A Powerful Partnership - Camlin Rail & SPL Powerlines

Camlin Rail are delighted to be working alongside SPL Powerlines UK to deliver crucial train monitoring solutions for our long-standing partner, Network Rail. The project is taking place at two key sites, Hendon and Ampthill, to install the pantograph monitoring solution, Pantobot 3D. Consisting of four track location, both monitoring sites protect the Midland Main Line which services the Midlands to London St Pancras International – a key arterial route, connecting trains to Europe via the Eurostar.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with SPL, who are the leading overhead line electrification provider with both a Principal Contractors Licence and a Plant Operators Licence. For this project, SPL have installed four no OLE wire monitoring systems on all four lines north of Hendon station. Each Pantobot 3D camera has been independently mounted to monitor each of the four lines, using advanced imaging and machine learning to assess pantograph condition – safely, in real-time and without the need to withdraw trains from service. So far, two Wayside Pantobot 3D systems have been installed at Hendon and four OMF Pantobot 3D systems are under construction at Ampthill.

‘It’s been a pleasure to work with Camlin Rail on this exciting project for Network Rail. The project commenced in 2019 but was unfortunately affected by COVID 19 constraints and access issues, however we are delighted that work is now complete, and the cameras are operational.’

Derek Allan, Head of Major Projects England and Wales, SPL Powerlines UK

Camlin Rail are redefining pantograph monitoring with Pantobot 3D, with the objective of facilitating early detection of damaged pantographs. For Network Rail, this detection before they enter the city of London enables early intervention of a pantograph event. This protects their networks and maximises fleet availability, by allowing the route asset manager to remove a train from service that would otherwise potentially cause a delay.

With a global track record, Pantobot 3D is successfully deployed across Europe, North America, and Asia to help deliver a safer, more cost-efficient, and more sustainable railway of the future. To find out more about Camlin Rail’s innovative solutions, get in touch today.