SWR Investigation
Technical Review and Investigation

Following a number of catastrophic shoe beam failures in 2018 on Class 455 EMUs forming part of the South West Railway (SWR) fleet, Navitas Engineering was appointed by SWR to lead an investigation, on behalf of SWR and Network Rail, to determine the root cause of the failures.

The investigation comprised a wide-ranging technical review and required an in-depth understanding of the 3rd rail electrification system, related interfaces and the interaction between the rolling stock and the 3rd rail power supply infrastructure.

In addition to the technical capability requirements, an independent, objective and collaborative approach was paramount to successfully completing the investigation. The review was completed successfully with the findings and proposed mitigation measures accepted.