A new train washing facility has been commissioned at London Midland’s Tyseley train depot. The £1.6 million washplant has been created to replace an old model used on site for over 35 years.
The washplant, funded by Network Rail, will clean approximately 120 trains each day. Almost 3,000 metres worth of carriages will pass through the washing facility daily (each train is around 23 metres long).
The Tyseley-based washplant has an acid and detergent dual function, unlike the older model, which works harder to remove stubborn particles such as carbon dust and heavy build-up of dirt and grease.
This new robust cleaning system begins with the train passing through an arch of pre-wash spray, being doused with a cleaning solution, and vigorously washed with rotating flails from multiple angles. The exit process involves rinsing the carriages thoroughly using the flails and water jets to remove the cleaning fluid and any remaining residue, before the train is moved and then parked.
London Midland Engineering Director, Mac Mackintosh, said: “The arrival of the new washplant will help to save hours of manual labour in the long-run. The intensity of the cleaning process means dirt and grime is eliminated effectively, which makes the trains easier to maintain. The previous model served us well over the years, but wear and tear over 35 years has meant a new washplant was urgently needed.
“I’m sure our passengers will also appreciate the results of our washplant, as a clean train creates a positive image for the passenger.”
Network Rail, Route Director Jo Kaye, said: “Whenever passengers are asked what is important to them when travelling by train, cleanliness comes high on the list of priorities.
“Keeping the outside of the train in pristine condition is every bit as important as clearing litter from the inside, and this new washplant will do just that."
