCS can improve safety, enhance reliability, and increase capacity on the rail network.

“Tornado’s retrofit with our ETCS is a world-first project that has tested our technology in one of the most complex and harsh operating environments, proving heritage and digital systems can coexist without compromise,” Tank Porteous, mainline signalling programme director, Hitachi Rail UK, said in a statement.

The dynamic testing was designed to demonstrate how ETCS performs in a non-standard, highly complex operational environment, thereby providing insight into its technical feasibility and broader applicability. Hitachi Rail provided its ETCS onboard system, successfully integrating it into the steam locomotive cab’s unique physical and operational constraints.

Andy Bell, vice president, Hitachi Rail UK, said: “This very special project demonstrates not only the adaptability of our system but also what’s possible when we combine engineering expertise with deep, trusted partnerships across the industry. This kind of collaborative progress, rooted in real-world testing and mutual trust, will continue to drive transformation across the railway sector.

“The insights we’ve gained here have created a valuable blueprint for what comes next. Carrying forward the relationships, lessons, and technical progress from this work will be essential to maintaining momentum for heritage integrations and wider applications across modern rolling stock.”