Network Rail has announced the new name for one of their leaf-busting trains following a public vote.

The train is set to operate for the first time next week from a depot at Effingham Junction in Surrey.

The fleet of leaf-busting trains will help keep the tracks clear of leaves, which are squashed by trains onto the tracks to make an ice-like equivalent.

Other names in the running were Leaf-Fall Weapon, Pulp Friction and The Autumn Avenger.

However, Ctrl Alf Deleaf came out on top with 50% of the votes.

“Our leaf-busting trains are the unsung heroes of the British autumn travelling the length and breadth of the country to keep the railway running.

“The scale of the operation involved in keeping passengers moving through the autumn is monumental: Ctrl Alt Deleaf, and our fleet of leaf-busters trains, will cover over a million miles, as well as deploying fast-reaction teams and using more technology (such as drones) than ever before. Our teams will be working non-stop to try and keep the tracks leaf-free this the autumn so that passenger and freight services can continue running safely and reliably.”

Lisa Angus Network Rail’s industry weather response director

‘It was fantastic to see so many members of the public get involved with naming a leaf-busting train. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a name and vote for a winner!  The leaf-busting trains are a vital tool in Network Rail’s operation to tackle the impact of leaf fall on the railways. I’m delighted that the public has been able to honour these marvellous machines with such a fantastic name.

Tim Dunn