Leaf busting trains deployed on North West rail routes for autumn

Network Rail’s fleet of ‘leaf busting’ trains has been deployed in the North West today (Thursday 01 October).

The seven specialist trains (six multi-person vehicles and one rail-head treatment train) will travel across the region for the next 10 weeks, using high-powered water jets to clear leaves from the railway.

Network Rail revealed that some of the trains would travel for up to 21 hours each day. In total, they will cover just over 100,000 miles of railway, with the whole operation costing £7.5m.

In autumn and winter, leaves can stick to rails and become repeatedly compressed by passing trains. The result is a slippery layer of matter that acts like “black ice” for passing trains.

In the most severe cases, these patches can make it difficult for trains to brake or accelerate properly, creating a hazard for train drivers. Built-up leaf mulch can also stop track sensors from working and lead to delays.

Network Rail’s specialist trains use a high-powered water jet which blasts the leaf matter off the track as it passes over. A separate nozzle at the back of the train then coats the rail in a gritty substance which improves traction for train wheels.

The trains have been deployed as Network Rail prepares for the impact of a more powerful El Niño, which could trigger heavy rainfall, severe autumn and winter storms, and an elevated risk of flooding.

Louise Tilly, Network Rail’s North West Seasons Delivery Manager, said: “While leaves on the line might not seem like a major concern, this is a problem that causes disruption and inconvenience for passengers and freight trains every year. Our fleet of leaf busting trains cover a huge area of the railway blasting leaves off the tracks and laying down a traction gel to help trains travelling in these difficult conditions.

“We are always planning three seasons in advance for potential problems on the railway, from flooding and ice to extreme heat and autumn conditions.”