Caravan train on Top Gear

[truckman060473]

Not sure if a thread on this already exists but this was a fun episode to watch. At the end what looked like a Peak with coaches stormed past and smashed the caravan to bits, but I'm wondering about that. They probably staged this crash using other methods as I seriously doubt they'd use a preserved diesel to crash into a caravan!

 

[northwichcat]

The whole thing was staged. Do you really think the train Clarkson met head on was heading in the opposite direction on the same track? Or that someone decided to use the outdoor toilet on back of the train because they needed the toilet?

I thought at the end the proper train went on the line next to the caravan train at speed and the caravan train was made to look like it just feel apart just from that happening.

Also James May reversing because he overshot a platform when it would have been easier for the passengers to alight where there wasn't a platform was quite obviously done for amusement.

 

[Darandio]

I thought at the end the proper train went on the line next to the caravan train at speed and the caravan train was made to look like it just feel apart just from that happening.

There were photographs in the dedicated thread on here weren't there? These showed the superficial damage caused to the front corner of the train with the prior agreement that the BBC would pay for the minor repairs and a new paint job.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Let's face it, a large diesel going into a caravan (that had probably been weakened so has to come apart more spectacularly) is not going to do much more damage than a few scratches and dents.

 

[truckman060473]

The whole thing was staged. Do you really think the train Clarkson met head on was heading in the opposite direction on the same track? Or that someone decided to use the outdoor toilet on back of the train because they needed the toilet?

I was asking about the caravan that was destroyed at the end, not about the fact that the chap on the loo obviously was not really using it

 

[chiltern_chidg]

Pretty much everything on Top Gear is staged! Sometimes I think they take it too far and it ruins the whole point of a car review programme. I must admit though "scum class" was quite funny. No difference than VT standard class don't you think :P.

Matthew

 

[snail]

The whole thing was staged.

No! Was it really? You mean it didn't happen? What a let down.

 

[Crossover]

This was the original thread (though I seem to recall it digressed a little)
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=48751

Either way, it made a good episide

 

[deltic1989]

Staged or not it still made very amusing television, I liked the idea of clarksons sports train. Wonder what next maybe a bid to repace 66's with a line of transits coupled together.

 

[Statto]

Staged or not it still made very amusing television, I liked the idea of clarksons sports train. Wonder what next maybe a bid to repace 66's with a line of transits coupled together.

I agree, regardless if it was staged, i found it entertaining. Plus Top Gear wrecking a couple of Caravans is hardly new.

 

[Wyvern]

Also James May reversing because he overshot a platform when it would have been easier for the passengers to alight where there wasn't a platform was quite obviously done for amusement.

THe programme did demonstrate the problems with starting and stopping with steel wheels on steel rails though they didnt mention it.

 

[Crossover]

THe programme did demonstrate the problems with starting and stopping with steel wheels on steel rails though they didnt mention it.

Also starting as well if putting too much power through something without enough weight through too few wheels. I believe that is the principle behind a modern MU

 

[truckman060473]

If those wheels on the caravans were in good condition with freely running roller bearings then the Jag should have been able to pull the caravans easily. A normal fit adult would be able to move a caravan with not too great an effort, so a car with rear wheel drive with 500 - 600kg of adhesive weight would have been capable of pulling them. It was "fixed" for the show.

 

[Mojo]

There is already a thread on this subject, which can be found here: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=48751