Dominic Carey - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Class 387 Air Introduction Project:

“This nomination is for the Heathrow Class 387 Air Introduction project team.

Due to the impact of HS2 the Heathrow Express depot at Old Oak Common needed to be vacated, this meant that the Class 387s replaced the Class 332s, with the Heathrow to Paddington service being transferred to Class 387 operation and the fleet being maintained at GWR’s Reading Train Care Depot.

Operating the 387s to the airport required installation of ETCS, which moves the lineside signalling information into the cab. This was a complex change requiring many activities to be completed by a cross functional GWR team. Bringing into operation ETCS in this way was an industry first. The project also included the refurbishment and fitment of other upgrades, such as the installation of enhanced WiFi and media system to the Class 387 fleet, which has also been managed and brought into use by the team.

The project required colleagues to work collaboratively and cross functionally to deliver the project and whilst it was a business objective to introduce the class 387s onto the Heathrow express route, the team without being told, decided it was better to work together as a single unit to achieve this goal rather than work in specialised isolation, as this would ensure that each element would be fully supported, with all work activity aligned perfectly. The team held a number of forums through the project roll out so they could ensure each element remained constantly aligned regardless of any challenges or developments.

ETCS operation on this level is new to the industry, requiring new ways of working to be mapped, and for new supporting processes to be developed internally. The team involved have really showed what can be achieved when specialist colleagues from other directorates and teams work together in perfect alignment, the team’s flexibility, dedication and commitment has been exemplary.

To permit 387s to operate between Paddington and Heathrow they had to first be run to the airport to check for physical compatibility, and then, for system testing and compatibility. This normally happened at night or during other unsociable hours, such as over a weekend. Further testing was required at Old Dalby which required support from GWR. This was followed by testing at Reading Depot. The dynamic testing of the system at Reading required new procedures and methods of work to be designed to ensure safety was safeguarded, and the testing could safely take place in what was a congested depot yard. The team rose to the challenge and delivered once again.

Training plans and content was developed for Drivers, Manos, Technicians and support functions. The team designed and progressed the ETCS content so well that the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) were invited to learn from them for the UK rail industry’s benefit.

Due to Covid restrictions two drivers were not allowed in the cab, meaning that drivers were not able to be trained in the usual manner. The team came up with an innovative solution where training was delivered using CCTV with a live feed to monitor screens in the saloons, providing a socially distanced solution to the training challenge. This paved the way for the method to be used for other driver training.

This was a collaborative project throughout, one that was built on a diverse set of skills, with all key functions represented, from Drivers to Engineers. It serves as a role model of future projects, where success is built on strong personal connections, shared passion and dedication. Of notable mention is the great synergy developed between the LTV Engineering Team and the Driver Training Team. Many colleagues were involved in this project and all deserve high praise, so no names have been mentioned in this nomination.

Each colleague involved demonstrated an admirable level of commitment and passion, to a point where personal sacrifices were voluntarily made to ensure this project would be an outstanding success.

As a result of the professionalism and dedication displayed by the team, GWR can now serve the Heathrow Express route with modern rolling stock, giving our customer a safer, reliable and more enjoyable journey experience.“