ROBEL MACHINES ARRIVE ON NR TRACK WORK PROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS

摘要

Network rail has launched the first of eight new mobile maintenance trains (MMTs), which it says will provide a 'workshop on wheels'for engineers and track workers. The MMTs have been manufactured by Robel in Freilassing, Germany, and will be delivered over the next 12 months.They will be operated and maintained by Colas Rail under a three-year deal. Their key feature is a large, extendable work area that allows access to the track below, providing cover, floodlighting and protection from passing trains. Each train will also have a workshop, two built-in two-tonne cranes, multiple power points, a welfare area with a kitchen and toilet and the capacity to carry tools and supplies. Shutter blinds in the upper section can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions, while adjustable side walls will allow the workspace to be increased where possible.The trains will also have a slow'creep'mode, enabling engineers to carry out rolling repairs to sections of line. NR says they will reduce the amount of disruption caused by engineering work as the trains may be able to work on tracks without adjacent lines being closed.