Eight Mobile Maintenance Trains (MMT) will be entering service over the next 12 months, based at locations in the East Midlands, on the East Coast Main Line and across the south-east.
The trains are intended to reduce the amount of disruptive access needed for routine engineering work whilst improving workforce safety. They create a safe haven for maintenance teams to work in, protecting them from the elements and train movements on adjacent lines.
Each MMT comprises three vehicles: a traction and supply unit where welfare facilities are located, an intermediate car with storage areas for tools and materials, and the maintenance unit itself which is linked to the intermediate car by two hoists.
The fleet is being manufactured in Germany by Robel and will be operated and maintained by Colas Rail under a three-year deal.