In message , at 15:26:38 on Thu, 15
Feb 2007, R.C. Payne remarked:
Presumably on a test line it is relatively straightforward to set up
the safety case in such a way that the rails are switched off an
earthed down before anyone goes out onto the track.
That would tend to suggest driverless trains. Or if one breaks down
on the test track, a very long wait for the driver to be "rescued".

Surely on a test facility there will be people on the ground monitoring
and controlling things? It can't be that hard for the driver to radio
control, tell them he's broken down or needs to get off, and have them
turn the current off. Wouldn't work to run a mainline railway like
that, but I can't see it being such a problem for a test track.

Turning off perhaps, but earthing it down might take a little longer.
--
Roland Perry