“A Whitewash Special”

Travelling on the main lines of the Great Western Railway 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 a 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 of 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 back 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.