Part of the intensive research undertaken at the RTC in the 1970s and 80s was the theoretical study of track buckling. To complement these studies several practical tests were undertaken on track behind the Control Centre at Old Dalby on a specially constructed piece of track.

The track was heated by the application of high current and a lateral force was applied. A locomotive, usually one of the Hymeks propelled by a shunter, was then run over the track to observe the precession wave.