23.10.13
Network Rail preparing to deal with leaves on the line
Network Rail is making sure it is ready for the challenges that autumn can bring to the railway, with improvements to the system used to clear leaves from the track.
The fleet of vehicles used to remove rotting vegetation from the tracks have had their water tanks lined to prevent blockages, which could damage the system. If rust particle flakes get into the jet wash mechanism, this could jeopardise the vehicle’s ability to clean and clear debris away.
The work was carried out by RPM at its York facility, where surfaces were coated with a glass flake filled epoxy.
A company spokesperson said: “We have been using this system to keep the rails free of contamination for the past eight years, treating most lines twice during the season. It works pretty well and has undoubtedly cut down delays.
“Obviously keeping the equipment in tip-top condition is essential to the task, so we
Selected RPM because we believed it was the best quality company to carry out the work and the price was right; we made the right decision.
“The efficiency and general housekeeping of the operation was such that we hardly knew they were there.”
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