TRB Lightweight Structures earns contract for design, manufacture of composite detrainment systems

TRB Lightweight Structures (TRB, Huntingdon, U.K.) is working with Siemens Mobility (Munich, Germany) on the design, manufacture and supply of emergency detrainment systems — including M Door, bridge and stairs — for 94 nine-car “Inspiro” train sets for the London Underground Piccadilly Line. These state-of-the-art trains, which will incorporate composite materials, will replace outdated rolling stock that first entered service in the 1970s, TRB says, and will be fully assembled in the U.K. Further, the emergency detrainment system TRB will deliver will be expected to meet the stringent requirements and specifications of the new fleet, including GMRT 2100 fire and impact tests.

According to TRB, the contract, with potential for follow-on orders, was awarded to the company because of its experience in the manufacture and design of high-quality rail interiors, door leaves and detrainment systems. Almost a fifth of TRB’s 130+ workforce will reportedly be occupied in delivering 188 complete systems (two per train) for this project, with the first train sets due for completion in February 2022.

“We have more than 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high-quality components for the rail industry, and have manufactured the majority of the U.K.’s detrainment systems currently employed on U.K. rolling stock,” says Toni Shepherd, director of sales at TRB. “Our production methods include comprehensive in-house testing, from load to simulated evacuation tests. We are delighted to have been chosen to be involved in this new partnership with Siemens Mobility, which further highlights our expertise in the sector, and are excited for the opportunities that come with it.”