THE OPERATIONAL PLANNING OF TRAIN SERVICES IN THE CATCHMENT AREA OF LARGE MARSHALLING YARDS WITH THE AID OF EDP. DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANALYTICAL MODEL

In closely meshed railway networks with many access points and with sections and junctions carrying heavy traffic, the preparation of transport processes assumes great importance. For some time already, the Deutsche Reichsbahn have therefore tried to improve their technological planning by using methods of operational research and electronic data processing. For this purpose, a model system is being gradually developed; the design, problematics and realisation of this system are outlined in the present paper. One part of this model system is the analytical model known as "train formation plan, local zone, dependent on the time of day". Its objective is to minimise the times (measured in wagon hours) spent by goods wagons in the local zone as well as the traction requirements (measured in locomotive hours). This results in the timing of train trips for the collection and distribution of goods wagons within the catchment area of the marshalling yard, based on the numbers of goods wagons arising at different times of the day and taking into account the capacity of the installations available. In the process, the number, composition and time of day (within an appropriate tolerance limit) are calculated for the envisaged local goods train relations as a basis for the compilation of the timetable. After successful test calculations, the model has been introduced into the practical operation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn. The first practical applications to the junctions in one Reichsbahn Region have shown that the costs are acceptable and that the results are favourable inasmuch as the quality of the goods services is improved and their costs are reduced. At present, organisational measures are being taken for the gradual application of the system to catchment areas of all the marshalling yards within the network of the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at Fourth International Symposium on Railroad Cybernetics, AAR/UIC/IRCA, 21-26 April 1974, Washington, D.C. This paper was also published in the November-December, 1973 issue of Rail International, which is available from E.S.L.
• Corporate Authors:

  International Union of Railways

  14 rue Jean Rey
  75015 Paris,   France 
• Authors:
  • Sliwka, H
• Publication Date: 1974-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 4 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer models; Computers; Freight handling; Freight service; Information systems; Operations; Planning; Railroad terminals; Railroad yards
• Old TRIS Terms: Freight operations; Operations planning
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00053775
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: International Union of Railways
• Report/Paper Numbers: Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 17 1974 12:00AM