Mobile Maintenance Train
| Mobile Maintenance Train (MMT) | |
|---|---|
 6U81 in Darlington Down Sidings | |
| In service | 2015 - Present |
| Manufacturer | Robel |
| Built at | Freilassing |
| Family name | ROMIS SYSTEM |
| Entered service | 2015-present |
| Number built | 8 |
| Number in service | 8 |
| Formation | 3 cars |
| Fleet numbers | DR97501
DR97502 DR97503 DR97504 DR97505 DR97506 DR97507 DR97508 |
| Operator(s) | Network Rail |
| Depot(s) | Darlington
Paddock Wood Derby Woking Retford Romford Peterborough Horsham |
| Specifications | |
| Entry | step |
| Articulated sections | 3 |
| Maximum speed | 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) |
| Prime mover(s) | 2x Deutz engines |
| Power output | 500kw |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Stock type | On Track Plant |
The Mobile Maintenance Train (MMT) is a series of On Track Plant machines constructed for Network Rail by Robel.
Formation
Each Mobile Maintenance Train consists of 3 cars permanently coupled together to form a singular unit.
| Unit | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| DR97501-DR97508 | Traction Supply Unit | Staff Mess, Toilet, Workshop, Traction Power, Drivers Cab |
| DR97601-DR97608 | Intermediate Car | Storage and Loading Area |
| DR97801-DR97808 | Mobile Maintenance Unit | Enclosed Working Space with walls providing separation from passing trains, Drivers Cab |
Each Unit also has a unique headcode that remains assigned to it at all times, to identify the unit as a whole, 6U81 to 6U88. Traction and onboard power is provided by a pair of 500kw Deutz engines and the working area within the MMU is 16m x 3m, with extending side walls providing upwards of 1.2m of space when needed.[1]
Purpose
The MMT was introduced in order to introduce a "Workshop on Wheels" for track workers as they conduct maintenance activities across infrastructure controlled by Network Rail. Maintenance activity can be conducted from within the train itself, with the Mobile Maintenance Unit providing separation via the use of containing walls, providing a physical barrier between workers and potentially open lines beside them. The Intermediate Car provides a storage space for Workers to bring tools and materials required for tasks directly to site, with a pair of 2 ton gantry cranes that run the length of the IC and MMU allowing for the moving of heavier equipment such as lengths of Rail. Side Walls on the IC can be lowered allowing the train to be loaded by Forklift. And a welfare facility housed in the Traction Supply Unit provides staff a place to both complete paperwork and take breaks.[2] The MMT was estimated to create savings of over GBP 1 Million per year in maintenance costs.[1]
History
The project commenced in February 2013[1], and the first examples were unveiled in 2015, with the first unit, 6U81, entering service based out of Darlington Depot, followed by the second and third examples based at Paddock Wood in Kent and at Derby, with later examples being based out of Woking, Retford, Romford, Peterborough and Horsham.[3] In April 2020, Harsco Rail was awarded a 3 year contract to maintain and operate the fleet with a 2 year extension option, a contract valued as being worth USD 25 Million. [4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Grey, Eva (2016-02-25). "Mobile maintenance: Network Rail's workshop on wheels". Railway Technology. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
- ↑ "Network Rail unveils its 'workshop-on-wheels'". www.imeche.org. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
- ↑ "Britain's first 'workshop on wheels' set to revolutionise railway maintenance". Network Rail Media Centre. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
- ↑ "Network Rail awards mobile maintenance trains contract to Harsco Rail". Global Railway Review. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
External links
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