Cleaning of the 195 Class Fleet
Customer Review
At TBM, we have recently worked on cleaning the underneath of the Class 195 Fleet. Our team of professionals have worked hard to completely transform the underneath mechanism of the train, removing all dirt and grime. The end result? A spotless, safer system for everyone.
Customer Review
The TBM team have attended Newton Heath TCC to clean the underframes of our Class 195 fleet. TBM were professional, punctual and had good communication throughout. It was a pleasure working with TBM again and look forward to working with TBM again in the future.
Regards,
Brandon West
Senior Development Role – Engineering

The Challenge: Years of Grime, Weathering & Staining
Our focus is on supporting Northern's maintenance efforts by cleaning key underframe components that are vital to the train's operation. These include areas around the traction equipment, air systems, and brake gear, places that most people don't see but are essential to the train's performance and safety. We also take upon the task of removing all the dirt from the premises, disposing of it, meaning we perform an all-round service with the aim of making it hassle free for Northern Rail.
Why Underframe Cleaning Matters
Cleaning these components is about more than just aesthetics. Dirt and grime, when left unchecked, can conceal early signs of wear or damage and accelerate corrosion. In some cases, it can even lead to early life failures of critical systems.
A failed component under a train can delay its entry into service or, worse, cause it to fail during operation, which is something every operator works hard to avoid. By carrying out this kind of targeted, preventative cleaning, we're helping reduce the risk of faults, extend the life of components, and support better fleet availability.
The Result: Before & After That Speaks Volumes
The transformation was immediate and dramatic. What had once been a dull, stained roof was restored to a bright, clean surface — significantly improving the unit's overall appearance and demonstrating just how much grime had been removed. You can see the difference in our before-and-after photos below.
Not only did the clean improve the look of the unit, but it also allowed the operator to inspect roof components more clearly, identifying minor issues early before they became bigger problems.

Thinking About Your Own Roof Clean?
If you'd like to explore what a specialist roof clean could do for your fleet, we'd be happy to arrange a trial. With TBM, you're not just getting a clean — you're getting a smarter, more cost-effective way to maintain and present your trains.
Get in touch with us today at enquiries@tbmrail.com to find out more or schedule a consultation.
If you would like to find out more about our work on the Class 195 Fleet, take a look at our LinkedIn.