The new trains consume 50 per cent more power than their predecessors because they are heavier, have air-conditioning, the latest computer-controlled technology and electrically operated doors. Maintaining the right voltage is critical to their performance.
Siemens and AMEC formed a joint venture partnership to work on the Wessex power supply upgrade scheme. Siemens supplied the electrical expertise in designing, manufacturing and supplying the equipment and AMEC provided civil engineering and rail installation know-how.
The geographical scope of the project extended from Hampton Court in south-west London to Bournemouth and covered mainline routes between London, Portsmouth and Weymouth. The huge task entailed upgrading 100 electricity substations and connecting them into the electric third rail.
| "We agreed that one measure of our success would be if the boundaries between our organisations became so blurred that people tend not to say they work for Siemens, or AMEC, or Network Rail, but for Wessex Power - and that’s just what happened. Thinking and working as a totally integrated team has brought huge dividends." |
| Andy Mitchell |
| Project Director |
| Network Rail |