Morden Depot - Mobile Wheel Lathe Innovation
The Challenge
Morden Depot, located in South London and serving the Northern Line, faced a critical need for a wheel lathe facility to maintain its fleet. However, the depot had extremely limited space, making it impossible to construct a traditional wheel lathe building within the site boundaries. The challenge was clear:
“Deliver a high-performance solution without expanding the depot footprint or disrupting operations.”
Our Solution
RCA was initially approached to design and build a new complex. After assessing the constraints, RCA proposed an innovative alternative -a mobile wheel lathe system. This approach eliminated the need for a new building, saving the client significant costs and minimising disruption.
Key elements of the solution included:
Refurbishment of Existing Rail Infrastructure: Upgrading the existing track to accommodate the new system.
Advanced Jacking Technology: Installation of a synchronized jacking system and new jacking pads for safe and efficient lifting of the tube set.
Mobile Wheel Lathe Integration: A fully mobile lathe unit with dedicated charging points, enabling flexibility and rapid deployment.
The Result
The project was completed in just six months with zero disruption to depot operations - meaning no service interruptions for Northern Line passengers. The mobile solution delivered full functionality within the existing footprint, proving to be a cost-effective, space-efficient, and operationally seamless innovation.
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Alstom / London Underground
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London, England
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Rail & Infrastructure
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2019 - 2020