Can anyone explain what's happening in this video?

[velotrain]

Why are the work cars following the train so crazy close - it appears to be on the same track?

I translated the text at youtube, but it didn't help.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVrajH6xIKQ

 

 

I also found a good video of the models.

 

 

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[westfalen]

If you pause the video when the pantograph of each train is under the overhead gantry it looks like the trains are on different tracks.

[velotrain]

You're undoubtedly right - I was going by perceived distance from the nearest overhead pole, and it looked very similar to me.

 

I probably shouldn't be watching that stuff when I'm overdue to go to bed ;-)

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes, they are on different tracks.  This is the stretch of the JR Kyoto Line between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka, which is quad tracked.  The passenger train is on the inner track reserved for suburban commuter rapids and some stopping trains, while the maintenance train is on the outer track which is designated for limited expresses, freights, and stopping trains.  In railway parlance, the inner tracks are called "densha sen" while the outer tracks are "ressha sen".  The kumoru145+kuru144 were just out of shop for an overhaul and repaint, and were being run on confirmation tests on a r/t between Suita Depot and Kyoto Depot.

[Ochanomizu]

Hello,

 

It is easiest to look at the shadow cast by the post onto the trains.  You will then appreciate that they are running on separate tracks.