12.05.15
Vivarail completes D-train crash test
The conversion of the Vivarail D-train reached an important milestone in the project last week, as one of the units was crashed into a three ton tank full of water.
The crash test was to prove structural integrity of the original aluminium bodies and the work done to provide additional protection to the cab.
It was held at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre under the supervision of TRL.
The D-Train was pushed to a speed of 36km per hour and released approximately 80m from the three ton tank. The collision was designed to replicate a high-risk event such as a train colliding with a farm vehicle at a rail crossing.
Speaking after the crash Mike Pittman, principal consultant at TRL, said: “The test was performed to schedule and in line with expectations. From a preliminary visual inspection of the train cab, it appears that the enhanced safety cell structure has improved the crash performance of the cab, maintaining a suitable survival base and protection offered to the driver.
“Final results of the test will be released in the coming month."
The below pictures were taken immediately following the crash:
Improving the structural integrity of the cab has been a big priority for Vivarail throughout the conversion process.
Vivarail chair, Adrian Shooter, said: “When we began designing our D-Train one of our top priorities was to create a safer working environment for the driver. To do this we substantially strengthened the steel casing and moved the seat further back from the window, two key elements in ensuring that the train's most vulnerable occupant, the driver, would walk away from a collision.”
For more on the conversion process see the Apr/May issue where RTM’s Sam McCaffrey reports from a recent visit to the Vivarail depot at Long Marston, or read the article online.
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