Rolling Stock was always a term used that referred to moving vehicles on a railway. In recent times however, rolling stock has expanded to include all vehicles with wheels that are used for commercial use on roadways too. Rolling stock usually refers to both powered and unpowered vehicles and can include locomotives, rail-road cars, coaches, and wagons.
LUL APR Rolling Stock Coatings
Promain supplies coatings developed specifically for rolling stock operating across the UK railway network. Our LUL APR-approved solutions meet Section 12 fire safety requirements, making them ideal for use in enclosed environments such as the London Underground and other underground systems. These coatings are built for real-world rail operation, offering long-term durability and dependable performance in high-risk environments.
Our product range supports both powered and unpowered vehicles including locomotives, freight wagons, diesel units and passenger carriages. Whether you’re working on new trains, refurbishing older stock or carrying out planned maintenance, our coatings help rail operators stay compliant and extend the lifespan of rolling stock while controlling long-term cost.
LUL APR System
The London Underground (LUL) Automatic Passenger Counting (APR) system is a pivotal element in the railway network, providing precise passenger data that informs service planning and optimisation. Utilising advanced technologies such as sensors and machine learning algorithms, the LUL APR system accurately counts passengers and offers valuable insights into passenger behavior.
This system is designed to enhance the passenger experience by enabling more efficient and effective service planning, thereby reducing congestion and improving overall network performance. As a key example of how modern railways are leveraging technology, the LUL APR system plays a significant role in reducing environmental impact and improving air quality.
By providing accurate passenger data, the LUL APR system helps mitigate the risk of overcrowding and optimises train schedules, reducing the need for additional trains. This not only enhances the passenger experience but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient railway network.
Rolling Stock Industry
The rolling stock industry is a cornerstone of the railway sector, responsible for the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of vehicles used in both passenger and freight services. Employing thousands of people, the industry significantly contributes to the economy, with a gross value added of over £1.8 billion annually.
Facing significant challenges, the rolling stock industry is under pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while simultaneously enhancing the passenger experience and reducing costs. To address these challenges, the industry is leveraging new technologies, including advanced materials and digital solutions, to develop more efficient and sustainable rolling stock solutions.
A key focus area is the development of new trains and locomotives, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact and improving performance. By adopting innovative technologies and materials, the industry aims to create rolling stock that meets the demands of modern railways and contributes to a more sustainable future.
The Role of Section 12 in Railway Safety
Section 12 approval ensures coatings control flame spread and smoke emissions, particularly important for enclosed stations and tunnel sections of the rail network. These safety requirements help protect infrastructure, passengers and rolling stock during emergencies. Promain’s coatings reduce risk without compromising visual finish or durability.
Additionally, the integration of advanced signalling systems is crucial for ensuring railway safety by coordinating maintenance activities and preventing accidents.
Exterior Coatings for Rolling Stock Vehicles
Coatings are essential across the full spectrum of railway vehicles - covering trains, coaches, carriages, freight units and plant equipment. Maintaining brakes on rolling stock is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and safety, especially in dense mass-transit networks. These surfaces must handle constant exposure to weather, vibration, diesel exhaust, moisture, and corrosion risks. Our products are engineered to resist damage while preserving appearance across long-term operation and harsh environments.
Expanding the Definition of Rolling Stock
Modern railways use a wide variety of rail vehicles beyond traditional trains. Improving the design and technology of the car body in rolling stock is crucial for enhancing structural integrity and minimising noise and vibration levels. Rolling stock now refers to anything with wheels that runs on track - powered or unpowered - including inspection cars, track maintenance plant, transport wagons and carriages. Our solutions are suitable for this full range of equipment, with compatibility across other systems and infrastructure types.
Coating Requirements for Powered Vehicles
Powered vehicles, such as locomotives and trains, require specialised coatings to protect against corrosion and wear. These coatings must meet stringent requirements, as they need to withstand the harsh conditions of the railway environment, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to chemicals and fuels.
The development of new coating solutions for powered vehicles is a critical focus for the industry, with an emphasis on improving durability and reducing maintenance costs. Advanced materials and technologies, such as nanotechnology and composite materials, are being explored to create more effective and sustainable coating solutions.
By enhancing the performance and longevity of coatings, the industry can ensure that powered vehicles remain in optimal condition, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and extending the service life of these essential railway assets.
Selected Products with Proven Rail Performance
Every product we supply has been reviewed in conjunction with operational demands and safety regulations. The integration of various railway systems and components often represents a combination of old mechanical and new electronic systems. They’re designed to reduce downtime, improve performance and deliver long-term value for operators managing rolling stock across different service types.
Rust-Oleum Mathys Noxyde Peganox Ideal for structural steel found on rolling stock and buildings, this elastomeric coating is brush-applied and creates a seamless, waterproof and anti-corrosive membrane. It supports protection against fire and vibration damage, commonly used in both underground and external areas.
Rust-Oleum Mathys Noxyde For spray application, this coating provides strong corrosion resistance and elasticity - key in handling movement, impact and temperature changes. Suitable for modern diesel trains and other stock exposed to constant operation across the UK network.
Steel Surface Protection
Steel is widely used in the rolling stock industry due to its strength and load-carrying capacity, but it also brings a high risk of corrosion. Different types of gauges, such as structure gauge and rolling stock gauge, are crucial in railway operations to ensure safe passage and operational efficiency for trains. Our coatings prevent rust, extend service intervals and lower maintenance costs - especially for freight wagons and carriages operating on heavy-use track.
Gloss Coatings for Visibility and Branding
Oil-based gloss finishes play both a visual and functional role. They’re often used on locomotives and coaches to support high-visibility areas, branding and wayfinding. The finish is easy to clean, helps reduce noise through smooth surfaces, and provides a professional appearance across all units. Additionally, gloss coatings contribute to reduced noise and vibration, enhancing the overall performance and comfort of railway systems.
Responding to Industry Shifts and Passenger Demands
The rolling stock industry is moving towards lower emissions, better air quality and a more comfortable passenger experience. A significant portion of the rolling stock comprises units and carriages specifically designed for passenger services, distinguishing them from freight-related vehicles. This shift also includes reducing environmental impact, managing noise levels and supporting infrastructure improvement. Promain coatings are chosen with these priorities in mind, helping operators stay responsible and compliant.
Maintenance and Lifecycle Extension
Regular coating application supports rolling stock maintenance strategies and reduces the frequency of full refurbishments. Various aspects of rolling stock maintenance, such as dynamic weighing systems and wheel defect detection, are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. This allows operators to control operational costs, extend usage of existing stock and maintain service levels with fewer disruptions. Long-lasting coatings help reduce the need for replacement or hire of new vehicles.
Coatings That Meet Insurance and Safety Criteria
Many operators are required to use coatings that meet LUL APR or Section 12 standards, especially in sensitive environments like tunnels and underground stations. It is crucial to keep information up to date to ensure compliance with the latest safety regulations and standards. Using approved products simplifies compliance with safety regulations, insurance terms and health and safety assessments.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
The rolling stock industry is governed by a range of regulatory requirements and standards, encompassing safety, environmental impact, and performance. Compliance with these regulations, set by national and international authorities such as the European Union’s Railway Interoperability Regulations, is crucial for the industry.
Developing new rolling stock solutions necessitates adherence to these regulatory requirements and standards, with a focus on ensuring safety, reducing environmental impact, and improving performance. The industry is actively working to establish new standards and guidelines, particularly in areas related to digitalisation and automation.
Advanced technologies, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, are being utilised to enhance regulatory compliance and minimise the risk of non-compliance. By integrating these technologies, the industry can develop rolling stock solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance, while also addressing environmental concerns.
Technical Support Backed by Industry Knowledge
Promain's team works closely with rail members, engineers and contractors across the UK and Europe. We assist with selecting coatings for different rail vehicle types and system setups—from light rail and metro to long-distance trains and maintenance plant. Whether you're refurbishing accommodation stock or managing large-scale production, we help with every aspect of coating performance.
Coatings for New and Existing Surfaces
Our coatings can be used on bare steel, previously coated surfaces or in conjunction with other protective systems. They're easy to integrate into current maintenance cycles and compatible with existing coating infrastructure. This flexibility helps reduce costs and limits rework during scheduled service periods.
Your Complete Source for Rolling Stock Solutions
Promain offers a complete range of railway coatings, including elastomeric primers, solvent-based topcoats and high-performance gloss systems. These are used across powered and unpowered rolling stock, freight equipment, plant vehicles and more—covering the majority of real-world rail vehicle applications.
Surface Prep and Application
Correct surface preparation and application methods are critical to achieving strong adhesion and durability. We offer technical advice and product data to help applicators deliver consistent, reliable results across trains, coaches, wagons and infrastructure components.
Ready for Future Demands in Railway Engineering
With the rise of battery-powered units, new forms of electric rail and environmental legislation across the UK and European networks, future-proofing your assets has never been more important. Our coatings are made to perform across varied climates and transport systems, reducing long-term replacement rates and improving service delivery.
Engineering Meets Operation
Rolling stock coatings must do more than meet spec sheets - they need to work in real conditions. From manufacturing and review to application and long-term control, our products are developed to meet the combined challenges of vibration, cost, infrastructure compatibility and passenger safety.
Get in Touch with Promain
Whether you're reviewing coating performance, planning a refurbishment, or replacing ageing systems, we can help. Our specialists are available to provide advice, support with product selection, and supply coatings that are tested for the needs of modern rolling stock and railway operation.