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New technology designed to combat the problem of Leaves on the line or wheel slip by trains was unveiled by John Watts, Minister for Railways and Roads today, on a visit to Thames Trains in Reading.
The Automatic Continuous Sander (ACS) is being fitted by Thames Trains and Angel Train Contracts to their entire fleet of Class 165 and 166 Turbo trains. It has taken nine months to develop at a capital and development cost of #1.3 million. The fitting is due for completion by the Autumn.
Welcoming the move, Mr Watts said:
I am impressed by the technology that Thames Trains and the rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains Ltd are utilising to help solve the hazardous problem of wheel slip by trains in this area. Safety on the railways is always top priority and any innovation that improves on the high standard that already exists is very welcome.
The ACS being used on Thames trains is controlled by a computer. When the computer detects excessive wheel slip during braking, sand is applied to the track. This improves the adhesion between the wheels and track enabling the Turbo to come to a controlled. The computer can repeat this action as often as necessary during a journey.
In addition to this, Thames Trains is bringing in other measures to help solve the problem of wheel slip. these are:
Poor weather driver training;
Satellite linked system to give drivers not only the latest weather reports as they book on duty but also to bring them up to date with reports on adhesion throughout the day;
Working with Railtrack to identify and deal with lineside vegetation.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Thames Trains operates a passenger service principally between London and Oxford via Reading with certain services extending to Stratford-upon-Avon via Banbury to Hereford via Worcester. The company also operates between Reading and Gatwick Airport via Guildford and between Reading and Basingstoke.
2. For more information on the Automatic Continuous Sander, please contact Diana Leigh, Thames Trains press office: Tel 01734 579731.
