New Measurement Train
| New Measurement Train | |
|---|---|
|
|
| In service | 2003 - present |
| Manufacturer | British Rail Engineering Limited |
| Family name | HST |
| Number built | 1 trainset |
| Formation | 2 Class 43 power cars 5 Mark 3 |
| Operator(s) | Network Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The New Measurement Train (NMT), is a specialised train which operates in the United Kingdom to assess the condition of track so that engineers can determine where to work. It is a specially converted High Speed Train, consisting of two Class 43 power cars and five Mark 3 carriages. It can check the condition of most main lines and some secondary routes operating a 13-week rolling cycle. The train is permitted to travel across any part of the network where HSTs are permitted, as well as High Speed 1.
The NMT was formed in direct response to concern over gauge corner cracking following the October 2000 Hatfield rail crash. In September 2002 work commenced on preparing ex Virgin CrossCountry Class 43 power cars 43013, 43014 and 43062 and two Mark 2 and three Mark 3 carriages from the Railway Technical Centre fleet. Only two carriages carried testing equipment, the extra carriages being required for brake force purposes. The NMT entered service on 9 May 2003. The two Mark 2s were replaced in 2004 with ex Virgin CrossCountry Mark 3s. In August 2005 a further Mark 3 joined the fleet fitted with a pantograph.
In 2004/05, power cars 43067, 43154 and 43196 were added while the core fleet was upgraded. All had been placed in store by February 2006.
In 2009/10, 43013, 43014 and 43062 had their Paxman Valenta engines replaced with MTU engines by Brush Traction.
The train measures the contact between rails, wheels and the overhead electric supply line. Lasers and other instruments are used to make other measurements of the track geometry and other features such as overhead line height and stagger, and the track gauge, twist and cant. On the West Coast Main Line, particular care has to be taken to ensure that clearances are maintained for the use of tilting trains. The train captures video footage from the front and rear power cars, and video of the pantograph and wheel interfaces.
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Wikipedia