Tannins are responsible for delays caused by ‘leaves on the line’

Why ‘leaves on the line’ cause train delays: Tannins from fallen foliage break down to create an ‘ultra-low-friction’ black paste on the rails Tannins exist in high concentrations in the leaves of some plant speciesĀ  Chemicals create an slippery black paste when exposed to water and steelĀ  This cuts friction between railway wheels and the … Read more