Note that it belonged then to the Train Control Group and was based at the Mickleover Test Track
BR official
Adrian Hennessy courtesy M&GN Society
Author's collection
Graham Causer
Author
Test Coach 'Mercury' (aka Lab 18)
| Prior to being incorporated into the Structure Gauging
Train, RDB975280 Test Coach Mercury had been used in the late 1970's to monitor the
transponders then being fitted to the WCML in connection with the introduction
of the C-APT track-to-train communication system for the Advanced Passenger
Train. This was a new development at the time and the benefit of a transponder is that it does not need a power supply and is 'interrogated' by a device on the train as it passes. The same principle is used today for the TASS system on the Voyagers and Pendolinos. R&DD was pioneering the system in the UK 30 odd years ago. |
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Here is Test Coach Mercury
in the formation of a scheduled passenger train on the WCML around 1974. Note that it belonged then to the Train Control Group and was based at the Mickleover Test Track BR official |
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Test Coach Mercury
at Euston in January 1975
Adrian Hennessy courtesy M&GN Society |
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This is a closer view of the
transponder in the track. Something similar is used today to control tilt on
Pendolinos but not on Class 221 Cross Country Voyagers since the tilt system is now isolated. Author's collection |
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86245 with Mercury in a service
train arrives at Coventry in June 1977 Graham Causer |
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The coach was part of the
Structure Gauging Train (SGT) and is pictured here at Derby on 19th
September 2008 Author |