What Does This Engineering Train Do?

[Deepgreen]

This working ran from Tonbridge West Yard (3Q00) over the North Downs Line last night and I'm wondering about its purpose. There appears to be a spray from the lit van so I'm thinking weedkilling, but it seems unlike other weedkilling workings. I caught it passing my local station Betchworth at 2326 and in the glimmer of the lights there (hence the poor quality). Just interested as there appears to be an operative sitting in the van and then at least one tank behind, with bright exterior lighting (and three dazzling headlights plus two marker lights on 69003 making it look American!). It was 'top and tailed' by 69003 and 69001 - rare traction on the line, which is why I popped down the road to get a shot (although the lateness nearly decided me against it!).

 

[3973EXL]

This working ran from Tonbridge West Yard (3Q00) over the North Downs Line last night and I'm wondering about its purpose. There appears to be a spray from the lit van so I'm thinking weedkilling, but it seems unlike other weedkilling workings. I caught it passing my local station Betchworth at 2326 and in the glimmer of the lights there (hence the poor quality). Just interested as there appears to be an operative sitting in the van and then at least one tank behind, with bright exterior lighting (and three dazzling headlights plus two marker lights on 69003 making it look American!). It was 'top and tailed' by 69003 and 69001 - rare traction on the line, which is why I popped down the road to get a shot (although the lateness nearly decided me against it!).
View attachment 135351

KFA Wagon with Bayer weedkilling modules There are three trains, each of three GBRf KFA wagons.

GBRf unveil partnership to transform railways weed control maintenance

GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the largest rail freight operators in the UK, is delighted […]

www.gbrailfreight.com

 

[Deepgreen]

KFA Wagon with Bayer weedkilling modules There are three trains, each of three GBRf KFA wagons.

GBRf unveil partnership to transform railways weed control maintenance

GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the largest rail freight operators in the UK, is delighted […]

www.gbrailfreight.com

Great - many thanks. The woman sitting in the booth, presumably controlling the flow, looked a tad bored! The same train ran the previous night but covered a much larger area on its route - this one was just the NDL. As far as I know, it was the first use of class 69s on the line, but I have probably missed other workings. I'm curious about the light shining outwards and downwards between the loco's rear cab and the first vehicle as there is no operative there to make use of it - is there a track recording camera function too?