Recent content by Hydro

Doubtful all four would be powering, 1,200 off the juice is plenty for tootling into the docks.

The test track is not closed, and the OHLE is not redundant.

Brake force or brake translation (usually known as translators rather than barriers).

It's pretty much Blue Star with an improved jumper socket. We pipe their multi through Blue Star cabling using an adapter jumper. I don't know if this is because the pins have been changed or simply because the jumpers and sockets on the DRS system have a (much better) different connection system.

I gather that the AAR modified ones still retain TDM equipment allowing them backwards compatibility. Same with DBSO's - originally only with 47/7's (which I believe wasn't actually true TDM, but a more limited version), then full TDM, and the ones left with NR were completely modified for Blue...

If it's a green slider, then the track must be realigned to the measurements on the datum plate.

It's those Commie Nazis we should be worried about.

Yes, should have been clearer - IRIS 2, return of the killer IRIS. I'm sure that's been preserved too though.

IRIS, the old radio survey unit. 101 DMU fitted with air brakes, apparently had very good braking performance.

That would have been why, specifically for the tripcocks so the areas where there are dual running can be tested for GSMR coverage.

Yes, I've done a lot of work in and out of Paddington. The NMT does a few turns to Swansea etc out of there regularly. I generally end up doing the night shifts in and out of Padd with MENTOR/track inspection coach doing the OLE/relief/goods line track recording.

Yes, a regular turn when testing the CTRL chords uses class 66's. A GSMR test train ran with 66's not too long ago, and I'm working an NMT cover shift with 67's tomorrow. Don't know what you mean about trip cocks, they're not needed on 3rd rail lines. If the 73's aren't available (as happened...

That's some of the straightest railway alignment I've seen. It's got to be easily 5 miles sighting in places. When I was a lookout, we could see trains approaching Hedge End whilst working at Eastleigh South Jn. If you called the warning upon sighting the headlamps, you could be standing for a...

It's so big because all the equipment is duplicated to conform to Channel Tunnel operating regulations.

UTU - Ultrasonic Test Unit - 4 of these, usually 31/Generator Van/Test Coach/DBSO. HSTRC - High Speed Track Recording Coach (now just the Track Recording Coach really, since the NMT was born), Mk.2f vehicle fitted with track geometry and radio survey kit. It was the original BR Research...