Everything in one place
Since 2021, more than £75m has been spent on transforming the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre into an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies, securely store rolling stock and provide training in a live environment.
Key features
- 135-acre site in Warwickshire
- Mainline connection to the Cotswold Line makes Long Marston easily accessible from the Cross Country, Chiltern, Malvern Link and Wales Marshes Lines
- Close proximity to M40 motorway
- 24-hour security, including full coverage via motion sensor CCTV and k9 team
3.5km electrified test track
Long Marston is home to the UK’s only continuous test loop, a 3.5km electrified test track where trains can test at speeds of up to 50mph and accumulate up to 1000 miles in a week. The test track also supports other forms of traction including hydrogen, battery and diesel.
Testing Capabilities
In collaboration with local suppliers, the site offers the facilities and operational expertise to support a wide range of vehicle servicing and offers a turnkey proposition to meet customer needs.
Our operational team is on hand to support with shunt moves and any ad-hoc requests.
Our maintenance offering includes:
- Low and medium speed dynamic testing
- System integration testing AWS/TPW
- Capacity for 1,000 miles per week mileage accumulation
- Coupling tests
- Fault free running mileage
- Brake tests including dynamic and rheostatic
- 25kV static and dynamic testing
- Bi-directional operation
Asset Management Facility
The Asset Management Facility provides a high-quality space for maintenance, modification and refresh work, and all types of on-train and underframe work.
Three well-lit pitted roads can accommodate 2×4 car units and 1×6 car unit. The facility is fitted with compressed air, 110V, 240V and 415V electrical outlets, with roof access and jacks available.
Storage capacity
Long Marston offers around 700 vehicle storage solutions, including warm storage with shore supply available for high-value assets.
Mainline and trunk road connection allows for easy site access.
Training and venue hire
The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre is a unique location for multi-agency major incident exercises, providing a live rail environment while maintaining the safety of a closed site.
There are also a variety of meeting spaces available, from relaxed areas for engineers and project meetings to more formal conference meeting room facilities.
The future of rail is built stronger, together
We believe the strength and success of the railway is in the partnerships that power it.