An impact test device includes a control rail and a carriage assembly moveable along the control rail in a plurality of directions including a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The carriage assembly includes a catch configured to engage the control rail to control movement of the carriage assembly. Movement of the carriage assembly in the first direction urges the catch to disengage from the control rail, and movement of the carriage assembly in the second direction urges the catch to engage the control rail.