Ice, snow and the third rail

East Sussex’s road system is pretty poor, even in summer, so as wintry conditions worsen, maintaining train services should be top priority - or so you might think!

We know the problem is with the third rail icing up, preventing power reaching the train’s collecting “shoes”. But every year there’s the same level of bafflement and apology from the railways.

One commuter said: “Nothing will be done as nobody high enough cares enough”. He is probably right. When the rail authorities were pressed, it was largely about better websites and information - some help, but not much if you still can’t travel.

There were reports of an “experimental” £3 million heated rail system being trialled at “key” locations, eg Hastings. Was it on? The “theory” seemed to be: melt some ice, get power to the engine and set off, hoping it will keep going either by momentum or wishful thinking.

The rail representative looked less than optimistic, and it didn’t seem much of a “goer” to me. He also said the cost would be prohibitive, and clearly in this economic climate, there is not going to be investment in overhead catenary power, which anyway isn’t infallible under snow.

Overnight “ghost” and de-icing trains run in a bid to keep things moving, but this is not totally effective. Everyone sees the difficulties, but there is no sense of forethought or urgency. Yet in the event of a prolonged emergency the rails could be a lifeline down here.

I’m no engineer, but rather than try to heat or defrost the entire rail network, why not focus on the trains?

Perhaps run some diesel locomotives or, using current rolling stock, retro-fit hot air blowers around the collector shoes to melt the ice. Even in a major freeze, once the collector started to pick up there would be continuous power for the hot air to keep the track ahead clear.

You can’t help thinking that if it was a really important travel matter, and not just the poor passengers who supply the revenue, a way would quickly be found.

I’ve never been a regular commuter and don’t run a car, so this is a common sense axe I’m attempting to grind. Nor is it a complaint about the mostly excellent rail staff, many of whom will have done their utmost to cope with the resources they have.

DAVE WALSH

Rotherfield Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea