Unveiled: a weapon to clear the wrong sort of leaves off the line
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.RAIL chiefs yesterday rolled out the latest device to tackle that bane of passengers' lives - leaves on the line. Railtrack's new pounds 1m multi-purpose track machine will deal not only with leaves but ice, weeds and fire.
The new machine, displayed at Waterloo Station in London and then demonstrated at nearby Clapham Junction, has high-pressure water jets to clear lines. Once the jets have gone into action, it puts sandite - a sticky gel-like substance - on the line to stop wheels sliding. The first of 25 models will come into service in August 1999, with others being gradually introduced until the end of 2000.
"Leaves will always fall on the line, but the new machines will help us keep the tracks clear and make autumn train travel more punctual," said Brian Mellitt, Railtrack's engineering and production director.
The concept vehicle was developed by Amec Rail of Croydon, Surrey, which is part of the consortium building the new fleet. The production model will be built by Windhoff of Germany.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments