Sandite Explained

Sandite is a substance used on railways in the UK, Ireland,^[1] US,^[2] the Netherlands^[3] and Belgium^[4] to combat leaves on the line,^[5] which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots. Sandite consists of a mixture of sand, antifreeze and steel shot.^[6]

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

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.^[7] To assist the staff on the Sandite train in locating the sites concerned, in England and Wales black on yellow lineside markers were installed:^[8]

• 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.^[9]

In The Netherlands, Sandite is applied by the first passenger trains of the day,^[10] with special maintenance trains available too.

Belgian Infrabel operates a dedicated train, with a diesel engine at either end.^[11]

Equipment

British Rail initially used converted diesel and electric multiple units.^{[12] [13]} 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.^{[14] [15]}

See also

• Adhesion railway
• Sandbox (locomotive)
• Slippery rail
• Tribology

References

https://ireland.rhomberg-sersa.com/en/leaves-on-the-rail-lines

External links

• Leaf Fall Campaign, Weedfree Ltd.

Notes and References

1. Web site: LLOYD RAIL - Improving rail networks world wide. www.lloydrail.ie.
2. Web site: MTA LIRR - Slippery Rail. web.mta.info.
3. Web site: ProRail start werkzaamheden tegen herfstgladheid. 16 October 2012. NU.
4. News: "Schuurtrein" moet sporen deze winter ijsvrij houden. deredactie.be. 2016-11-15.
5. Web site: Archived copy . 13 October 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041030060515/http://www.agrri.org.uk/BRR/docs/TM-TRIB-14%20_A_.pdf . 30 October 2004 . dead . dmy-all .
6. Web site: sandite | Safety Central. safety.networkrail.co.uk.
7. http://merlinsphotos.fotopic.net/c707459.html Rail Head Treatment Train @ Fotopic.Net
8. Web site: Section 29: Signs for Engineering Trains and Test Trains . Railway Signs and Signals of Great Britain . 8 September 2018 . Sections: 29.6, 29.7, 29.8 . English.
9. Web site: Section 29: Signs for Engineering Trains and Test Trains . Railway Signs and Signals of Great Britain . 8 September 2018 . Sections: 29.11, 29.12 . English.
10. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Sandite: slim recept tegen blad op het spoor . YouTube.
11. Web site: Infrabel maakt zich klaar voor de winter: speciale treinen moeten sporen berijdbaar houden. De Standaard Mobile.
12. Merseyrail's Class 501 Rail Enthusiast issue 50 November 1985 page 11
13. First ScotRail Electric Sandite Unit The Railway Magazine issue 1090 February 1992 page 5
14. https://web.archive.org/web/20211201194654/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/stories/leaf-busting-trains-prepare-for-autumn/ Leaf-busting trains prepare or autumn
15. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58783589 Dry ice to help cut train delays caused by leaves on tracks