Network Rail New Measurement Train

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43014 brings up the rear of the NMT at Dawlish sea wall on 10 February 2006.

Class 43 power car No. 43062 displayed at Crewe Works open day 11 September 2005.

The Network Rail New Measurement Train (NMT) is a High Speed Train (Class 43 power cars and Mark 2 and Mark 3 coaches) that is designed for assessing the condition of track so that engineers can determine where to work. The NMT can check the condition of all of the main lines in Great Britain in a fortnight.

The train measures the contact between rails, wheels and the overhead electric supply line. Lasers and other instruments are used to make other measurements of the track geometry and other features such as overhead line height and stagger, and the track gauge, twist and cant. On the West Coast Main Line, particular care has to be taken to ensure that clearances are maintained for the use of tilting trains. The train also captures video footage which can be reviewed later.

The NMT was first launched in 2003, though the vehicles are much older than this. It has three dedicated power cars, nos 43013, 43014 and 43062. The first two of these are one of the type fitted with buffers. It also has Mark 3 and Mark 2F coaches. Due to its all-over yellow livery, it has been nicknamed "The Flying Banana". In 2005 at the Railway Forum/Modern Railways Innovation Awards the train won an award for Innovation in Engineering.