British Rail Class 317 - Future - Fitting of A New Traction Package

Fitting of A New Traction Package

Bombardier Transportation is currently using off-lease Class 317/7 unit 317722 as a testbed unit. It is being rebuilt as a pre-series unit with a new traction package. The unit will have its original DC motors and thyristors removed and four new AC motors and two 3-phase converters fitted. The original transformer will remain in place. Bombardier say that AC motors are more reliable than DC ones and require significantly less maintenance. The bogies must be modified for the new motors. This will also bring significant cost savings as the bogies don't need to be replaced. Regenerative braking will also be fitted. A new interior will be fitted to the driving trailer standard open 77021 and motor standard open 62682. This work will extend the life of the Class 317 by 20 years. Bombardier will evaluate the performance of the unit compared to a conventional Class 317. The unit may perform almost like a modern train. In a similar manner to the InterCity 125 re-engine programme, this may lead to other Class 317s being rebuilt but only time will tell.