SIGNALING HIGHLIGHTS MEETING

This article presents subjects discussed at the ASME/IEEE April 1971 Railroad Conference, principally a cybernetic system to improve line capacity and the impact of electrification on signaling and communications. An analysis of electrical noise currents in the running rails included: noise currents produced by conventional switched resistor and new chopper propulsion systems, currents produced by substation power systems incorporating rotary convertors and mercury and silicon controlled rectifiers. The best potential for electrification in North America is some 20,000 miles of track averaging over 40 trains per day. One thousand amperes flowing in the catenary with a deep ground return will induce about 500 to 700 volts per mile in parallel signal and communications lines at the usual locations. A completely new signaling system may cost less than a retrofit. Development of a cybernetic system to improve line capacity was reported by the French National Railroads for a route on which freight, passenger, and commuter trains all converge on two tracks. The cybernetic system consists of three subsystems: signaling and routes, traction control on commuter trains,and dispatching.

• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  P.O. Box 350
  Bristol, CT  United States  06010
• Publication Date: 1971-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 17-19
• Serial:
  • Railway System Controls
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Business Press International Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communications; Cybernetics; Railroad electrification; Signaling; Track circuits
• Subject Areas: Construction; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00041039
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Railway System Controls
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 9 1976 12:00AM