Keeping Class 195s on Track | Underframe Cleaning for Northern Rail
At TBM Rail, we know that some of the most important work on the railway happens behind the scenes. It’s the kind of work that may go unnoticed by passengers but is critical to ensuring trains run safely, reliably, and on time. One example of this is our recent support for Northern Rail, where we’ve been providing regular underframe cleaning for their Class 195 fleet.
A Practical Partnership with Northern Rail
We’re currently supplying two dedicated team members every day, Monday to Friday, to carry out underframe cleaning work on the Class 195 units. These modern diesel units are a core part of Northern Rail’s fleet, serving thousands of passengers across the north of England each day.
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.
No Chemicals, Just Hard Work
One of the unique aspects of this project is our approach to it. We carry out all of the cleaning manually using traditional tools like scrapers and wire brushes, without the use of chemicals or power washers.
It’s a job that demands attention to detail and physical effort. This is not light-duty cleaning. We are removing thick layers of grime, built up over time through exposure to the elements, brake dust, oil, and general track debris. These deposits may not look like much at first glance, but they have a real impact on component wear and overall system performance.
Moreover, standard cleaning agents produce a range of unpleasant and harmful effects on the environment. The harmful chemical ingredients in these solutions eventually make their way into waterways, such as streams and rivers, and end up in the sea through direct runoff or leaching.
Toxic and hazardous techniques are commonly used to clean trains, but our natural solutions prove to be more than up to the task and were used to effectively and safely clean the trains without causing damage to surfaces, unlike other products.
Traditional chemicals, while effective at removing grime, grease, or limescale build up, contain harsh, hazardous chemicals that can corrode equipment and harm the people exposed to them. Over time, these chemicals can damage equipment enough that will necessitate costly repairs or replacement or cause serious injury to the people working with or handling the product.
Due to the excessive scale of the dirt build up, we have ensured our team carry out safety checks and precautions before they begin their day. Air fed masks are provided to all team members due to the dangerous risk waste can cause. Dust particles small enough to be inhaled, can lodge in the lungs and make it harder to breathe, they can also cause irritation to the eyes.
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.
Skilled Hands Doing the Work That Matters
At TBM Rail, we take pride in our people so the team on this project brings not just hard work, but knowledge of rolling stock systems and a clear understanding of what’s at stake. They know where to look, what to clean and how to spot signs of potential trouble before it escalates.
Their work contributes to smoother inspections, easier maintenance tasks for the depot teams, and more reliable trains for passengers. It’s a great example of how collaborative, hands on support can make a meaningful difference to daily rail operations.
Supporting the Railway Through Practical Solutions
This project highlights the kind of practical, hands on support we offer at TBM Rail. Whether it’s cleaning, component refurbishment, or logistics support, we’re proud to play our part in keeping Britain’s railway running smoothly.
If you’re interested in learning more about this work or how we can support your fleet maintenance needs, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team today.
And if you want to see us in action, make sure to keep up to date on our socials. To see us at work on the class 195 watch here.