A few years ago Network Rail expensively converted a few redundant trains to third- rail de-icers- the idea is that they would run round the network before services start, removing the insulating ice from the conductor rails. Once the services start running, the trains keep the track ice- free. Worked a treat. But the operating companies wouldn't pay to man them or maintain them, and a warm winter or two left them congratulating themselves on their prudence. So when they were actually needed, they were rusted up, vandalised and unusable in sidings.