Train Control

[Anonymous]

I heard a dispatcher ask a crewperson if a particular engine had a "Train Control" What is "Train Control" and why are some engines not equipped w/it?

[thirdrail1]

"Train Control", AKA "Automatic Train Control" or "ATC" is required on all lines where train speeds exceed 79 MPH. Basically, if the engineer ignores the lineside signals, the ATC overrides his control and stops the train. This is not just running a stop signal, but also exceeding the allowed speed. Both the locomotive and the trackside system are required. Since only a small portion of the track in the US is so equipped, only a small portion of the locomotives are equipped, principally for operation in the Northeast Corridor. If a locomotive is not so equipped, it cannot be the lead unit in the Corridor.

[Anonymous]

Is that the only fuction of train Contol? I monitor the CSX's Rivanna & Piedmont subs around Richmond, Va and almost every train is a 20,000+ ton coal drag.Do you know if these subs are equipped w/ trackside/cab signals?

[wabash1]

differant railroads call it differant things. what your refering to is a speed control. it keeps the speed of train consistance for easy of loading and unloading. the range is from .3 mph to 10 mph

[Anonymous]

That makes a lot of sense to me;Loading/unloading of coal would require that kind of control.Thanks J

[PaulWWoodring]

What crews and dispatchers refer to as "train control" is not always accurate. My experience with CSX out of Baltimore is that they are talking about units equiped with cab signals and locomotive speed control for the RF&P sub, all lumped together under the misnomer "train control". The RF&P is the only non-former CR part of CSX that has a CS/LSL system. Cab signals and locomotive speed limiting can be mutually exclusive (not every line with CS has LSL) and cab signal are used with or without lineside signals, depending on operating practices. The former CR SD60I/M's numbered in the 8700's that CSX has, have separate tests and switches for the CS & LSL systems, and both have to be working to operate on the RF&P under FRA rules (otherwise you could run 60 mph under an approach signal). The GE AC6000's combine both functions into one "RFP" setting in the computer. CSX has equipped certain groups of units to operate on the RF&P sub, which is why you will always see a CSX SD60I/M, AC6000, GP40-2, or B36-7 leading there.

What one poster refered to as train control is probably "speed control" on some newer SD and GE AC units, which allows the engineer to set a pre-selected speed in tenths of a mph up to 10 mph for things like slow orders, weighing, flood loading. or dumping. Amtrak does have "cruise control" for electrics in the NEC (dial up 125 mph and sit-back and enjoy the ride).

[Justicar]

Very interesting post. Thanks.

I've been told that according to the rules the speed control is only to be used for loading/unloading unit trains and NOT to be used on the Main track for slow orders or for other reasons that the engineer chooses. I need to find out where that is. It might very well be a bulletin/notice specific to CP.

As a side note, on a couple different AC4400's we could not select 10mph...only as high as 9.9mph.

jc

[Anonymous]

I tend to believe "J" is on the money w/respect to my question. It's all coal(99%), 24/7.