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Doctor Yellow is the nickname for the high-speed test trains that are
used on the Japanese Shinkansen ("Bullet Train") dedicated express passenger
train routes. Five different Doctor Yellow trains have existed, although two
are now out of service.
The trains have special equipment on board to test the condition of the
track and overhead wire, including special instrumented trucks and
observation blisters.
The 'Doctor' part of the name is obvious from their test and diagnostic
function, and the 'Yellow' part comes from the bright yellow color they are
all painted. Some have a blue waistline stripe, some a green one.
In build and appearance, they are very similar to production, passenger
carrying Shinkansen trains, and they are capable of the same tremendous
speeds; testing is often carried out at very high speed.
Test runs are normally carried out at night, when service trains do not
run.
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