Top Gear train crash

[fv43576]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpP7gMPzC78

[youtube]QpP7gMPzC78[/youtube]
Where it is?, 31107 was scrap after the crash but it was already withdrawn in 31/10/2008 so where was this train used just before the withdrawn and what is other train behind, why is follow the front train?

 

[GNERman]

Quoting directly from the Wikipedia article on the Class 31, under the "Media" section.

Two Class 31 locomotives and a parked Renault Espace were used during the crash. Network Rail's 31233 was used to propel 31107 up to a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). The rear locomotive slowed down to a stop and 31107 continued to coast at a speed of 70–80 miles per hour into the road vehicle parked across the eastbound 'up' line.

 

[theageofthetra]

Was the only thing slowing the 31 down the friction from the wrecked Espace or did they remotely put in the emergency brake?

 

[Dieseldriver]

From what I remember, the loco was in full emergency braking when it hit the car. Was a good piece that showed the dangers of level crossing misuse.

 

[sprinterguy]

From what I remember, the loco was in full emergency braking when it hit the car.

That wasn’t my understanding: The locomotives was, as far as I know, unmanned and had not been fitted with remote control equipment, beyond the cameras and a warning siren. It was my understanding that it was simply propelled and then allowed to roll, until the friction created by the Renault Espace digging into the ballast and the locos’ air and rolling resistance on level track brought it to a stand.

Here, in summary, is how it was reported in the Railway Magazine, in their October 2006 issue:

The line used is from Wrawby Junction - Gainsborough, which has no traffic at all except for three Saturday-only passenger services. The test was held on Monday 21st August.

The location of the staged collision, at Hibaldstow, is on straight level track with no crossings for some distance other than the one used. Therefore there was no risk to anyone not involved in the incident unless in unathorised locations.

A few camera-toting "enthusiats" managed to breach security exclusion zones and were in advantageous positions to record the action, although none was reported to be the wrong side of the railway fence.

31107 was proplled by 31233 up to 60mph (100kph) at which point 31233 braked and came to rest normally while 31107 freewheled into the car, a Renault Espace 7-seater chosen as typical of a school-run vehicle. Following the impact 31107 came to a natural halt some 600m beyond the impact site, in just the same way as will any other freewheeling vehicle on level track; it would not continue for ever since without motive power the forces of gravity and interia eventually take over and the moving object stops.

31107 was fitted with remote-operation cameras and also a remotely-controlled warning siren. It was specially branded for its last ever run with the slogan "Level Crossings - Don't run the risk".

 

[Pigeon]

Here, in summary, is how it was reported in the Railway Magazine, in their October 2006 issue:

...it would not continue for ever since without motive power the forces of gravity and interia eventually take over and the moving object stops.

Oh Isaac, Isaac, where art thou in our time of trial?

 

[70014IronDuke]

Oh Isaac, Isaac, where art thou in our time of trial?

Journalist and editor in need of Physics O level Shock!

 

[D6975]

Force of interia?

Is this some mythical country I haven't heard of?

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Its not the first time a crash has been staged like this. Previously Yafforth Level Crossing on the wensleydale route was used by railtrack to stage a level crossing accident.

 

[70014IronDuke]

That wasn’t my understanding: The locomotives was, as far as I know, unmanned and had not been fitted with remote control equipment, beyond the cameras and a warning siren. It was my understanding that it was simply propelled and then allowed to roll, until the friction created by the Renault Espace digging into the ballast and the locos’ air and rolling resistance on level track brought it to a stand.

...

Well, in that case, this begs another question: what on earth would have stopped the loco had it, by some quirk, knocked the car off the tracks early on, which means it would not have had the drag of the car on the tracks/ballast slowing it down.

What contingency measures were there to stop the loco in this case? It could have run on for miles, depending on gradients, of course. There again, I suppose it is fairly flat roundabouts, which is perhaps one reason for choosing this spot.