Graham Donald
unknown
| Originally known as the High Speed Track
Recording Coach this Mk 2f coach was especially converted for the BRB Director
of Civil Engineering and was originally operated under the R&DD's control
and numbered RDB999550. Following major changes within the Research Division in the late 1980's it was transferred to the DM& EE and then to Railtest renumbered ADB999550. It is fully equipped with living accommodation, air-conditioning etc and was used extensively on all main lines to monitor track condition. It can measure various track parameters including rail top, cant gradient, twist, level and alignment at speeds up to 125 mile/h. The author was involved with the fitment of pioneering video surveillance equipment on TRC. The present TRC is operated by Network Rail and was incorporated into the New Measurement Train until replaced by a Mk3 vehicle. The coach is currently operating on its own again top and tailed with whatever motive power is available. The coach is operated by DB Schenker on behalf of Network Rail |
Click on the picture for a bigger image - photos are the author's unless otherwise credited
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The HSTRC in its original livery
is pictured leaving
Llandudno Jcn behind 47530.
Graham Donald |
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A closer view unknown |
Following privatisation in 1997 it was transferred to Serco.
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DB999550 in its new Serco livery
in 1998 Serco |
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The HSTRC in the awful Railtrack livery pictured in the yard at RTC around 2000 |
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Here it is in its later guise
as part of the NMT heading south from Duffield in 2003 D Bower |
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NMT passing Broadholme en route to Sheffield on 11th May 2005 consisting entirely of Mk3 coaches. |
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37611 with a Serco test train incorporating the TRC near Wingfield on 23rd January 2007 |
