Info on the Network Rail train on Platform2?

[Stav]

After years of lurking on here almost daily, I finally found an email address that wasnt banned on this forum, enabling me to register

Although I have loads of questions ill no doubt be posting up over time, the first ones that spring to mind is about the Network Rail train top n tailed by 31s that was, until middle of last week at least (last time I was there), sitting on Platform2.

Basically, what does it do? I did a search on Google for Network Rail trains, and have seen a fair few over the years, but none exactly like that one.

I had a bit of spare time waiting for my connecting train to arrive, so I went and had a nosey, and so was 3 other random people actually.
Much to my suprise most the train seemed to consist of bedrooms and a kitchen! When I was young I always dreamed of living on a train, seems like they are doing it, lol.

Some of the windows had closed curtains or very reflective window film, so couldnt see in them. Whats in em all?

One of the carriages had an engine/generator build in, I presume thats for running the electric etc the rooms have without needing the 31s to run?

The centre of the train was a big metal container, could easily have either fluid or mechanicals in it, what was it?

Any info appreciated

[stationcat]

This is the structure gauging traing. The strange vehicle in the middle contains the optical equipment used to measure bridges and tunnels etc to make sure that the rquired clearence still exists. The crewe travel around the country with the train hence the beds in some of the compartments.

[nickt]

Here is a link I found to a picture of the train going past cockwood harbour. Optics bit very strange indeed..
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=ymnn5 ... uality=100

[Stav]

Great, thanks for the pic and info, appreciated.

[Rich_Eason]

Next time you at the Newsagents thumb through a June copy of Model Rail as it has an article on Network Rail and some of the various vehicles in their pool...

Welcome BTW

[tugboatcharly2]

When I was reqired to work on that guaging train as its inspector, ,it was known as Dracular as it only ran at night.From the strange machine in the middle there would be a very bright flash of light when guaging .