Crashworthiness testing October 1994
| In October 1994 a number of crashworthiness tests
were carried out in the vicinity of Widmerpool station Following the Clapham Junction collision in December 1988, it was decreed that BR should investigate the use of anti-override devices to be fitted at the end of vehicles in order to reduce casualties in the event of a collision as well as 'crumple zones' similar to those employed in the motor industry The popular TV programme 'Tomorrow's World' featured the tests and the following pictures are taken from the programme One train of redundant parcels coaches was static and the other was propelled into it at approx 40 mile/h
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Presenter Carol Vorderman does a piece to camera in the yard at Old Dalby |
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The two test trains at Widmerpool |
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The static test train - note the skeletal crumple zone and the anti-override pads in red |
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Test train being propelled towards the static train at speed - note the anti-override pads in red |
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the results |
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a closer view |
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View down the train after the collision showing the crumple zones |
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anti override pads engaged |
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Some of the test team (s) |
Today, most modern rolling stock feature anti-override devices
