NMT HST | New home base - Leicester LIP?

[londonmidland]

Good evening.

I have seen in person and heard reports of the New Measurement Train, which is operated by a HST, has now relocated to Leicester LIP as its home base.

Reports say that Colas Rail have a new contract, to work out of Leicester LIP.

Does anyone know why is has moved from the previously established Derby RTC site, which it has previously been operating out of for many years now?

Thanks.

 

[43096]

Good evening.

I have seen in person and heard reports of the New Measurement Train, which is operated by a HST, has now relocated to Leicester LIP as its home base.

Reports say that Colas Rail have a new contract, to work out of Leicester LIP.

Does anyone know why is has moved from the previously established Derby RTC site, which it has previously been operating out of for many years now?

Thanks.

Colas were successful in tendering for the NMT maintenance contract last year for a two year period (with +1+1 options): https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055260-2025

The contract covers the maintenance of the New Measurement Train (NMT), a critical asset within Network Rail’s Infrastructure Monitoring fleet. The NMT operates across high-mileage and high-traffic segments of track, delivering essential data to ensure compliance with track standards, particularly Category 1a and 1 routes.

The awarded services include:

Heavy and light maintenance of the NMT fleet, comprising Class 43 Power Cars and Mk3 Trailer Cars.

Cleaning operations.

Provision of NMT technicians responsible for overnight service exams, fault response, and technical riding duties.

Scheduled maintenance activities on a weekly, per-period, and bi-period basis.

Support for QL3 and QL4 MTU engine overhauls managed by a separate maintainer.