Trains May Soon Come Equipped With Debris-Zapping Lasers

Molly McHugh writes: Holland's chief transportation service is testing a unique new way to clear the rails of fallen leaves and other small debris: by mounting lasers on the fronts of locomotives. The lasers will cause the leaves, which produce a condition commonly referred to as "slippery rail" in the fall and winter months, to vanish in a puff of smoke.

Comments

Re:They're leaves.

[ArcadeMan]

Indeed. Where are they going to attach the sharks?

Re:They're leaves.

[Deadstick]

At least those are pointed down at the track; the reflections aren't much of a hazard. But yes, if the train rolls over you, you may incur eye damage.

Re:Even if their wet?

[joe_frisch]

We need to test all the competing technologies for this to pick the best:

1) high power lasers.
2). Flame throwers
3). High power plasma discharges.
4). rocket-propelled Anti-leaf attack drones
5). Jets of ClF3
6) Anti-proton beams.
7). Brushes
8) US only: a guy walking ahead of the train with a broom.

then we can see which is the most cost effective and safe - and get some cool youtube videos as well.