NORTHERN saysthefivemultiple units in its fleet which are fitted with water jets designed to improve rail head conditions after leaf-fall are expected to be joined by 11 more in time for autumn next year.
When damp leaves fall onto tracks and are compressed by trains, they create a slippery surface which lowers adhesion between the train wheels and rail head, causing particular The on-board spraying equipment in action. PAUL BICKERDYKE problems during braking and acceleration. The principle of theWater-Trak system is that it sprays the rail head to make it wet, rather than damp, increasing adhesion.