In the UK, Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems, in cooperation with Chiltern Railways and leasing company Angel Trains, has started a one-year trial of a monitoring system that provides real-time data on adhesion values when the train's anti-skid system is active. This will enable infrastructure operator Network Rail and transport companies to proactively manage adhesion during the leaf fall season, in winter and in bad weather. According to the manufacturer, hotspots with low adhesion can be identified in order to warn drivers and plan track cleaning. The test follows initial trials on the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway. For the tests, a Class 165 diesel multiple unit (DMU) was equipped with Knorr-Bremse's MGS2 anti-slip system, which was enhanced with MGS3 software and additional instruments. Knorr-Bremse will use the data to calculate real-time adhesion values in cooperation with the Rail Safety & Standards Board's Adhesion Research Group and with support from the University of Huddersfield. If successful, more operators could be involved by 2027 at the latest.
