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Dr. Yellow: More than just good luck, it’s good maintenance
Dr. Yellow: More than just good luck, it’s good maintenance
Natalie Johnson
Posted 04/26/2023
Japan is known for their high-speed passenger trains, or Shinkansen. These bullet trains were first launched in 1964 prior to Tokyo hosting the Olympic games. Shinkansen is the world’s most reliable high-speed train network, and the railways are known for their high level of comfort, impeccable safety record, and on-time departures.
In the 59-year history of the Shinkansen there has not been a single accident or a passenger injury/fatality due to derailments or collisions. The trains average time of delay, per year, is consistently less than one minute and the trains regularly run at speeds ranging from 200-275 mph.
So how do they do it?
The key to maintaining the railways spotless record: Dr. Yellow
Dr. Yellow / Wikipedia
Along the railways, a unique bright yellow train can sometimes be seen cruising along. The rare sighting of this train is thought to bring good fortune and happiness to those who catch a glimpse as it flies by at 275 mph.
But the train brings much more than happiness and good luck. Dr. Yellow serves a very important function and is deployed every ten days or so to monitor the condition of the railway, running at the same speed and on the same rails as the normal bullet train.
The inspection vehicle is 7 cars long and contains sophisticated condition monitoring equipment that uses a series of cameras to record rail conditions for further review. Engineers on board analyze the footage for any irregularities in track alignment, wear or fraying in overhead wiring, and hazardous obstructions.
Nozomi Inspection: Dr. Yellow runs on the high-speed lines of the passenger rails
Kodama Inspection: Dr. Yellow tests train stations where trains do not pass at high speeds
The nine-man crew, made up of two drivers, three track technicians, and four workers to analyze power-related issues, monitor the data collected from the condition monitoring equipment and relay the information to maintenance crews if a repair is necessary. The train is equipped with a GPS system, laser measurement, and a map-matching algorithm which pinpoints exactly where faults are located on the tracks.
The state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment also measures power outputs and vibrations, when an earthquake occurs, Dr. Yellow is immediately dispatched to inspect the tracks.
The unique color and sophisticated equipment allow Dr. Yellow to perform inspections day or night at the same speed as other bullet trains as to not interfere with regular train schedules. Dr. Yellow’s schedule is seemingly random and never made available to the public, making a sighting very rare.
Occasionally, the railroad company will hold a contest allowing winners to tour the train and view the maintenance equipment contained inside. In March 2023, the railroad company sold unique tickets allowing lucky passengers to take a short trip from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station on Dr. Yellow. In addition to riding on the train, passengers were able to view the test equipment and observation dome on the roof that inspects overhead wires.
Test Equipment / Backpackers
Observation Dome / Backpackers
If you are ever in Japan, keep your eye out, you might just gain good fortune as you see this yellow train flying by.
Midweek with Maintenance World
Looking for a midweek break? Keep up with the latest news brought to you every Wednesday by the Maintenance World crew.
On February 28, 2023, the United States Department of Justice filed a complaint on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against Denka Performance Elastommer LLC. The Denka manufacturing facility is located along the Mississippi River in LaPlace, Louisiana and produces chloroprene, a chemical used in the production of neoprene.
On February 28, 2023, the United States Department of Justice filed a complaint on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against Denka Performance Elastommer LLC. The Denka manufacturing facility is located along the Mississippi River in LaPlace, Louisiana and produces chloroprene, a chemical used in the production of neoprene.
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This week's newsletter contains a list of 5 resources for reliability and maintenance case studies to help you on the path to success (plus two bonus case studies at the end!). Digging into mistakes that can be made and analyzing how they were fixed is beneficial to any maintenance professional looking to become an expert in their field.
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Since 2016, the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has held "Trench Safety Month" focusing on safety for trench and excavation work. OSHA is currently putting the spotlight on Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) Week to promote this initiative. The Trenching and Excavation Safety Taskforce (TEST) is also supporting. With the recent increase in utility projects, the goal is to promote safety training across the utility construction industry. This newsletter covers TSSD week and provides trench drain maintenance tips for after the trenching is done.
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Held on May 8th and organized each year by Global FM, World Facilities Management Day exists to recognize and celebrate the work of FM professionals who keep our workplaces, schools, hospitals, and other facilities safer, healthier, and more effective behind the scenes.
What are the challenges the supply chain is facing in 2024? What do these challenges mean for large operations? How can a good reliability and maintenance program help organizations ameliorate the situation?
What are the challenges the supply chain is facing in 2024? What do these challenges mean for large operations? How can a good reliability and maintenance program help organizations ameliorate the situation?
Following up on last year's Reliability and Maintenance Book list, we have a new list for 2025 which includes more classic reads as well as the ones you requested in the comments! Please enjoy and let us know what you would like to see highlighted in 2026.
Following up on last year's Reliability and Maintenance Book list, we have a new list for 2025 which includes more classic reads as well as the ones you requested in the comments! Please enjoy and let us know what you would like to see highlighted in 2026.
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