Garrandale has completed work on Network Rail’s new Winterisation Train, equipping it with heat cannons to thaw snow and ice on Britain’s network.
The system, which can operate in temperatures as low as -20 degrees celsius, uses a combination of steam, hot water and air blasts to defrost the track.
Network Rail commisioned the train following the winter of 2010/2011 – the UK’s coldest winter on record.
The two main modules are insulated with a high-performance material usually found on NASA spacecraft.
On top of that, all of the key elements such as water storage, steam generation and air compression equipment are fitted with their own heaters to prevent damage from freezing.
Following the award of the contract, the main vehicles of the train were delivered to Garrandale in early October 2012 with the work on all the equipment completed by mid-December.
The train will now be sent to Scotland for more trials this winter.
