Sandite

Sandite is a substance used on railways in the UK, Ireland,[1] US,[2] the Netherlands[3] and Belgium[4] to combat leaves on the line,[5] which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots.

[6] Leaf build up on the railhead can also cause signalling issues and 'disappearing trains' on the rail control systems (because of the electrically insulating effect of the leaves, which can prevent operation of track circuits).

British Rail conducted research, in 1976, to determine the suitability of Sandite for use as an adhesion improver.

[7] To assist the staff on the Sandite train in locating the sites concerned, in England and Wales black on yellow lineside markers were installed:[8] From 1992, lineside marker boards were installed on the Scottish Region, based on alternative white octagonal boards to denote the commencement and finish points, with no warning sign.

Belgian Infrabel operates a dedicated train, with a diesel engine at either end.