ENSCO Rail to Test Stadler DMUs at TTC
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Stadler Rail illustration
ENSCO Rail has reached an agreement with Salt Lake City, Utah-based Stadler US Inc., to conduct operational testing on Stadler FLIRT diesel multiple-unit (DMU) trainsets for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) at the USDOT/Federal Railroad Administration Transportation Technology Center (TTC), Pueblo, Colo., of which ENSCO assumed management Oct. 1.
Stadler’s DMUs, built for DART’s Silver Line (originally named Cotton Belt Regional Rail), will undergo multiple operating tests to evaluate braking, acceleration, ride quality performance and safety compliance measures. “The TTC’s vast network of test tracks and rolling stock test equipment provide Stadler, and other rail vehicle manufacturers around the world, with complete and comprehensive testing and evaluation of new trainsets,” ENSCO said. “Use of the TTC to conduct these tests eliminates interference with railway revenue service operations. The Stadler passenger rolling stock testing program marks the first of many rail, transit, and surface transportation companies that will utilize the unique and comprehensive testing capabilities of the TTC under ENSCO’s management. ENSCO provides its commitment to the railway industry for the confidentiality of data and information generated by all site users.”
Bussnang, Switzerland-based Stadler Rail AG notes it “has been building trains for 80 years. It has a workforce of more than 13,000 based in various production and engineering locations as well as more than 70 service locations. The company is conscious of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. The product range in the field of main line railways and city transport includes high-speed, intercity, regional and suburban trains, metros, tramways and trams. Stadler also manufactures main line and switcher locomotives and passenger cars. It is the world’s leading manufacturer in the rack-and-pinion rail vehicle industry.”
ENSCO Rail, part of the greater Surface Transportation Group (STG) within ENSCO, Inc., says it “is recognized globally as a leading provider of railway engineering services. Our services and products are provided to governments and railways in more than 14 countries on five continents. The work ENSCO does helps to prevent train derailments, which can have serious impacts on human life, the environment and the economy.”
Watch video of this DMU testing at Stadler’s Salt Lake City plant:
