Slightly Weird Railway Question
Slightly Weird Railway Question
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David87

Original Poster:

6,959 posts

235 months

Thursday 18th March 2010
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Whilst waiting at the railway platform this morning, I noticed what can only be described as white 'flakes' randomly splattered along in between the rails. I've noticed it before, but never wondered what it was! Coming into Liverpool Street there was more of the same stuff. What is it? It looks a bit like the dried toilet paper thrown at the toilet ceiling in any good senior school.biggrin

Magog

2,653 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th March 2010
quotequote all
I think you might have answered your own question...

It's only in the last decade or so that trains have been fitted with sealed waste systems, that require specialist infrastructure at depots to empty them. There are still many trains in service where the toilets empty straight onto the tracks.

The little stickers that say 'Please do not flush whilst the train is at a station' aren't just for fun. Obviously it doesn't stop people though.

Huntsman

9,081 posts

273 months

Friday 19th March 2010
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Magog said:
I think you might have answered your own question...

It's only in the last decade or so that trains have been fitted with sealed waste systems, that require specialist infrastructure at depots to empty them. There are still many trains in service where the toilets empty straight onto the tracks.

The little stickers that say 'Please do not flush whilst the train is at a station' aren't just for fun. Obviously it doesn't stop people though.
As a school boy my dad tried to flush while going over a level crossing!

I'm surprised we still have trains dropping poo on the tracks!

Simpo Two

91,212 posts

288 months

Friday 19th March 2010
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Maybe we could have a reverse version of those basket gadgets that used to collect the mail in the days of the Flying Scotsman etc.

The poo collects in a sack, which at the appropriate time is swung out from the side of the fast-moving train and collected by a receiving device. A 90mph mid-air bulk pooper-scooper.



And perhaps we could get Gordon Brown officially to unveil the first receiving unit, but not tell him the first train's coming, and keep him distracted until it's too late...

David87

Original Poster:

6,959 posts

235 months

Saturday 20th March 2010
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I was hoping it wasn't what I thought it was! I feel for the railway workmen...

Edited by David87 on Saturday 20th March 13:08