Rail trials bring ice blast leaf removal one step closer

Attached to the front edge of trains, the system works by firing dry ice pellets at supersonic speed at the railhead, freezing any leaves that have fallen and been compressed on the line. These frozen leaves are then blasted away as the dry ice pellets turn back into a gas. In development at Sheffield’s Department of Mechanical Engineering since 2021, the technology has recently been put through its paces on the Wensleydale Railway, in partnership with train operator Northern.

“This is a gamechanger for the industry – the next step in finding a solution to tricky autumn conditions,” said Rob Cummings, seasonal improvement manager at Northern.

“One of the biggest risks to our performance during October and November is 'leaves on the line', but by helping to develop new innovative technology we aim to deliver the very best service for our passengers.” 

Funding from Network Rail’s Performance Innovation Fund helped the researchers purchase two retired Pacer trains, based at Wensleydale Railway, to test the new design and develop a plan for the system to be fitted throughout Northern’s fleet next year.