"Top Gear" is a British television program on all things automotive. In their most recent program they try their hand at converting cars and trailers into a passenger train -- and the result is just freakin' hilarious. Check it out:
Download it from:
www.finalgear.com/shows/topgear/17/4/
It's season 17 Episode 4 -- July 17, 2011
Highly, highly recommended!!!
Here's an easier way to see the show -- on youtube:
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81HgzHSwpcQ
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vns-9sqxmCw&feature=related
Again -- this is hilarious!
It was filmed on the Great Central Railway in the Midlands of England.The concept is that existing Rail stock is expensive to purchase and maintain, and that the Top Gear crew (Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond) can do better using use automobiles as motive power and converted Camper-Trailers (Caravans) as passenger stock. Since it is a 'caravan' challenge (the Top Gear crew has a low-standing reputation of loathing caravans, and in the past has crashed them, dropped them from cranes, and set them on fire), the results are played strictly for humor, as opposed to say finding the best Hot Hatchback or ice racing against a bobsled.Jeremy creates a 'Sports' train - a XJ Jag pulling a single open top camperJames & Richard have an Audi 4WD pulling 4 trailers of various classes.
The 'challenge' is to traverse the Great Central from Leciester to Loughborough, with Rail experts on to determine if the resulting vehicles are suitable for passenger transport.This is NOT a serious challenge, so if you keep that in mind you will find it fairly humorous and fun.
Typical fare for these guys - and funny as all get out.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
But this one is my favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZsb32AAuNI
I can't remember if it was here or another list I am on but there was a thread about this (since there is a US version of TG)-what steam vs. car race would you suggest over here? Appox 350-400 miles, reasonably equal schedule and drive times?
There has recently been a 'teaser' commercial on a TV Channel and in it was a brief shot of what looked lie the top section of a diesel locomotive ( on the order of an E or F units top). The topic on this Thread may explain why that was there. I thought I was seeing things when I saw it.
That was too funny. I love BBC's Top Gear. Here is another one about safety at railroad crossings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue61c6MZNQw
Top Gear has had several railroad challenges over the series, off the top of my head (no episode guides involved):
The 'Economy Rail Car/Caravan' challenge mentioned above
The 1947 (IIRC) Challenge - Steam Locomotive Peppercorn-Class (Clarkson Firing) vs. Jaguar vs Motorbike (no motorways - A roads only) - Car wonCar vs TGV from South England to Monaco - Car won
Car vs Japanese Railroad to Tokoyo (Buddhist Shrine) - Car won
Transit across London - Car vs Tube/Bus/Docklands vs Bicycle vs SpeedBoat (the terminus was the London City Airport, on the former Docklands - would have been more interesting if it was London Stansted Airport and Clarkson would have had to drag his boat kilometres inland...)Boat won, Car came in dead last
Not strictly a rail-challenge, but in the Norway Car vs Boat/Ferry to Norway, Clarkson had to take the Chunnel, and after driving thru several car carries on the EuroStar, stated "So I just keep driving thru the train till I get to France, is that it?" - oh yes, Car won, because Richard is not a good seaman apparently.Not strictly a rail-challenge, but the Vietnam special (Vietnam south to north via motorbike), they take a train for half the journey, and you get some good shots of Vietnamese rail passenger service. - well, May lostI am sure there are others, but I can't recall them - anyway, they do like Rail on the show, they just don't like Caravans (well, they're on-show Top Gear personas do - which apparenlty are fairly close to their real-life personas).
chutton01 The 1947 (IIRC) Challenge - Steam Locomotive Peppercorn-Class (Clarkson Firing) vs. Jaguar vs Motorbike (no motorways - A roads only) - Car won
The 1947 (IIRC) Challenge - Steam Locomotive Peppercorn-Class (Clarkson Firing) vs. Jaguar vs Motorbike (no motorways - A roads only) - Car won
The above is a must-see (can be found on youtube). There is some excellent cab footage of the Tornado, including wheelslip at 70mph, and some tense seconds when an injector quit working.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
I wonder if they had to replace the rail sections where the Jag just sat there and ground divots in the rails.
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
The Jag barely had enough weight on the rail to disturb the rust.
Boyd I wonder if they had to replace the rail sections where the Jag just sat there and ground divots in the rails.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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