Safer and more efficient integration of heritage railways on the mainline
Experience with RIS-4472-RST issue 1 Engineering requirements for steam locomotives and other heritage rail vehicles identified several necessary improvements.
This standard provides engineering requirements for all types of heritage rolling stock, including coaching stock, when operating on mainline infrastructure. It is complemented by separate operational standards.
User feedback and changes in circumstances informed a review process. The need for the improvements was supported by Heritage Train Risk Group (HTRG) and approved by the Rolling Stock Standards Committee.
A project, 2020-STN-2022 Engineering Requirements for Steam Locomotives and other Heritage Rail Vehicles issue 2, was created to revise RIS-4472-RST to improve its suitability as a standard for the heritage rail sector.
RSSB worked with industry stakeholders to improve issue 1 of RIS-4472-RST to:
- Clarify the application of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR).
- Update guidance on the use of Mark 1 type and hinged door rolling stock, consistent with ORR’s new RSR99 guidance.
- Include guidance on the fitting of European Train Control System (ETCS) onboard equipment.
- Clarify the responsibilities of an Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) when operating within the mainline heritage sector.
- Acknowledge the role of HTRG in overseeing the risk profile of the mainline heritage sector
The project produced a common understanding of the technical integration of heritage rail vehicles with the modern GB mainline rail network.
Key benefits include:
- Recognition of how heritage rail vehicles need to comply with RVAR
- Identification of heritage rail operators’ individual responsibilities as ECMs, including avoidance of unnecessary additional costs where appropriate
- Improved safety of central door locking on heritage slam door rail vehicles.