MYSTERY TRAIN

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 245, 17 July 1928, Page 7

MYSTERY TRAIN

“THE WHITEWASH SPECIAL.”

Travelling on the main lines of the Great Western Railway (England) is a mysterious train, which figures in no time-table, and never stops at stations to pick up passengers. Its coaches contain not more' than a dozen people, and it pauses only now and then between stations. Recently ji Press representative reported having solved the mystery of the train, which is known to officials as the “Whitewash ' Special.” Its duty is to test the permanent way, and for this, runs are made from Paddington to such places as Plymouth and Newport, the engine drawing passenger rolling stock qf various kinds, fitted with different bogies. Over each bogie stands .an observer, and when he feels the slightest jolt, he releases a spot ■of whitewash on to the track. Various coloured washes are used—red, green, white, blue, and yellow—so that it is known which bogie was most affected, and the spot that needs attention. In the baejc of the train a machine makes a graph of all jolts. On the return journey stops are made to examine the line where wash has been dropped, and technical experts take measurements and notes for future repairs, which will ensure smoother running.