Business profile
Advanced software systems for railway signalling and operations
Tim Gray discusses how TRE’s software systems are being used in an increasing variety of ways to enhance safety, improve performance and reduce project risk
R Simulate
TRE’s full-fidelity simulators (TREsim) provide one to one representation of the live operating systems and have been used for many years by Network Rail for training and regularly assessing signallers in operating complex electronic signalling centres throughout the UK. Over 100 replica simulations of signaller workstations for control areas have been supplied, including those fitted in the new regional operating control centres (Rocs) that are key to Network Rail’s signalling
ecently rebranded as TRE, The Railway Engineering Company already has a long and successful history in the UK railway
industry through the use of its simulation tools for training and competence management. The new corporate strapline however – simulate, validate, control – gives some clues to the ways in which the product range and its usage is developing.
strategy. These installations incorporate accurate models of the interlocking, the exact workstation screen layout and controls, driver/signaller communications, current timetable, track topology and train performance. The simulators are now a regular
part of the training curriculum for signallers as they practice the routine tasks in controlling trains and, crucially, emergency and perturbation scenarios in a safe, off-line and totally realistic environment. The signaller is constantly observed and monitored during each session by a trainer/assessor who has the ability to change the session from a normal situation to one involving a failed train, faulty points, signals and track circuits, Spad or adverse weather conditions. Typically the TREsim products are
installed as part of area re-signalling schemes. TRE works closely with OEM suppliers, such as GE, Invensys and Delta
Rail, to install the simulators well in advance of the commissioning period to allow for signaller training on the new scheme. Beyond the initial warranty period, we provide continued support to Network Rail directly to ensure that infrastructure and timetable changes are reflected so that the ‘live’ railway model accuracy is maintained. The power of the TRE simulators has
been recognised in international markets too, with systems now active in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy and Japan. The Norwegian application is particularly novel, whereby three workstation simulators are integrated with six driving cab simulators (from Sydac) providing a virtual railway system training suite at the Norwegian Traffic Management training facility, Norsk Jernbaneskole in Oslo.
Validate While the original safety and business case for full-fidelity simulators was the
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