Buxted -
November 2003

With the phasing out of the elderly modified DEMUs used for sandite duties -- only one remained in service by 2003 -- modern purpose-built trains took over their work.

Unlike their predecessors, these trains are able to clear leaves with powerful water jets, as well as applying the sandite mixture to the railhead.

In this view, DR98979 is approaching the station at high speed, on the southbound leg of its journey down to Uckfield. The two car unit will treat this stretch of track on its return journey.