New Measurement Train & Network Rail Trains

[support-uk-rail]

Hi,

I'm sure some of you guys have information on the Network Rail's NMT, would you have any information about it and when it passes through Devon? I read a while ago the NMT covers the southwest once every fortnight or once every month. Is this true?

I'd also be extremely grateful for information on other NR trains, I don't exactly know what they are, just rail testers?

Also, does the NMT go on branch lines like the Tarka?

Thanks,
Hakzi.

 

[me123]

This page has an older diagram for the train, which as mentioned doesn't always follow the diagram strictly.

It appears to run to Plymouth every other Friday and a bit more often to Bristol. I don't think this particular train goes to branch lines, but I think there are some that do visit less often (Can someone confirm that?).

 

[support-uk-rail]

thanks for the information

 

[Mintona]

It gets to Plymouth about once a month, that's all, I'm not sure if it's even that much.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I think there are a vast array of test trains used by NR. There are two Measurement trains, One using MK3 stock and HST locos and the original one made of MK2s, there are also, I think, plans for a second HST version. There are also Ultrasonic test trains and structure gauging trains. There are over head wire test vehicles and so on.

I believe the test trains have to visit every inch of line every so often, but not necessarily all of the test trains. The Ultrasonic train went to Sudbury with 2x31s last year I think.

I would have thought the NMT itself would avoid any line for which an HST is not allowed or which would not benefit from its high speed.

I would be interested to know what the Pantogragh on top of the NMT is for.

 

[Respite]

I would have thought the NMT itself would avoid any line for which an HST is not allowed or which would not benefit from its high speed.

I would be interested to know what the Pantogragh on top of the NMT is for.

The NMT seems to have been down the HoW line recently, didnt see it myself but according to a few workmates it went down there. Also there is evidence of it by the yellow marker streaks left in the four foot along the way.

I'm guessing the pantograph is for checking the height of the wires & make sure the stagger is correct.

 

[Mintona]

A pair of 31s went down the HoW, not the NMT. I doubt it would be cleared for that way.
I wasn't aware there was a pantograph on top of the NMT; I believe it is simply a carriage with a pantograph that is occasionally slippe into the consist, and not always there. Though it is used much more with the 31s and 37s than within the NMT itself.

Hope this helps/.

 

[1D53]

The NMT now follows a roughly six week schedule covering far more lines than previously, the diagram posted above is completely out of date now and the new one is yet to leak which isn't much suprise considering how complex it is.

 

[support-uk-rail]

the HST NMT has a pantograph? woh. Surely then trains like voyagers and GNER hst's should have pantograph's fitted as a vast amount of their services cover electric lines?

 

[1D53]

the HST NMT has a pantograph? woh. Surely then trains like voyagers and GNER hst's should have pantograph's fitted as a vast amount of their services cover electric lines?

Its not used to power the train. It is used to test the OLE only. All electricity it collects is returned straight back.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

there is seperate (Mk1) coach with a pantograph that is used with the 31s (Test Coach Mentor?).

Having asked the question I now find it on wiki:

The vehicle also houses the pantograph used to detect faults in overhead wires. White lights next to the pantograph project a line followed by cameras to enable the height and stagger of the overhead to be monitored. No traction or system power is drawn using the pantograph, as the train is diesel powered.

So there.

And here is a pic of the coach (second coach)

 

[The Planner]

The class 31s normally make up the ultrasonic test train. Which is a swine to plan as it records at 30 mph and transits at 60. Mind you, slightly better than grinders which do 8mph...

 

[me123]

How often do the UTUs go out on a line? There was one a few months ago (probably about a year now) that did a lot of my local lines, but I don't remember hearing about one since then.

 

[The Planner]

Main lines have to be done every 8-12 weeks I think, I'll double check at work on Monday. If they dont get tested then they can potentially be shut.

 

[support-uk-rail]

Apparently one of the 43's has an option of battery operation?

 

[RJ]

In London with the UTU4 some lines are done every three months and others every 6 months.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Apparently one of the 43's has an option of battery operation?

43089 'Hayabusa' has a hybrid engine and is semi perminently coupled to a mk3 coach. The battery powers the engine until it reaches 19mph when diesel power takes over, giving a saving on fuel and emissions.