Strengthening Train Fleet Maintenance in the United Kingdom
Recently, operations at the Allerton TrainCare Centre in Merseyside have become even smoother: With the new U2000-400D tandem underfloor wheelset lathe from HEGENSCHEIDT, the depot has gained a noticeable boost in performance. This tandem machine enables the simultaneous machining of two wheelsets while they remain installed – instantly doubling processing capacity. The result: reduced downtime, increased availability, and significantly more efficient maintenance.
Installation with Precision – from the Pit Excavation to the First Wheelset Machining
Before the new machine could be installed, the site required extensive preparation. In total, around 1,600 tons of soil, stone, and concrete were excavated and removed. Only once the ground had been fully prepared could the next step take place: the installation of a solid foundation made of 184 tons of concrete, ensuring smooth operation and long-term durability of the HEGENSCHEIDT U2000-400D for many years to come.
With this new core element of the workshop, the depot continues its long-standing tradition: wheelset maintenance has been carried out in Allerton since the 1950s. For decades, skilled workers have restored countless trains to operational readiness, supporting rail transport across the region. The integration of the HEGENSCHEIDT U2000-400D now opens a new chapter—one in which proven expertise and state-of-the-art technology go hand in hand. The result: increased capacity, faster workflows, and reliable, predictable fleet availability that meets the demands of modern rail transport.
Technology that Makes Everyday Operations Easier
The HEGENSCHEIDT U2000-400D is not only precise but also designed for smooth, trouble-free operation. Its automated machining process delivers consistently accurate results, significantly reducing the workload for staff. The compact design allows for easy integration into existing workshops, while protective features and an optimized chip-removal system ensure a clean and safe working environment. Thanks to its tandem configuration, two wheelsets can be machined simultaneously – a decisive advantage for shorter cycle times and greater everyday efficiency. Jack Commandeur, Engineering Director at Northern, summarizes the benefits:
“The new underfloor wheel lathe is a welcome addition to our maintenance operations. It allows us to reprofile wheelsets while they remain installed, making the process far more efficient. At the same time, it helps extend wheelset life and reduce replacement costs. With the increased capacity, our trains spend less time in the workshop and return to passenger service more quickly.”
For the Allerton TrainCare Centre, the HEGENSCHEIDT U2000-400D is therefore not just an investment in cutting-edge technology, but a meaningful step toward more efficient and sustainable maintenance.