Heritage train line to test new rail machines

The systems are designed to help protect rail life and reduce environmental impact

A heritage train line in Kent and East Sussex is helping to develop and test new state-of-the-art rail maintenance machines.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) is hosting a showcase of the next generation of rail inspection and maintenance systems from rail technology company Schweerbau for representatives of Network Rail and Transport for London at Northiam Railway Station on Thursday.

The systems are designed to help protect rail life and reduce environmental impact.

Derrick Bilsby, K&ESR's chairman, said: "Heritage lines provide the ideal environment for this kind of intensive testing which replicates urban environments but without the need to disrupt mainline services."

He added: "What we have achieved together will mean more efficient and more environmentally friendly systems operating on all our rail systems, both modern and heritage."

As well as maintenance vehicles, tunnel cleaning technology will also be tested.