Network Rail’s North & East Route has integrated the Aquarius R2R 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 Land Rover (formerly known as the Sand Rover) 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 Aquarius R2R Land Rover 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 Aquarius R2R Land Rover 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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