Latest News

Comms Design MD delivers IRSE lecture on rural signalling and train control

This week Comms Design managing director Paul Clark delivered the IRSE Presidential lecture at the RAF Club in London. Delegates heard about Paul’s perspectives on rural signalling and train control, the intricacies of GNSS and how it is only part of the solution for train positioning, the challenges of radio communications, and why it is …

Tunnel communication issues solved by Comms Design’s innovative portable base stations

The latest deliverable project from Comms Design for one of our customers, The Clarke Chapman Group Limited. Portable radio base stations offer a cost-effective communications solution to ensure the safety and efficiency of railway engineers working over a large area or at railway incidents. Initially developed to resolve Rail Delivery Vehicle (RDV) communications problems associated with …

New Request-to-Stop system to improve passenger and operator experience on the Far North Line

Comms Design Ltd’s new Request To Stop system is about to be introduced on the Far North Line in Scotland, an add-on to RETB Next Generation that will benefit passengers and operators alike. Operating over CDL’s RETB Next Generation Radio Signalling System, the new kiosks allow passengers to press a button to signal they wish …

Class 158 Passenger Train operating under the Comms Design RETB Next Generation Radio Signalling System in Scotland

Unipart Group acquires Comms Design Ltd

Harrogate-based Comms Design Ltd designs and manufactures electronic products primarily for rail industry It will join a growing portfolio of digital businesses, products and services in Unipart Group The acquisition will enable both companies to develop in the UK and overseas 4 November 2020 – Unipart today announces it has acquired 100% of the share capital …

Comms Design is RISQS audited

Comms Design maintains RISQS accreditation

After being audited this week, Comms Design is pleased to have maintained it’s RISQS (Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) accreditation. RISQS gives rail industry customers confidence that suppliers have been rigorously audited to ensure their systems meet the stringent requirements of the UK rail network. Being RISQS audited ensures Comms Design can continue to design …

Track workers on the RETB-signalled West Highland Line

We’re still here for you

Here at Comms Design, we are proud to be playing our small part in helping to keep the nation’s railways running in these challenging times. For our RETB UK user community, we are still here to provide new equipment, spares & repairs and phone and email support so please get in touch if you need …

LNWR extend their RETB fleet

Heritage charter provider LNWR Heritage has added RETB in-cab signalling equipment to more of their diesel rolling stock. Another Class 37 is being fitted out at LNWR’s Crewe depot this month, giving greater flexibility in running their charter services on the West Highland Line and Far North Line in Scotland.

ScotRail Class 153 Bike Train

A warm welcome to RETB for Brodie Engineering and the Class 153

A new fleet of vehicles is being introduced onto RETB routes in Scotland. Brodie Engineering is refurbishing 5 Class 153 units with RETB radio signalling equipment designed and supplied by Comms Design Ltd. The Class 153s are having 20 new cycle racks fitted to improve bicycle and winter sports equipment carrying facilities on the popular …

New system developments for RETB on the Far North Line

Comms Design Limited are proud to be working with Network Rail to provide enhancements to the Far North Line RETB route. We are currently developing a new request stop system, with the first units to be installed in 2020. The Request Stop system will enhance the travelling experience for customers using request stop stations on …

New RETB locomotive and yellow plant cab fitments

Cab fitment support to the industry for new vehicle entrants onto RETB routes is an on-going service provided by Comms Design Limited.  This month additional cab equipment was supplied for Plesser & Theurer tamping plant and LNWR Heritage Class 37 and 47 locos.