Train development

Network Rail has opened a new rail-vehicle development centre in Nottinghamshire aimed at developing rail vehicles, technology and equipment.

Network Rail claims to be investing more than £100m in new, more efficient machinery and engineering technologies to help minimise passenger disruption caused by renewals and maintenance work.

The newly restored track will be used to carry out development work and acceptance trials, which have to be completed whenever new equipment is introduced to the network.

The new development centre includes 10 miles of track between High Marnham and Thoresby colliery junction and will also be used as a training facility.

The new centre incorporates a stretch of restored track that served the former High Marnham coal-fired power station.

The track was selected for its location, relatively good condition and the ease in which it could be re-connected to the national rail network via the Robin Hood line.