Rolling stock

Tender description

Network Rail is seeking the opportunity to review what options there are in the market to replace the current fleet of infrastructure monitoring vehicles that monitor the condition of the rail infrastructure. Network Rail is seeking to renew the fleet of measurement trains used to monitor the condition of the infrastructure. The current fleet includes a mix of ex- coaching stock, DMUs, an MPV and various forms of traction in order to record up to 18 data streams including Track Geometry, Rail Flaw, Overhead Line Equipment (contact & non-contact) and Plain Line Pattern Recognition. Network Rail has the following preferences for consideration based on the specification: — As uniform a fleet as possible and modular to allow changes of consist, — An initial fleet of 4 trains and 1 single unit in CP6, with an ability/option to add a further 3 or 4 trains in CP7, — A consist of 3 to 4 Diesel Multiple Unit vehicles (or plant equivalent) per train capable of recording multiple streams (including the primary recording streams of TG, Rail Flaw and PLPR) on every consist, — If possible, power supply for the onboard equipment provided by the vehicle without requirement for extra generators on board, — An interest in potential efficiencies by adding our order to a wider Rolling Stock order within the industry, with an ability to then tailor the specification to our needs, — Particularly in the case of cascaded or new passenger stock: the ability to extensively modify the underside of the vehicle to accommodate recording equipment and ancillary requirements (details in the draft specification). Mounting points would be required on both the underframe and bogie. NR is open to discussing the potential of market offerings that combine provision/fitment of recording systems as well as the vehicles themselves i.e. a turnkey solution for a finished measurement train. A specification for the current measurement systems is provided with this PIN, detailing weight, size and power consumption; although there is an expectation that modern systems will be smaller, lighter and require less power than our legacy systems. Given the opportunity that a new fleet brings to provide a more suitable platform for equipment; NR is also seeking to gain a view on the capability to undertake Ultrasonic Rail Flaw detection at a speed of at least 50 mph. As such NR are looking for responses that detail how this could be achieved on the new platforms described above (either as a separate offering or as part of a vehicle solution). Where responses include the provision of specific technology we request that suppliers provide details of specific requirements needed to make this technology work and also details of any testing and commissioning required (in both closed and live railway environments). In addition to design and build; NR is also open to discussions on a suggested operating model once the vehicles are built. Interested parties are requested to respond to this notice (by email) to register their interest and shall be invited to attend workshops for discussions around a solution to this requirement.