Alstom and its contractors OCS have developed an enhanced cleaning technique for Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino fleet, ensuring the train’s windscreens leave the Glasgow Traincare Centre spotless.
Tim Barton, train presentation manager at Alstom, and Jason Stuart, cleaning manager at OCS, have made use of mobile staging at the depot in Polmadie that – with overhead isolation – enables cleaners to get closer access to windscreens on the Class 390s.
The edges of windscreens are difficult to completely clean with an automated train wash. Meanwhile, a spotless clean from track level cannot be achieved due to not enough pressure being reached on the brush against the windscreen at that distance.
A Pendolino unit will typically visit Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre in Polmadie every 56 days, meaning the Class 390 fleet will regularly receive the enhanced clean by Alstom and their contractors, OCS. Alstom will then look to scheduling the task into the maintenance regime if results continue to be positive.
“This is a great example of how small, practical improvements can make a real difference. By taking a closer look at the challenges our teams face day-to-day and working collaboratively with OCS, we’ve been able to introduce a relatively simple solution that delivers tangible benefits,” said Tim.
Located around two miles south-east of Glasgow Central railway station, the Alstom facility is one of five locations along the West Coast Main Line where Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino fleet is maintained and cleaned. Known as Polmadie Depot, it typically welcomes 17 trains per day, including around ten Alstom-built Class 390 Pendolinos that are serviced by over 100 staff who provide a round-the-clock service.
“Triggered by inconsistent existing procedures, the team reviewed risks, refined materials and access methods, and integrated the task into maintenance schedules. Two controlled trials informed improvements, supported by staff feedback and targeted training,” said Jason.
He added: “The project has demonstrated the value of close collaboration and clear communication, resulting in a higher quality cleaning standard being rolled out fleet wide.”
Originally opened as Polmadie Shed on 16 September 1875 by the Caledonian Railway company, the Glasgow facility was subsequently rebuilt and extended for the maintenance of steam engines and rolling stock. The site celebrated its 150th anniversary last year when it opened to the public for the first time in 25 years, welcoming a unique lineup of more than 20 rail vehicles that have been based at the depot throughout its history.
Over 500 OCS colleagues provide a broad range of specialist cleaning services to Alstom across key depot locations including all five of Alstom’s Traincare Centres along the West Coast Main Line; Polmadie (Glasgow), Longsight (Manchester), Edge Hill (Liverpool), Oxley (Wolverhampton), and Wembley (London).
The contract scope includes daily fleet cleans, periodic heavy cleans (PHCs), exterior hand washing, biohazard and fatality cleans, turnaround, and on-board cleaning. OCS also supports the Caledonian Sleeper service, delivering daily cleaning, laundry and deep cleans between London and the Scottish Highlands.
Image credit: Alstom
