Mystery Train At London Bridge

M@
By M@ Last edited 181 months ago
Mystery Train At London Bridge

computertrain.jpg
Welcome aboard the Torchwood Express.

There's more of computer train than commuter train about this Southeastern vehicle, which pulled into London Bridge station on Monday night. According to Mike King, who sent us the photo:

"Apart from all the computers, every carriage had 50 odd bags of hardcore ballast on the seat (to simulate a full train I guess). And there were several stickers saying Hitachi coach, so I guess the Japanese are at the leading edge of train engineering."

Anyone got any insider knowledge about this peculiar arrival? Was it somehow a prelude to yesterday's news - that Hitachi are part of a Japanese consortium who will build the UK's next generation of trains? Or is it just a routine test of train performance? Factual information and reckless speculation equally welcome in the comments.

Last Updated 13 February 2009