UK: Test train and gauging vehicle

[John Ashworth]

Photos of a Network Rail test train including a gauging vehicle.

http://tim-fenton.fotopic.net/p64129796.html

http://tim-fenton.fotopic.net/p64129797.html

http://tim-fenton.fotopic.net/p64129798.html

http://tim-fenton.fotopic.net/p64129855.html

[Steve Appleton]

That "gauging vehicle", No DC460000, looks like it is designed to physically break off anything that infringes into the moving structure gauge, rather than measure or detect, with that quite substantial rivitted hunk of metal projecting all round the vehicle! And, why is it painted that ugly, dirty shade of black, instead of bright safety yellow as are the other vehicles in the train?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Interesting pictures!

Gauging vehicles are far more modest creatures then the flashier trains - they like to be in the background, hence their colouration!

[Steve Appleton]

Perhaps, then, they do not want to be seen approaching, lest any potential obstructions leap back out of the way!

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

I think you have hit the rail on the head..........

[John Ashworth]

Just guessing, but since it works with lasers maybe it's painted non-reflective black so as not to confuse the lasers with unwanted reflections?