NETWORK RAIL'S NEW MEASUREMENT TRAIN

This article describes the development of a new high speed track inspection train being tested on the UK's railways. It is to be introduced in two phases. Part one will incorporate the upgraded track recording coach and laboratory coach in the train, fitted with equipment to measure track geometry and damage and to produce computer models. Phase two will replace these coaches with new ones: a production recording vehicle and a high-speed test vehicle. These will use global positioning system information to improve accuracy in the location of recorded data. The train also carries up to date conference and office facilities, with equipment to give presentations using data from the measuring equipment. The recording program has been designed to record over all main lines on the network in a two week cycle and the ultimate aim is to provide engineers with track data no more than 48 hours old.