The Structure Gauging Train

The Structure Gauging Train (SGT)

The present SGT had its beginnings in the mid-1970's. Several experiments were carried out utilising the four-wheeled Wickham self-propelled laboratory (sometimes known as the Elliot Track recording car owing to its equipment being supplied by Elliot Automation Ltd). Using a dual-triangulation system with lights and cameras this optical method was a big improvement over the existing ways of gauging. It was trialled at the Old Dalby test track.

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	This is view of the Wickham car with the solebar-mounted equipment was taken at Old Dalby Author's collection
	Here's a close-up Author's collection

The work pioneered at Old Dalby with the Wickham Car lead the way for the building of the special Structure Gauging Train in the early 1980's. It was completed for the Director of Civil Engineering in the summer of 1986, the project having been in the development stage for many months.

A specially-built four wheel structure-gauging optical vehicle, ZXQ DC460000 based on a steel carrier chassis, was formed as the middle car of a 3-vehicle formation. The two outer coaches were RDB975081 (formerly Test Coach Hermes converted to a driving trailer vehicle and re-numbered DB975081) and RDB975280 - (formerly Test Coach Mercury) became DB975280 and housed computer data collection and staff facilities. The two vehicles had previously been used extensively by the Train Control Group at the Mickleover test track and elsewhere from the early 1970's.

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	The SGT on trial at the Old Dalby test track in 1985 with DB975081 nearest the camera, then DC460000 and DB975280 at the back. Note that the leading vehicle is fitted with Commonwealth bogies BR Official
	The SGT pictured behind 47305 near Stenson Jcn in November 1985 Phil Eames
	A close up of 'Hermes' DB975081 in the RTC yard - note the class 24 'Experiment' in the background - still fitted with Commonwealth bogies D Bower
	The train is shown here being calibrated under the gauging rig in the yard at RTC in 1991 Author's collection
	A closer view of the optical car Author's collection
	The SGT pictured in December 1992 in the newer livery passing Elland being propelled by 47976 - now fitted with B5 bogies Phil Eames

Following major changes within the Research Division in the late 1980's the SGT was transferred to the DM& EE and then to Railtest.

Click on the pictures for a bigger image. Pictures by the author unless otherwise creditted

	Here it is at Old Dalby heading south in the company of other Serco test coaches after a publicity shot in 1998 Serco
	The SGT at work in Stanton Tunnel in the late 1990's - this time in Serco livery - showing its radiating lights gauging system to good effect Serco
	The SGT in the yard at the RTC in 1999 showing the optical car in black- Serco
	The new version consisting of locomotive 31233, DB975280, DB97508, DC460000 and DBSO 9708 and 31459 on the rear pictured on the Goods Road at Derby on 19th September 2008
	A close up of DB975081 formerly Lab 18 'Hermes' now no longer a driving trailer.
	Another close up of DC460000 - the optical car - now using laser technology
	A close up of DB975280 formerly Test Car 'Mercury'
	The latest edition to the SGT is this ex-Anglia DBS driving trailer - not 'Open' anymore.

The present SGT is operated by Serco Rail Operations on behalf of Network Rail