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# Specialist fleet of trains begin work on keeping railways moving by tackling leaves on the line
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/specialist-fleet-of-trains-begin-work-on-keeping-railways-moving-by-tackling-leaves-on-the-line/
- Published: 2021-10-01T06:57:00.000Z
- Updated: 2021-09-30T16:08:58.000Z
- Description: A fleet of “leaf-busting” trains have begun working around the clock to keep train lines through Lichfield clear.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Transport, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:15, News

A fleet of “leaf-busting” trains have begun working around the clock to keep train lines through Lichfield clear.

![One of the specialist trains](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/3e8bacd4d02f42478932873be08074dd.jpg)

One of the specialist trains

Seven special teams will wash leaf debris from tracks on Midlands routes, including the West Coast Main Line until mid-December in a bid to keep passenger and freight services moving.

After lines have been cleared with high pressure water jets the machines then apply rails with a glue-like coating to improve grip on the tracks.

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s central route, said:

> “Leaves on the line are a big problem for the railway – it disrupts services and inconveniences passengers.  
>  
> “Every year, Network Rail and train operators work together to battle against the elements to get passengers and freight to their destinations.  
>  
> “Even more work has gone into getting prepared for autumn this year because of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including how we operate the trains themselves.  
>  
> “We are ready to keep people and goods moving across the West Midlands and Chiltern Main line running a safe and reliable service for our customers.”  
>  
> Martin Colmey, Network Rail