The next train to arrive...is the leaf-buster!

Special trains with water jets to blast leaves from the tracks are running up and down the Weymouth-Waterloo line.

It's part of an autumn campaign by Network Rail’s Southern Region team to keep the line clear of obstructions and ensure passenger trains run on time.

Leaves on the line are no joke, as they get crushed under train wheels and turned into a black ice-like layer, that makes it harder for trains to grip. In extreme circumstances this can stop signalling systems.

The Southern Region, which includes the Wessex route (Weymouth-Waterloo) has 19 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and six Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTs). MPVs carry 35,000 litres of water in two tanks and can cover 200 miles in a shift while RHTTs carry 85,000 litres of water in five tanks and can cover 400 miles in a shift.

Network Rail Southern Region’s Rob Davis said: “We’re doing all we can to keep trains moving, particularly during the Covid crisis where people need more space.

"We’re seeing much more wet and windy weather these days and our fleet of trains is running 24/7 to deal with the leaves that those conditions leave on the line."

He added: “Our train fleet uses water jets to blast the rails clean at such high pressures that if we stopped the trains from moving they would actually cut clean through the steel. We also lay a paste of gel, sand and steel filings to help trains grip and keep signalling systems working properly.

“This year they will run 300,000 miles over the Southern Region, from Weymouth to Whitstable and all points in between, and will lay almost 50,000 miles of gel on the way. We’re also continuing to manage our trees by the railway and keep the leaves from falling the first place, with an investment of £49m between now and 2024.”

As well as leaf-busting trains, Network Rail has 'traction gel applicators' at particularly 'leafy' and steep parts on the network, and its mobile teams have equipment in their vans to manually clear the railheads of leaf mulch.

James Royal, South Western Railway’s Performance Strategy Manager, said: “We know it sounds like a strange reason for delays and disruption, but leaf fall can cause dangerously slippery conditions on the railway.

“With the help of our high-tech and immersive simulator, all our drivers are well-prepared to deal with slippery conditions, while depot teams are working flat-out to improve wheel adhesion. We have also designed our timetable specifically to take account of leaf fall and minimise any disruption.

“Working alongside Network Rail, we will continue to get a grip on autumn and ensure our customers can get to where they need to be."