A talk by Martin Shaw, Fleet Manager DB Schenker.

Martin spoke in great detail about the current DBS locomotive fleet and its management. The fleet comprises of diesel electric classes 08/09, 59, 60, 66. 67. And electric classes 90, 92 and 325. (Royal Mail electric multiple units). The fleet management also includes the prestigious Company train.

The diesel electric locomotives are maintained at Toton, except the 59s which are maintained at Merehead and the 67 at Crewe Electric Depot alongside the electric locomotives.
So far as practical fleet requirements are forecast for 5 years ahead based upon Commercial projections. DB Schenker is an international company and locomotives are moved between the UK and mainland Europe to meet traffic demands. The classes involved are 66 and recently 92.

The success of fleet management depends upon a robust Operations plan. 70% of the plan is fixed over a long period to meet Working Timetable requirements, but there is also a element of short term planning to meet customer needs. Some of the plan is seasonal, for example the Rail Head Treatment trains in the autumn. Software support is provided by RPS (Resources Planning and Scheduling System)
To underpin the operations plan a Maintenance Fleet Plan is used to match these requirements to keep the fleet working efficiently. The plan determines optimum fleet size and the maintenance requirements of the different classes. Calendar based maintenance ensures that maintenance takes place in sufficient time to keep the locomotives available for traffic. An asset management system known as Maximo which is also linked to suppliers of components generates periodic and weekly maintenance plans for each depot.

There may also be external issues that can affect fleet reliability, for example the reliability of GSMR and the need to fit ETCS in the future (2014).
Real time locomotive control is important. There are 2 locomotive controllers and a maintenance controller on each shift, in contact with the drivers, the depots, Network Rail, and customers. TOPS is still an important tool, and the hours in traffic statistic produced by TOPS determines maintenance requirements. Train planning generates a simplifier that is used by the controllers to allocate locomotives to trains. Maintenance controllers provide a technical help line and help drivers fault finding by telephone. A success rate of between 70 & 80% is achieved. The input of light repairs to TOPS is carried out by Maintenance Control.

All locomotives now have GPS to assist the control pinpoint any locomotive.

Performance is calculated from the systems in use and is considered daily by Fleet Management. A system of continuous improvement is actively pursued, with daily meetings between personnel at all levels to consider performance and develop policies to improve.

18 delegates attended and there was a lively question and answer session