Media centre

Tuesday 21 Oct 2003

NETWORK RAIL SOLVES LEAF TROUBLE IN WINDERMERE

Region & Route:

      Network Rail’s Preston team has discovered a low cost solution to keep trains running on the Windermere line throughout the autumn leaf-fall season.  A road-rail machine is currently being manually operated on the line to prevent trains skidding on the leaves.       Most railway lines are treated by a multi purpose vehicle (MPV) laying sandite on top of the rails.  Sandite is a gritty paste which gives train wheels extra grip on the track.  However, the MPV cannot visit every rail route so the Preston-based ‘leaf buster’ team had to come up with an alternative as a matter of urgency and this innovative creation is proving very effective.       The Windermere branch is 10.2 miles long and is a crucial part of the region’s railway as many trains travel south during peak times through to Manchester Airport.  It is vital that delays are kept to a minimum and to do this, the modified machine lays16 litres of sandite per kilometre of rail.  This is exactly the same treatment provided by the modern MPVs.       So far trains are running well and customers are happy, train drivers are also positive and have been impressed by the machines handiwork.        Network Rail Area Performance Manager, Chris Gee said; “Getting the Windermere branch sandited is critical to the region’s performance.  We’re very excited about this initiative and are keen to further its application next autumn on this and other routes not covered by the multi-purpose vehicles.”