RHTT
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During the Autumn, Network Rail run a number of Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTTs). These are used to improve track conditions during the leaf fall season. This is done using a combination of water cannons and the application of sandite (a thick sand based paste that improves adhesion) to the rail surface.
Sandite is applied through pipes located on one of the bogies of one of the vehicles while water canons spray water from the centre of one of the vehicles. Sandite and spraying are only carried out at a maximum speed of 40mph. Sandite application stops if the train drops below 10mph.
Track cleaning and sandite application are only carried out at specific points on the routes covered by the RHTT trains. There are sandite start and end boards which indicate where sandite should be applied. The signalman can also request the RHTT to treat track which has been found to be contaminated.
The Scottish RHTT trains for the Autumn 2007 season were operated by either a pair of DRS 66/4s in top and tail formation (which allows the train to reverse without having to carry out a run-round) or by MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles - Two-car multiple units with driving cabs and a flat bed for carrying various modules at different times of the year).
Sandite is applied through pipes located on one of the bogies of one of the vehicles while water canons spray water from the centre of one of the vehicles. Sandite and spraying are only carried out at a maximum speed of 40mph. Sandite application stops if the train drops below 10mph.
66413 and 66412 top and tail the Inverness RHTT through Perth. Photo by Ewan Tait
Track cleaning and sandite application are only carried out at specific points on the routes covered by the RHTT trains. There are sandite start and end boards which indicate where sandite should be applied. The signalman can also request the RHTT to treat track which has been found to be contaminated.
The Scottish RHTT trains for the Autumn 2007 season were operated by either a pair of DRS 66/4s in top and tail formation (which allows the train to reverse without having to carry out a run-round) or by MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles - Two-car multiple units with driving cabs and a flat bed for carrying various modules at different times of the year).
A Network Rail MPV on RHTT duties passes Cardross, 13th Oct 2007 Photo by Darrel
Times
2008
Times for the 2008 season RHTT trains in Scotland:- 3S90, Kilmarnock (MPV) Ayrshire/Inverclyde
- 3S91, Shettleston (MPV) Cathcart Circle/Argyle Line
- 3S93, Slateford (MPV) Fife Circle/Dunblane
- 3S93, Slateford (MPV) Edinburgh - Crianlarich (Sundays)
- 3S94, Kilmarnock (MPV) Lanark/Shotts/East Kilbride
- 3S95, Inverness (DRS 66/4s) Aberdeen/Dundee/Perth
- 3S10, Carlisle (DRS 66/4s) Dumfries/Mauchline
2007
In 2007, RHTT trains ran using new 3Sxx headcodes in Scotland.- 3S90, Kilmarnock (MPV)
- 3S91, Shettleston (MPV)
- 3S93, Slateford (MPV)
- 3S94, Kilmarnock (MPV)
- 3S95, Inverness (DRS 66/4s)
- 3S09, Carlisle (DRS 66/4s)
2006
In 2006 they ran using a 3Zxx headcode and described by the special bell code 3-4-2 in Absolute Block signalling areas. In 2006 there were five trains running in Scotland, based at the following locations:- 3Z90, Kilmarnock (MPV)
- 3Z91, Shettleston (MPV)
- 3Z93, Slateford (MPV)
- 3Z94, Shettleston (MPV)
- 3Z95, Inverness (DRS 66/4s)