An Overview of Coney Island’s Train Wash

May 4th 2016

Every kind of transit vehicle requires regular washing, including trains. Not only does regular cleaning improve a train’s look, but it is an important part of protecting a transit authority’s substantial investment. Train wash systems vary greatly in terms of price, size, and other factors. How they are cleaned also depends on how it is energized. In fact, no two systems are completely the same. Being familiar with different features is important when designing a wash system for your train, so that N/S Corporation can design the perfect system to meet your train washing needs. One great example is our Coney Island train wash, which can serve as an inspiration for your design.

What Makes the Coney Island Train Wash Stand Out?

One of the best ways to measure the size of a train wash is by its length. This is where the Coney Island train wash system really stands out above the competition. While there isn’t a standard to train wash systems, many designed by competitors have 10 or so touches—which are the large brushes that clean the train. As one of the longest systems in the country, the Coney Island system has a remarkable 50 touches. Basic systems have a minimum of three touches, but the Coney Island version includes advanced touches such as eaves brushes, vertical side brushes, slanted side brushes, and mitter curtain drag mops. All of these features combine to leave trains as clean as possible.

Some other ways the Coney Island system stands out is the use of aerospace grade structural aluminum while being completely modular, letting it handle a variety of train styles. It is also engineered to serve both light or heavy rail. For being able to handle so many different trains it is a surprisingly low cost of operation, making it ideal for the high volume of trains it washes annually.

Features for Your N/S Corporation Train Wash System

coney island train wash

When it comes to keeping trains clean, N/S Corporation is a leading provider of parts and systems. Our experience allows for designs that include a number of optional parts such as cyclonic filters, reverse osmosis systems, water reclamation systems, and more for fully tested custom design systems. AirWipers, the most efficient blowers on the market, are another very popular offering. Because train washes like the Coney Island train wash system allow a train on the track to process through the wash at a controlled and steady speed, you can be assured the train will safely be taken care of without the need to put a locomotive out of extended service. Unlike the car wash industry, train washing is relatively new. However, since there isn’t a standard system, it gives N/S Corporation the freedom to design a custom operation to best suit your needs, whether you have small commercial trains or longer passenger vehicles that make up your fleet.

Consult with N/S for a Custom Solution

There are many benefits to washing train cars: cleaning them adds to the duration of the car’s lifespan. A clean car also enhances customer experience, making it easier for employees to effectively do their jobs. Because of this, it is vitally important to keep your vehicles in pristine order. Even among the same clients, we have developed vastly different systems depending on their needs and location. Does your system need a slanted or vertical side brush? Maybe a brush that wraps around the front? Different configurations are available depending on how the train is built, and at N/S Corporation we can mount any friction apparatuses on the frames of your system.

Finally, something often overlooked with train washes is their opportunity to be environmentally-friendly. Just like with other kinds of transit wash systems, train systems can utilize features including a water reclamation system and a low environmental footprint to be more eco-friendly in both the manufacturing and service. This allows for your wash to serve not only its customers, but conserve water, no matter if the wash is as sizable as the Coney Island train wash or smaller. At N/S Corporation we have a number of patented eco-friendly systems to serve your needs.

Visit N/S Corporation and let us custom design a system for you.