Autumnal chaos on the railways caused by leaves on the tracks may soon be a
thing of the past, according to Rail Product Design of Doncaster. Leaves form a
slippery film on rails, making trains skid. The British company proposes
tackling the leaves with a sandy mixture that is spread on the track from a
light trolley, which is lifted onto the track near the slippery rails (GB
2354500). The trolley carries a bottle of iron filings in a gel, and a sand
hopper. This gel and sand mixture breaks down the slippery leaf film, preventing
skidding. Passing trains then spread the mixture further. Often the slippery
patch is quite small, says RPD, so 鈥渄isruption to scheduled services is
minimised or avoided altogether鈥.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles