sandite
{{Short description|Railway adhesion substance}}
{{for|the school nickname|Charles Page High School}}
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{{Use British English|date=June 2017}}
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Sandite is a substance used on railways in the UK, Ireland,{{Cite web|url=http://www.lloydrail.ie/|title=LLOYD RAIL – Improving rail networks world wide|website=lloydrail.ie}} US,{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Video/SlipperyRail/index.htm|title=MTA LIRR – Slippery Rail|website=web.mta.info}} the Netherlands{{Cite web|url=https://www.nu.nl/binnenland/2935125/prorail-start-werkzaamheden-herfstgladheid.html|title=ProRail start werkzaamheden tegen herfstgladheid|date=16 October 2012|website=NU}} and Belgium{{Cite news|url=http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws/binnenland/1.2819708|title="Schuurtrein" moet sporen deze winter ijsvrij houden|newspaper=deredactie.be|access-date=2016-11-15}} to combat leaves on the line,{{Cite web |url=http://www.agrri.org.uk/BRR/docs/TM-TRIB-14%20_A_.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=13 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030060515/http://www.agrri.org.uk/BRR/docs/TM-TRIB-14%20_A_.pdf |archive-date=30 October 2004 |url-status=usurped }} which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots. Sandite consists of a mixture of sand, antifreeze and steel shot.{{Cite web|url=https://safety.networkrail.co.uk/jargon-buster/sandite/|title=sandite | Safety Central|website=safety.networkrail.co.uk|date=19 May 2016 }}
Leaf build up on the railhead can also cause signalling issues and 'disappearing trains' on the rail control systems (because of the electrically insulating effect of the leaves, which can prevent operation of track circuits).
British Rail conducted research, in 1976, to determine the suitability of Sandite for use as an adhesion improver.
Application
File:LIRR applying sandite 2.jpg tracks.]]
Sandite is usually applied by a special train which first clears fallen leaves from the rails using high-pressure water, then sprays the sandite onto the rail surface.[http://merlinsphotos.fotopic.net/c707459.html Rail Head Treatment Train @ Fotopic.Net]{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} To assist the staff on the Sandite train in locating the sites concerned, in England and Wales black on yellow lineside markers were installed:{{cite web |title=Section 29: Signs for Engineering Trains and Test Trains |url=http://www.railsigns.uk/sect29page1/sect29page1.html |website=Railway Signs and Signals of Great Britain |accessdate=8 September 2018 |location=Sections: 29.6, 29.7, 29.8 |language=English}}
- The first sign, with three stripes gives advance warning of a Sandite application site
- The second sign, with two stripes points where application should begin
- The third sign, with one stripe points where application should end
From 1992, lineside marker boards were installed on the Scottish Region, based on alternative white octagonal boards to denote the commencement and finish points, with no warning sign.{{cite web |title=Section 29: Signs for Engineering Trains and Test Trains |url=http://www.railsigns.uk/sect29page1/sect29page1.html |website=Railway Signs and Signals of Great Britain |accessdate=8 September 2018 |location=Sections: 29.11, 29.12 |language=English}}
In The Netherlands, Sandite is applied by the first passenger trains of the day,Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/OhYEREMr1Oo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160730100736/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYEREMr1Oo Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYEREMr1Oo| title = Sandite: slim recept tegen blad op het spoor | via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} with special maintenance trains available too.
Belgian Infrabel operates a dedicated train, with a diesel engine at either end.{{Cite web|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20181023_03865770|title=Infrabel maakt zich klaar voor de winter: speciale treinen moeten sporen berijdbaar houden|website=De Standaard Mobile}}
Equipment
File:73136 and 73119 Tonbridge West Yard - Tonbridge West Yard 6W75 RHTT (15280293110).jpg operated Sandite train top and tailed by Class 73s in October 2014]]
British Rail initially used converted diesel and electric multiple units.Merseyrail's Class 501 Rail Enthusiast issue 50 November 1985 page 11First ScotRail Electric Sandite Unit The Railway Magazine issue 1090 February 1992 page 5 Successor Network Rail built a fleet of dedicated sandite wagons which are hauled in top and tail formation by Colas Rail and, DB Cargo UK and Direct Rail Services locomotives. Network Rail also uses its MPVs. As at October 2021, 67 sets were operated.[https://web.archive.org/web/20211201194654/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/stories/leaf-busting-trains-prepare-for-autumn/ Leaf-busting trains prepare or autumn] Network Rail 19 October 2021[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58783589 Dry ice to help cut train delays caused by leaves on tracks] BBC News 4 October 2021
See also
References
{{Reflist}}https://ireland.rhomberg-sersa.com/en/leaves-on-the-rail-lines
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080908032347/http://www.weedfree.net/casestudies/leaffall/ Leaf Fall Campaign, Weedfree Ltd.]