Alstom has been contracted to work on the £28 million contract to re-paint the 56-strong fleet of Class 390 ‘tilting’ Pendolino trains, used by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line. Due to the clients need for productivity and a High-quality finish, without compromising the safety staff and operators, Alstom challenged Dalby Engineering with the task to providing a solution for this key installation.
Working directly with Alstom, from initial concept stage, through to completion, Dalby have successfully designed and installed three bespoke Rail booths, measuring nearly 28m long x 6m high. Specially designed, silhouette doors on the main front and rear access allow our client to drive the train directly into the spraybooth, allowing operators to paint on the rake, saving both time and resources.
This unique design, purpose built entirely in the UK, allows for trains to be sprayed and prepared in a conveyorized manor, saving both time and money. With a Total air capacity of 100,000m3/Hr, the booths provide operators, flash off and Bake modes and operate with a trouble-free heating operate, offering 30% gas savings with Direct Firing.
With pneumatic platforms and fall assist systems, operators can safely access both the side and roof of the Train carriages ensuring the highest quality finish. To allow the close proximity of each booth, the Plant works are chest mounted along one side of each booth. This allows for good maintenance access, whilst maximising available floor space.
Additional to the Three large Rail Booths, Dalby have provided Three Dalby “X” booths to be used to spray smaller components and parts. These booths will work separately to the main facility, ensuring the fast and efficient spray production facility. To support these booths Four Paint Mixing Rooms have been installed to allow for paint preparation to take place in both a safe and controlled manor.
“Working directly with Alstom from the initial design stage through to the commissioning of this state-of-the-art facility has been an exciting challenge. Being the largest rolling stock modernisation facility in the UK has allowed us to provide Alstom with a purpose-built solution for this highly challenging market sector”
Mr Paul Knight – Sales & Marketing Manager - Harry Dalby Engineering LTD