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Monday 23 Dec 2024

Christmas cheers! Boys send Christmas present to railway maintenance train driver

Region & Route:

North West & Central: North West

| North West & Central

Two brothers from Marple, Stockport, have each sent a Christmas card to a maintenance train driver who they have been waving to every day this autumn.

Barney (7) and Edward (5) waved to the train each morning as it passed under a bridge in Marple at 7:48am. To their delight, the driver would sound his horn and wave back.

The rail head treatment train, which is operated on behalf of Network Rail by Freightliner, passed through Marple each day for ten weeks between September and mid-December to remove fallen autumn leaves from the track.

Network Rail uses rail head treatment trains to clear the track of debris from fallen leaves by spraying water jets onto the rails. Without the treatment, train wheels can become slippery on the track, which can cause disruption to services.

Barney and Edward’s mum contacted Network Rail to find the driver after the boys decided to thank them for the excitement they have provided this year.

The driver, Scott Sutherland, was pleased to receive the card.

Helen, Edward and Barney’s mum, said: “Merry Christmas to the "track cleaning train" as it's fondly known in our house. At 7.48am each morning we stand on the bridge in Brabyns park, and Scott has cheered up some very cold mornings with his enthusiastic beeping and waving.

“Sometimes people walking their dogs or on their way to work join us to wave too. Anyone with early birds knows an activity like this can save a mum's day (alongside good coffee!).

“Thank you to Roisin for helping us find Scott so that the boys could send him cards, a little gift and their appreciation."

Scott Sutherland, Freightliner’s treatment train driver, said: "It was lovely to receive the Christmas card and the little present. Sometimes you take the railway for granted as a driver and forget how much joy it brings to the younger generation - who knows, maybe even a future career! I hope the family all have a magical Christmas.”

Roisin Nelson, Network Rail sponsor said: “I’m delighted we were able to help Edward and Barney send Christmas cards and a present to Scott, who has been driving their favourite train this autumn.

“Railway maintenance workers and crew are true railway heroes who work tirelessly to keep people safe and on the move across the rail network. Even this Christmas, our teams will be out on site carrying out essential work to the railway. I’m wishing the boys and our freightliner colleagues a very Merry Christmas.”

The boys are looking forward to next year when the train will return to maintain the tracks during autumn.

Find out more about how Network Rail manages leaf fall.