Network Rail’s North & East Route has integrated the Aquarius R2R vehicle, a converted Land Rover, into its daily operations. The vehicle supports a wide range of routine tasks, increasing efficiency and safety across the network, and proves especially valuable during autumn when leaf-fall presents additional challenges.
The Challenge
Each autumn, thousands of tonnes of leaves fall onto the railway network.
When rain mixes with these leaves and they are compressed under train wheels, they form a residue as slippery as black ice. This reduces traction, causes delays, and places extra pressure on teams working to keep services safe and reliable.
The Solution
The Aquarius R2R 4×4 Leaf Fall vehicle has been purpose-adapted to meet these challenges. Equipped to deliver Sandite, Citrasolve, or Interflon directly to the railhead, it provides an efficient, safe, and reliable solution.
Key features include:
- Rear-mounted tanks for Sandite, Citrasolve, or Interflon
- In-cab pump controls for safer, more efficient operation
- Targeted railhead treatment for maximum effectiveness
The Outcome
The vehcile delivers benefits on two levels:
Day-to-day operations
Tasks that once required three to four shifts can now be completed in a single shift. This efficiency helps Network Rail teams maximise possession time while improving safety.
“It helps us maximise possession time and keep the team safe – making our day-to-day life so much easier.”
— Rhiannon Jones, Signalling & Telecoms Maintenance Engineer, Network Rail
Seasonal resilience
When autumn arrives and leaf contamination becomes a major threat, the vehicle’s versatility is critical. Its nimble design allows it to reach remote and hard-to-access areas where other methods cannot operate.
Efficient. Reliable. Autumn-ready.
The vehicle provides a practical solution that enhances day-to-day operations while addressing seasonal challenges, making a real difference for track teams across the network.
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