test track

English

test track (plural test tracks)

(automotive) A paved track on which road vehicles can be tested.
(rail transport) A railway track for the purpose of testing trains.
- 1961 March, “Talking of Trains: Hunting bogies”, in Trains Illustrated, page 136:
  Research would be facilitated if a test track of suitable length and characteristics for coach running tests at speeds up to "90 m.p.h.-plus" were on offer, as there are obvious difficulties in making available a regularly used main line for such purposes; but B.T.C. plans in this respect have apparently suffered under the economy axe.
- 2023 November 29, Philip Haigh, “New Piccadilly Line trains put to the test”, in RAIL, number 997, page 26:
  The dynamic tests at Wildenrath use continuous test tracks built on the site of a former Royal Air Force station that was vacated after the end of the Cold War.