Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited, is to undertake major resignalling works on the Thameslink project, following the award of multiple contracts by Network Rail.

Westinghouse has entered into three separate contracts for project execution in the initial stages of the core area; this work marking the beginning of a series of signalling projects for the Thameslink development.  Concurrently, the company is executing the GRIP4 works of the programme, covering scheme development for all stage works of the core area.  Overall, the value of future signalling works for Thameslink is estimated to be in excess of £75 million.

In its entirety, this £3.55 billion programme will see new track, stations, extended platforms and improved signalling across the complete Thameslink route - the first phase of which encompasses the core area of the network, bounded by St Pancras and Blackfriars Stations.

Commenting on the announcement, Westinghouse Rail’s Managing Director, Alistair McPhee, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts, which are an extension to our existing Framework Agreement with Network Rail, secured in 2005. To be working on such a significant project, at the heart of one of London’s major infrastructure schemes, is a great reflection on the quality and commitment of our people, our products and systems.  We look forward to working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling solution.”

Phase I runs from 2008 to 2011, with final commissioning scheduled for completion in advance of the 2012 Olympics in London.

The Ministry of Infrastructure awarded Dimetronic with the contract for the Works of Phase II of the Teruel-Zaragoza line upgrade, for a total €14,2M and 8 months of execution.

This Phase II adds to the Phase I already under execution by Dimetronic. Phase II includes two sections of line totalling 78 Km. The scope of supply includes 3 new Westrace electronic interlocking, the telecommunications system, FS3000 Jointless Track Circuits for the stations, axle counters for the main line, remote control at Fuente de San Luis CTC, in Valencia, and screened cables to avoid interference from the 25 KV ac catenary system.

The Teruel-Zaragoza line is part of the so-called Cantábrico-Mediterráneo Corridor. The line’s main objective is to connect both cities in less than two hours, at a maximum speed of 299 Km/h. A possible upgrade to ERTMS functionality is now being planned for the line.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) has strengthened its Indian operations with two major managerial appointments.

They are new Managing Director Raviprakash Karcherla and new Head of Business Development Alok K Sinha.

With twenty five years of experience in the Indian rail industry, Karcherla has led IRG’s signalling, aviation and process control business units from inception to today’s profitable ventures.

He was also instrumental in putting together the ALSTOM signalling team in India that delivered the 120 million Euro Delhi Metro Lines 1 and 2 project in a record time. Karcherla also set up the ALSTOM engineering design centre responsible for “driverless” metros in Singapore and Lausanne, plus the world’s first commercial ERTMS Level 2 project between Rome and Napoli for Italy’s high-speed line.

In addition, Karcherla has a long and successful track record of managing both large-scale technology transfers and the introduction of various high technology products such as bit coded track circuits to the Indian railways market.

For his part, Sinha brings 19 years of experience in the rail transportation and mass transit sector.

For almost a decade he was Head of Business Development, Sales and Marketing with Union Switch & Signal (now Ansaldo STS) and pioneered the introduction of advanced technologies such as electronic interlocking and ETCS on Indian railways. 

Sinha worked for GEC-General Signal Borehamwood UK on its Delhi projects in the 1990s and was responsible for securing the largest signalling and telecommunications contract ever awarded by Indian Railways.

As well as being one of the best-known faces in the world of signalling and telecommunications for Indian Railways, Sinha has huge project execution experience, including conceptualisation, architecting, installation, commissioning, and achieving Indian Railway product qualification.

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia (WRSA), part of Invensys Rail Group, has reached an important milestone in its Beijing metro line project. The brand new Line 5 has commenced its passenger service. This is the first SystematICS based Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS) in Beijing and it is also the first in China to have an ISCS operational on day one with a passenger service.

WRSA designed and commissioned the software and performed the integration testing and system commissioning. Line 5 runs through the centre of Beijing from the northern to southern suburbs and carries a dense passenger service running at 4 minute intervals. It provides a vital link with the existing lines 1, 2, 13 and also with the future line 10.
 
The Beijing ISCS will manage 22 stations, including 16 underground and 8 interchange stations. The line extends over 27.6km and includes 1 Depot as well as main and backup Operational Control Centres.
 
Incorporated within SystematICS is a powerful suite of functional applications integrating such subsystems as: Traction Power Control, Train Control, Environmental Control, Automatic Fare Collection, Passenger Information Displays, Public Address Systems, Fire Alarms and CCTV Security.
 
The system will be on a one year trial operation and will be used for the Beijing Olympics next year. Beijing Metro Operation Company (BMOC) and its local staff are operating the system on a daily basis.
This is WRSA’s first project with local partner NARI Group Corporation in China, with the Hong Kong MTR Corporation Ltd as design consultant.  It has demonstrated their ability to work with multiple external partners while coordinating works between Australia, Hong Kong, and Beijing.  The project has been delivered ahead of schedule and is anticipated to come in within budget when the warranty is finished in 2 years time.

One of the most effective ways of increasing the carrying capacity of a metro line is to install an automatic train control system. Barcelona Metro is currently piloting IRG’s TBS500 Driverless System on their Line 11, with a view to extending the technology to other lines on the metro network.

Train control systems can classified into different levels of automation depending on the degree of facilities that they provide. At a basic level there are automatic train
protection (ATP) systems supplemented with manual control.

Next, there are systems where automatic train operation (ATO) is implemented in each section of line between stations, but with an employee present in the operational cab in order to manually operate the train doors and to start the train. These are now considered to be semi-automatic systems (STO).

Systems where an on-board employee can leave the driving cab of the train in order to carry out other duties, such as dealing directly with passengers, are known as driverless (DTO) or unattended operation (UTO). These latest generation systems are fully automated

Line 11 of the Barcelona Metro is 2.15km long and links the districts of Trinitat Nova, in the outer zone of Barcelona, with the district of Can Cuiàs in Montcada i Reixac. It has a total of five stations - Can Cuiàs, Ciutat Meridiana, Torre del Baró, Casa de l'Aigua and Trinitat Nova. It is at this last station that it connects with Line 4 of the Metro Network.

Historically, this area of North eastern Barcelona had been difficult to access using surface public transport because of its hilly nature. The line consists of a single track, except in the crossover station of Torre Baró – Vallbona. The platforms are 40 m long.

The TBS500 Driverless System, supplied by IRG’s Dimetronic Signals, is an integrated automatic train control (ATC) system for underground railways based on the ‘target distance’ principle. It includes an automatic train protection (ATP) system and an automatic train operating (ATO) system. The equipment on board detects free blocks of track in front of the train. This information is supplemented with the known length of the blocks, and data relating to the track profile/gradients. A train can thus approach a block occupied by the preceding train without reducing its speed, up to a distance permitting it to brake before reaching the block occupied by the previous train.

The system opens and closes the train doors and also the platform doors.
The train is started automatically, runs on sections of line between stations and reverses at termini.

The employee on board the train is responsible for initialising the system, and may leave the cab during normal operation of the system in order to carry out duties involving passenger supervision or assistance. When the system was developed, consideration was given to several degraded modes in which the employee on board drives the train.

Line 11 signalling is controlled by Westrace electronic interlocks installed at the Trinitat Nova and Torre Baro stations. These Westrace interlocks have a dual hot stand-by configuration with a high degree of availability. The track is divided into blocks by means of type FS2550 jointless track circuits, which are used not only for detecting the presence of a train but also for the continuous transmission of coded signals (ATP codes) to the trains.

Passive balises , distributed along the track, are activated when the trains pass. They provide data permitting the trains to be located with maximum accuracy, an aspect which is absolutely essential in a ‘target distance’ system.

ATO track equipment is installed in each of the stations on the line. It is used for transmitting automatic operation information to the ATO equipment on board, including control data originating from the centralised control terminal.

In order to increase the high degree of availability essential for an automatic system, the ATP system on board has three independent channels in a voting "two out of three" redundant configuration. The ATP unit consists of three processing channels operating in parallel which check between themselves and enable the outputs as if a single equipment were involved. If any one of the three channels fails, the system detects this condition but continues with no reduction in performance.

In addition, the system on board also has duplicate ATO equipment and each ATO unit consists of one processing channel. In the event of an incident, the system switches (automatically) to the second channel.

On enclosed metro systems, the primary interface of the train with the public is as it enters a station. Driverless systems require station platforms to be modified and fitted with devices to prevent persons or objects falling onto the track. These include platform gates or screen doors (PSD). Opening and closing operations and synchronisation with the doors of a train must be controlled by the system itself.

Two-way train/track communications equipment is installed at all of the stations. This equipment ensures increased stopping accuracy at the platforms to ensure that the trains are correctly positioned. Train doors must be face to face with the platform gates. Once at a stand, the system ensures that the operation of the train and platform doors are synchronised.

The PSD equipment communicates with the ATO equipment on board the trains by way of inductive transmitting and receiving loops installed at the stations. Communication between track and train is achieved by making these inductive loops (one for transmission and the other for reception) coincide with the corresponding train antennas. The transmitting loops are longer than the receiving loops and, unlike the latter, have multiple crossovers for detecting the position of the trains and recalibrating distances. The receiving loops are short and do not have crossovers.

The receiving loops are arranged on the track so that the transmitting antenna of the train is positioned right in the centre of a receiving loop when the train pulls up correctly in its stopping position in a station.

As soon as a train stops correctly at the platform with its receiving and transmitting antennas coincident with the inductive transmitting and receiving loops provided for two-way train–track communication, contact is established between the train and the station PSD equipment.

The train ATO equipment transmits a command for the train doors to open and a command to the station PSD equipment for the platform gates to open. The station PSD equipment transmits a command to the relevant platform gate opening system, for the gates to be opened.

The platform gate system transmits the status of the platform gates (open or closed) to the Westrace interlock used to control the station. When the data received indicates that the gates are open, the interlock selects a suitable ATP code in the station track circuit in order to prevent the train from moving.

When the waiting time at the platform ends, the Westrace interlock receives the corresponding permission to depart and then selects the appropriate ATP code which indicates "track clear – permission to depart, but platform gates open". The interlock continues to prevent the train from moving, but lets the train ATO equipment know that it may, from that moment, give a command for the train doors and platform gates to be closed.

The train ATO equipment orders the train doors and platform gates to be closed simultaneously by way of the station PSD equipment.

The station PSD equipment transmits a command to the relevant gate system for the platform gates to be closed, provided that it receives the "track clear" indication transmitted by the interlock.

As soon as the platform gates are closed, the gate system transmits this information to the Westrace interlock and the station PSD equipment. The latter transmits this information, via the inductive transmitting loop, to the train ATO equipment which is finally able to close the train doors.

At the same time, the Westrace interlock receives an indication that the platform gates are closed. It then changes the ATP code of the stopping track circuit, thus permitting the train to start automatically from this moment once it has been verified that both the train doors and the platform gates are closed.

The modular design and considerable versatility of the Dimetronic TBS500 system is perfectly suited to the requirements of the Barcelona Metro for the operation of Line 11. This has enabled it to gradually implement various functions and degrees of automation in stages, moving from an ATP/ATO system with speed code functionality to a powerful ATP/ATO ‘target distance’ system that also permits driverless operation without interrupting the service on the line.

It was planned that the Line 11 system would be implemented in three stages. In the first stage, which had very strict completion dates and which was put into service in October 2003, the line was equipped with an ATP/ATO system with speed code functionality (the Dimetronic TBS100 system). At that time, the line was not equipped with platform gates. The employee on board the train was positioned in the driving cab and carried out tasks such as closing the train doors in a station and starting a train on its journey to the next station.

Reversing operations required at the terminal stations (Trinitat Nova and Can Cuiàs) were also carried out manually. The configuration of the Can Cuiàs terminus does not permit sufficient safe clearance for trains to enter in ATP speed code mode, and they therefore entered that station in manual mode.

The current second stage, in which the functionality was changed to a ‘target distance’ system, was put into service during July of the following year. This provides greater capabilities and permits trains to enter Can Cuiàs under the protection of the ATP system. In this second stage, as in the first, the employee is positioned in the driving cab, and is responsible for opening and closing the doors and starting the train.

Work has now begun on the installation of platform gates on the stations of the line. It is envisaged that, as the platform gates are installed and tested, they will be opened and closed automatically, and synchronised with the train doors by the system.

It is anticipated that the TBS500 driverless system will go into service at the end of 2007, as soon as the installation work on all the platform gate systems has been completed. The employee on board will be positioned in the passenger area, and the platform gates and train doors will be opened and closed, and the train started automatically.

Line 11 of the Barcelona Metro will become Spain’s premier reference site for metro line automation.

Notes to Editor:
A guide to the acronyms:

ATC - Automatic Train Control
ATP - Automatic Train Protection
ATO - Automatic Train Operation
STO – Semi-automatic Train Operation
DTO – Driverless Train Operation
UTO – Un attended Train Operation
PSD – Platform Screen Doors

 

WRSA successfully completed the wayside commissioning for the InterOp (WRSA and Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture) site on the NSW ETCS pilot trial (12 hours ahead of schedule!)  InterOp is one of three companies shortlisted to carry out trials of bespoke equipment. The chosen test bed is on the Blue Mountains line. It is the most appropriate section of track to road test ATP due to the hills, curves and number of train movements on that line each day. The line consists of 10km of double track railway with distributed relay interlocking auto sections and an electro mechanical interlocking at Katoomba.

Site work started in October this year. Lineside infrastructure has been installed during scheduled track possessions and one train fitted with on board equipment. The Blue Mountains line is an operational section of railway but it will be isolated during operational tests. InterOp’s European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment will operate in a monitoring mode, when it will be unable to intervene and control a train. During this monitoring period it will be mixed with normal operational traffic.

The InterOp JV is split with WRSA responsible for fitting out one of the three track sites and Bombardier responsible for one of the three trains to be fitted for the trial.  The other two trains and track sites in the trial are being equipped out by United Group (Alstom) and Siemens.  As the three trains are to be fitted sequentially, the Siemens train is the only converted train currently in service.

WRSA successfully completed the wayside commissioning for the InterOp site on the NSW ETCS pilot trial ahead of schedule.  The project scope included the design, installation, testing and commissioning of ETCS Level 1 equipment between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, 100km from Sydney’s central business district. Included in the scheme were  13 Parallel LEUs (Lineside Electronic Units), 6 Serial LEUs, 1 Centralised LEU Concentrator, 34 Controlled Eurobalises (supplied by Bombardier and integrated with our LEU specifically for this project by the JV) and 37 Fixed Balise (supplied by Bombardier).  
Under the gaze of the Client and key stakeholders, the Siemens train ran into Katoomba station across the fringe between the InterOp JV Level 1 section and that of Siemens for the first time since the wayside commissioning was completed earlier in the day.  The train was supervised by ETCS successfully across this fringe and all the way into the platform without any problems. This was a major interoperability achievement for WRSA and RailCorp. 
Needless to say the client's reaction has been very positive. 
All the wayside engineering for this project has been completed in Australia by WRSA Australian based design and project staff which means we now have a strong ETCS knowledge base to go forward with for a Network rollout in NSW should  RailCorp conclude that ETCS is right for them and also for other emerging opportunities in Queensland.  However it must be noted that this would not have been possible without the constant and excellent support we have received from Dimetronic's engineering and R&D departments.  Special mention should go to Maria Paz Mellado and David Baca who have work tirelessly to understand our requirements and promptly answer our constant "how does this work" questions which arrive in their inbox every morning. 
The Siemens train is now running over the remaining parts of InterOp and United track sites ahead of a 5 week period of evaluation tests. Following this, the InterOp (Bombardier) train will be commissioned for a further 6 weeks of tests, which in turn will be followed by the United train.  
So we have lots left to do and to some extent the challenges start from Monday, but today marks the completion of the most pressing stage of the project which has been completed in 6 months from contract award.
Many thanks to everybody who has contributed so much time and effort to make this possible.
 

 

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia, part of the Invensys Rail Group, together with a consortium led by NARI Group Corporation has been awarded a contract for the supply of the first driverless Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS) for Shanghai’s Metro Line 10.
The Line 10 project forms part of Shanghai Shentong Metro Group’s railway network extension plans to ensure that expected passenger rail demands for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 can be met. The line stretches 36 kilometers from New Jiangwan Town in the North, to Hongqiao Airport in the South West.
The technology at the heart of the ISCS is SystematICS™; the software platform that will integrate all control and communication systems for the control centre, backup control centre, depot, substations and at least 28 underground stations.
The consortium’s tender proposal was awarded the highest total scores by an independent tender assessment panel using their SystematICS™ solution for integration, safety and performance in a metro control centre environment.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) launches its newest division, Westinghouse Rail Sytems India, at the Expo Rail India exhibition being held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from 16th to 18th October.

Charles Page, Acting Sales and Marketing Director from Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia said “the new company provides a direct local interface between IRG and its customers in India. It will enable us to significantly enhance our customer and technical support and provide our Indian customers with the expertise and resources from all the companies that make up the Invensys Rail Group. In tandem with our existing and successful signalling equipment distribution network the new office strengthens our commitment to India's fast-growing railway industry”.

Invensys Rail Group companies, such as Westinghouse Rail Systems, have been active in India since the early 20th Century, marketing products through a range of local companies and representatives. Now IRG is providing customers with direct access to its broad product portfolio, extensive manufacturing know-how and applications expertise through a team with strong knowledge of local market conditions. This combination of local hands-on technical support and IRG’s supply capabilities will ensure customers' needs are met more effectively.

“India is undergoing a very strong economic development, it faces many mobility challenges but also offers great opportunities to develop its public transport systems, that is why we established the Indian business” explained Charles. “With this new business and local staff, our Indian clients will receive stronger support.”

Indian Railways propose to spend 2.2 Billion USD on modernisation of railway signals, track and rolling stock keeping in view the transport needs during the next five years, which will not only reduce the unit cost but also provide services to customers at reduced cost. This was stated by Shri Lalu Prasad, Union Minister for Railways, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on Building Infrastructure.

With freight and passenger traffic is expected to grow at 8-10 per cent per annum and 6-8 per cent per annum respectively, railway infrastructure needs to be in place to fully capitalise on the opportunity, and that is where the worldwide experience of Invensys Rail can help operators maximise capacity without compromising safety.

The new business will target the rapidly expanding railway markets with the proven technology that will help improve safety, increase capacity and deliver tangible improvements to operators of both mainline and mass transit networks.

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 3.5 million contract to modify the ASFA national railways network train protection system currently in use on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line signalling system.

The original signalling system was installed in 1992 and now Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF wants to adapt the operational rules and functional aspects of the existing interlockings to bring them in line with more modern ones being used on other lines.

Under its contract, Invensy Dimetronic will modify the existing ASFA system within the next 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth nearly Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment to Catalonian Regional Railways (FGC).

The equipment includes Westrace interlocking, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and the Company’s standard AFSA intermittent cab warning and automatic braking system. It is to be used on the 9.5 km Martorell Enllac-Olesa section of the Llobregat-Anoia line which is being double-tracked as part of an overall FGC railway infrastructure project. The project is due for completion in two years.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands signalling contract for high speed rail line in Ordes Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Ordes, Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and by-passes. The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 10 km Ordes-Queixas double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 12 months. Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.   more »

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Santiago, Spain.

The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and
by-passes.

The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 15 km Santiago-Escravitude double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 10 months.
Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 4 million to supply signalling equipment for use on line 5 of the Valencia Metro in Spain.

Operated by Valencia Regional Railways (FGV), Metro line 5 is being extended by 3.2 km from Quart de Poblet, via four new stations, to the airport. Under the contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply its Westrace electronic interlocking technology, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and automatic train protection (ATP) system. The company is also modifying FGV’s control traffic centre (CTC) and providing the company with track-train radio communications – together with supply and installation of the associated fibre optics. The contract is due to be completed within nine months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 6.4 million contract from Spanish civil contractor SACYR for signalling works associated with a new high-speed line (HSL) linking Malaga and Cordoba.

The overall project involves building an entirely new line in parallel to the existing one, together with extensive modifications to existing signalling systems. As part of the HSL, the Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures and the local council in Malaga have also agreed on the construction of a new rail tunnel near the city.

Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for modifying both the existing Westrace electronic interlocking system in Malaga and all the trackside equipment involved. This will be carried out in several stages in order to help with the overall project management of the civil infrastructure construction. The company will also be carrying out modifications to Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF’s centralised traffic control (CTC) technology in Malaga.

SACYR is the main sub-contractor for ADIF on this project, which is due to be completed in 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 5.5 million contract to supply signalling works linking the new PLAtaforma Logística de Zaragoza (PLAZA) railway complex in Zaragoza, Spain, with the existing network.

Joining PLAZA to the network involves construction of the new Zaragoza Ronda Sur (by-pass) and the ALDESA-COALVI UTE has won this contract. A UTE is a temporary joint venture formed under Spanish law for a specific contract. The UTE awarded this contract to Invensys Dimetronic.

The project involves supply of joint-less track circuits and modification of the Westrace electronic interlockings included in both the PLAZA complex and the new Zaragoza by-pass. The project is due to be completed in 15 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands major contract for Madrid Metro extensions

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 18 million contract to supply signalling equipment for two major extensions that are currently being made to the Madrid Metro (MM).

The first extension, MetroNorte, goes an extra 15.8 km north of Madrid to connect with Alcobendas and San Sebastian do los Reyes. For its part, MetroEste extends an extra 8.4 km eastwards to connect with Coslada and San Fernando de Henares.

In order to fulfil this contract, Invensys Dimetronic is supplying its proven Distance To Go ATP/ATO system which is currently in operation on lines 8, 10 and 12 of the MM. In addition, the company is also supplying ATO track-train bi-directional communications together with the associated Platform ATO Communicator (PAC) system needed at the stations.

The contract was awarded by MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government in Madrid. Delivery for MetroNorte is due in 25 months while that for MetroEste will take three months longer.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Dimetronic play key role in Metro de Madrid enhancement plan
 
During the period 2003/07 the Council of Transport and Infrastructure of the Autonomous Region of Madrid has implemented the biggest network enhancement in the history of Metro de Madrid. A total of 53.14 Km of heavy metro plus 27.77 Km of light rail have been constructed representing 80.91 km’s of new line.

Dimetronic, part of Invensys Rail Group, has been heavily involved in the Madrid Metro’s Enhancement Plan, installing the company’s Signalling and Automatic Train Control systems both in the heavy metro’s lines and rolling stock.

Westrace electronic interlocking, FS5000 Jointless Track Circuits and MD2000 electric point machines have been installed along with TBS 100 (Speed Codes) and TBS 500 (Distance To Go) Automatic Train Control systems in all 53.14 Km of conventional metro. This network has also been integrated within Dimetronic’s Centralised Traffic Control at Alto del Arenal.

Part of the enhancement plan included the acquisition of new rolling stock. The TBS 500 ATC system has now been installed by Dimetronic in 90 of the 3000 series trains and 52 of the 9000 series trains. TBS 500 allows trains to run in Distance To Go and Speed Code ATP functionalities – depending on the equipment installed track-side. These trains are now ready to be upgraded to a CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) moving block system. SIRIUS, Dimetronic’s CBTC system, works through a digital transmission radio system for the continuous bidirectional interchange of information between the line’s fixed equipment and the on-board sub-system.

A total of nine lines were awarded to Dimetronic by the contracting authority, MINTRA, in order to ensure the reliable performance of this ambitious Enhancement Plan. The number of km’s to be equipped within the project timescale of six months represented a real challenge and included the commissioning and opening for revenue service. Dimetronic’s particular focus was to ensure the seamless integration of the nine line terminals connecting to the existing lines, all of which need to be modified without causing service disruption.

Dimetronic’s proven engineering and project management skills coupled with a history of manufacturing excellence all contributed to the success of this project and satisfaction of the Madrid Council.

Project milestone dates.

•24-11-2006 - Line  5 (Canillejas - Alameda de Osuna), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 2

•18-12-2006 – Line 11 (PanBendito– La Peseta), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 22-12-2006 – Line 10 (new station - AviaciónEspañola)
• 15-01-2007 – Line 8 (new station - Pinardel Rey)
• 16-02-2007 – Line 2 (Ventas – La Elipa), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 1
• 30-03-2007 – Line 1 (Plaza de Castilla – Estaciónde Chamartín) and 11-04-2007 – Line 1 (Estaciónde Chamartín– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 11-04-2007 – Line 4 (Parquede Santa María– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 21-04-2007 – Line 3 (Legazpi – Villaverde Alto), Length: 8,7 Km, plus 1,2 Km to the Depot, New stations: 7
• 26-04-2007 – MetroNorte or Line 10b (Fuencarral - TresOlivos- Alcobendasand San Sebastiánde los Reyes), Length: 15,7 Km, New stations: 11
• 03-05-2007 – Line 8 (Barajas – Airport, T4), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 1
• 05-05-2007 – MetroEste or Line 7b (Las Musas – Olympic stadium – Coslada and San Fernando de Henares), Length: 12,4 Km, New stations: 8
• 16-05-2007 – Line 1 (Congosto – Ensanchede Vallecas), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 3

Invensys Dimetronic lands Madrid Metro contract
 
Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment for use on a new extension to the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, a company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently extending line 3 of the MM from 6.3 km and 11 stations to 14.9 km and 18 stations. The same company is also responsible for placing all contracts associated with the project. Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply the Westrace electronic interlocking system, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs), and automatic train protection (ATP)/automatic train operation (ATO) Distance To Go technology. The company is also responsible for carrying out modifications to the control traffic centre (CTC) in Madrid. 

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Major Madrid Metro contract for Invensys Dimetronic

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 4 million contract to supply signalling equipment for use on the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently carrying out a three-year upgrade of the MM. This includes an automatic train operation (ATO) signalling system on five of the MM lines, the connection of four MM line extensions to the Alto del Arenal centralised traffic control (CTC) system and the connection of this CTC to the Metronorte and Metroeste lines. The upgrade also includes four automatic train protection (ATP)/ATO test tracks for the Canillejas rail depot. For its part, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for supplying the track ATO system, ATP/ATO test track system and the modification of the CTC. Delivery is due in 10 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

In all modern cities of the world, transportation needs are growing rapidly due to increasing demand generated by upward trend of international business relocations, swell in commercial activities, growth of tourism, urban development and increasing population.  Such success brings challenges which are common to many growing countries around the world. People demand more mobility in an efficient and safe manner. Capacity of existing transportations systems becomes rapidly unpredictable leading to frustration and restricted commercial expansion and success. With the ever increasing global expansion trend, the initiation of a rapid transportation infrastructure is a wise and timely action, one that will be reflected in improving the living and working standards of a country’s population and its commercial centres.

Planning and implementing such complex projects, at the same time as maintaining transport systems under extreme pressure is a task within the experience and expertise of Invensys Rail Group, a world class company.

It is a painful fact but every one knows how long it takes to get from the outskirts of Dubai city starting from Jebel Ali to Garhoud area and on to Sharjah on a Thursday evening on the Shaikh Zayed road; and with the unprecedented building programmes from Dubai World Centre, the Palms and the ever increasing developments, things aren’t going to get any better. Well at least not in the short term.

That is way the Dubai Road and Transport Authority are looking to expand the plans for the metro system to include lines connecting the vital parts of the city with convenient connections and interchanges that are sure to offer and provide a convenient way of travel.  If Dubai in particular and the Middle East in general are to continue to attract overseas investments, these transport infrastructure projects are a priority and an integral part of future successful blue print envisaged by the cities leaders

Recognising the importance of transport and Dubai’s leading position in being boldly the first in the Middle East to plan and start executing a world class Metro System, the Rail Infrastructure Conference naturally is being held in Dubai 4th & 5th of June

2007 and Invensys Rail Group are giving their view and highlighting the advantages of their tried and tested systems on how to solve these problems. 

The company’s products are at the heart of many of the world’s major railway and metro networks, with current projects including both major refurbishment programs, such as the London Underground Victoria Line upgrade, and complex new infrastructure schemes, including the Canada Line Rapid Transit Project in Vancouver.

The company’s work in Vancouver involves the implementation of a complete, Integrated Control and Communications System (ICCS) for a new driverless metro - the 19km Canada Line Project, currently one of the world’s largest green field infrastructure projects. This new, 16 station line, will provide an automated, driverless rail service, linking central Vancouver with the Richmond suburbs and Vancouver International Airport. It will be completed in time for the Winter Olympics which are to be hosted by the city in 2010.

At the heart of the ICCS will be Invensys Rail Group’s control system, SystematICS. This will manage the integration of each of the power, tunnel ventilation and communications sub-systems, including: traction power supply; electrical and mechanical monitoring; CCTV; public address; passenger information display; passenger counting; voice  communications and passenger alarm. It will also link to the fire detection, fare collection and unmanned train control systems.

The whole system will be linked by a fibre optic transmission network, covering the entire length of the line and will come together in a single integrated Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the Operations and Maintenance Centre Control Room. From here, the operator will be able to control and monitor all functions for the entire rail network.

Invensys Rail Group’s mainline projects in Spain and Portugal demonstrate how they continue to lead the way in the application of new, high-efficiency technology. In Portugal, Invensys Rail Group has built a mutually satisfying long-term relationship with the client on the basis of many successful SSI installations and new control centres for key mainline routes. In Spain, their pioneering work on the ERTMS pilot scheme between Madrid and Valencia has resulted in a major commission to supply, install, implement and maintain FUTUR ERTMS solutions on a new high speed line from Cordoba to Malaga. For Barcelona Metro, they have recently been successful in implementing a driverless solution for Line 11.  

Work for the Kowloon Canton Rail Corporation (KCRC) shows how Westinghouse and its parent company Invensys Rail Group can provide solutions beyond the abilities of any other supplier.  Despite the sophistication and complexity of the world’s first fully Integrated operations Control Centre System (ICCS) the KCRC has enjoyed 99.98% reliability since its commissioning, as well as the vital benefits of reduced costs, and improved performance and safety.

The Middle East is a very important emerging market to Invensys Rail Group, with a Memorandum of Understanding in place with a prominent leading UAE company; Invensys Rail Group is continuing its endeavour to win and deliver world class projects and be part of the region’s history. Consequently, they are taking part in the Rail Infrastructure – MENA 2007 conference June 4th & 5th in Dubai as the main sponsor.

Invensys Rail Group can demonstrate that, in partnership with clients and through strategic alliances with equal global players, they are able to plan and deliver comprehensive transportation solutions throughout the world. Their expertise in delivering world class projects in addition to working closely with their clients to provide constant support, advice and training gives Invensys Rail Group the international edge and capabilities that are matched by none, and of that, they are extremely proud.

Sir Graham Hugh Boyce was educated in Hurstpierpoint School, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, England.1 He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, with a Master of Arts (M.A.).1 After law at Cambridge and a year as a VSO teacher he joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and studied Arabic in Lebanon.

Sir Graham served in the Diplomatic Service between 1968 and 2003, during which time he held the following offices:

• Consul-General to Sweden -- 1987 and 1990
• Ambassador and Consul-General to Qatar -- 1990 - 1993
• Ambassador to Kuwait -- 1996 - 1999
• Ambassador to Egypt -- 1999 – 2001
 
He was invested as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) in 1991 and as a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.) in 2001.

Sir Graham currently hols the following positions:

• Chairman, Middle East Advisory Board, Invensys
• Chairman, Middle East Advisory Board, Lehman Brothers                  
• Middle East Adviser, Air Products
• Member of International Advisory Council, Kuwait Investment Office
• Vice-Chairman, Middle East Association
• Joint Chairman, Windsor Energy Group
• Trustee of the Dakhleh Oasis Trust (Egypt)

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 8 million to supply control equipment and expertise for use on  PLAtaforma Logística de Zaragoza (PLAZA), a new rolling stock maintenance centre and trains depot being built in Zaragoza, Spain.

The contract includes the supply of jointless track circuits, axle counters for the depot tracks, and three new electronic interlockings. One of these is for connecting tracks to the Zaragoza by-pass, another for the depot, and the third for the maintenance centre.The project is expected to last 16 months overall, with the first phase involving the Zaragoza by-pass connection and the second to finish all works related to the PLAZA complex itself.

Dragados-Tesca UTE, a combination of two well-known Spanish civil contractors, awarded the contract. A UTE is an entity formed under Spanish law for the purposes of carrying out a specific project. Invensys Dimetronic has previously worked very successfully with both companies on an individual basis.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 33 million to supply its Digital ASFA product to Spanish train operator RENFE.

ASFA has been Spain’s national railway network train protection system for the last 30 years, preventing wayside signal overruns and enhancing traffic safety. However, component obsolescence has recently lead both RENFE and Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF to specify technical and functional requirements for a new on-board ASFA system

The contract covers the supply and installation of 1200 sets of Invensys Dimetronic’s new ASFA-TBS system, together with the engineering needed to adapt it for use on several different types of train.
The contract is divided into two parts: the first 18 months are devoted to developing the system prototype and gaining approvals for it, while the following 12 months will focus on manufacturing and installing the new sets. The contract also includes a two-year maintenance clause. It follows on from a contract awarded in 2006 to supply, install and commission 80 ASFA-TBS sets for ADIF and 400 ASFA-TBS sets for RENFE.
Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth Euro 7 million to supply signalling technology for use on an extension to Metro Madrid’s (MM) line 3.

The extension involves an extra increasing track length from 6.3 km to  14.9 km and adding  7 stations. MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is in charge of the project.

For its part, over the next year Invensys is to supply its Westrace electronic interlocking system, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and automatic train protection (ATP)/automatic train operation (ATO) Distance To Go technology. The contract also covers modifications to the control traffic centre (CTC).

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Invensys Rail Group
The Invensys Rail Group is a global leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of safety-related rail signalling and control systems and other rail signalling products for mainline, metro and freight railways.

Westinghouse to supply Melbourne with a world class train control system

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia Limited (WRSA), part of the Invensys Rail Group, has been awarded a A$27M contract to design, install, commission, maintain and support the Core Train Control and Monitoring System (Core TCMS) at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Train Control facility, known as ‘Metrol’.

The contract has been awarded by the DOI (Department of Infrastructure, Victoria) as part of their progressive upgrade of the urban rail transport system serving the Melbourne area.

The existing train control system was first installed in 1982 and still relies on much of the technology supplied at that time. Many of the operations are paper or manually based, limiting the potential capacity of the railway.

Melbourne has the second largest metropolitan rail network in Australia catering for 146 million passengers each year, travelling over 850 kilometres of track. The main station of Melbourne’s metropolitan rail services, Flinders Street, supports a maximum density of 410 train movements during its morning peak from 7-9am. The new system will coordinate the city's 11,000 weekly train services and allow for future expansion.

WRSA has worked with the DOI to agree a detailed system definition as part of the tender process and will supply a SystematICS™ control system, customised to meet DOI needs. SystematICS™ is a certified Safety Integrity Level 2 environment that integrates all other functional subsystems required for total control of any railway. The extremely high availability and advanced train control features of SystematICS™ will assure Melbourne commuters of dependable rail services under all conditions.

With expertise gained worldwide on similar projects, WRSA will replace the train control and monitoring system at Metrol without causing disruption for commuters. This stage of upgrading work, due for completion in November 2010, will be carried out whilst the existing control site is still operational.

The new system will be designed to enter timetables and generate traffic plans as well as provide train reporting, train describer, electronic train graph and automatic route setting functionality.  These train control applications will provide real time data of train arrivals and departures to enhance the existing passenger information systems and facilitate on-line staff and fleet resource integration.

Supporting the whole operation will be a dedicated test and training simulator used both to validate the system’s functionality and certify trained staff on its operational use.

The contract includes five years maintenance support of the core TCMS with an option for a further five years support.

The Westinghouse SystematICS™ platform is ideally designed to support any future enhancements to the Core TCMS, providing DOI with a world class train control and monitoring system that can be easily expanded for many years to come.

With the Westinghouse SystematICS™ platform and the ongoing maintenance support for core TCMS, WRSA aims to provide Melbourne with the latest technology to provide reliable rail operations into the decades to come.

To meet the challenges posed by today’s hugely competitive and increasingly international rail market, Invensys is bringing together its world-leading rail brands under a single global identity, the Invensys Rail Group (IRG).

IRG includes:
*Westinghouse Rail Systems, the leading supplier of signalling systems for main line and mass transit railways in the UK and a major player in mainland Europe and the Far East.
*Dimetronic Signals, the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both main line and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula and other selected world markets.
*Safetran Systems, a major supplier to the US railroad and transit markets, plus other export markets around the world.
* Westinghouse Australia, the country’s leading manufacturer and supplier of railway signalling and control equipment.

The new Group identity is designed to reflect IRG’s status as the world leader in rail control and automation systems while at the same time giving customers a completely coordinated approach to their signalling and safety needs, wherever they are based around the world.

As a result, customers are now able to draw on an even more comprehensive range of cross-company expertises, including control systems and communications, protection systems, trackside equipment, maintenance and service, project and system engineering and design, and manufacturing.

Explaining how Invensys IRG will operate, Stephen Holt, Marketing Director of Invensys Rail group said, “Naturally each business unit will continue to promote and market itself under its existing brand and corporate identity. We are simply creating a new Group identity that shows the world we have the capability to offer that coordinated approach as never before.”

He added, “We’ll still offer the focused, local expertise our customers are used to, but we will also be able to draw on a pool of shared technology, goals and determination to meet our customers’ wider needs, wherever they are located.”

On December 18, 2006, the Minister of Infrastructure Magdalena Álvarez and the President of the Catalonian government, José Montilla, headed the inauguration of the High Speed Line section between Lleida and Roda de Barà in the HSL linking Madrid with the French border.

The section between Lleida-Pirineus station and Roda is 91 km long, with an automatic gauge-changing device located in Puigverd. From there the line includes a total of 20 bridges and viaducts totalling 6,178 metres, among which the one at Vinaixa stretches along 1,044 metres. Tunnels cover a total length of 8,040 metres - the longest ones, Lilla and La Riba, roughly digging two kilometres each.

In October 2003, a consortium by Dimetronic, Siemens, Alcatel and Indra was awarded by the Railway Infrastructure Administration (GIF) with the contract for the “Design, execution and maintenance of the interlocking, train protection, telecommunications and GSM-R radio systems for the Lleida-Barcelona section within the Madrid-Barcelona-French border High Speed Line”. This 185 Km section is the enhancement of the previously commissioned Madrid-Lleida project.
Within the said consortium, Dimetronic is responsible for the design, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the line’s Signalling System.
Dimetronic’s scope of supply includes Westrace-type electronic Interlocking and Local Control Panel, including sub-systems for Diagnosis, Maintenance and Register facilities. The Westrace interlocking will control all trains in the line through the relevant track equipment. This includes the ASFA ‘national’ train protection system, now installed in all conventional-speed lines. Also included is the Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) system of the section, which will be able to take place either at the existing Control & Regulation Centre (CRC) of Zaragoza, or at the Barcelona new one.

On December 16, 2006, the President of the Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, headed the official ceremony opening to revenue service the High Speed Line section between Córdoba and Antequera in the HSL linking Córdoba with Málaga.
The commissioned section stretches over some 100 km within the total 155 linking the two Southern cities. The line follows the valley of the Guadalquivir river from Almodóvar del Rio until the automatic gauge-changing device of Antequera, where the trains shift from the standard 1,435 mm gauge of the HSL to the conventional lines heading to Málaga, Granada and Algeciras through the Iberian 1,668 mm gauge.

 
When fully operating to Málaga, journey times between Madrid and Málaga will shrink to two and a half hours from the current four hours and 20 minutes.
In November 2004, the Consortium Dimetronic-Alcatel was awarded a 210 million euro contract for the “Project, works and maintenance of the interlocking, train protection systems, telecommunications, GSM-R moving radio system and associated elements for the High Speed Line (HSL) Córdoba-Málaga. Phase 1: Córdoba-Bobadilla. Phase 2: Bobadilla-Los Prados. Phase 3: Los Prados-Málaga”. This 155 Km length project is the extension to Málaga of the existing Madrid – Sevilla High Speed Line.
Within the total contract, Dimetronic is responsible for the design, installation, tests and commissioning of the systems below:
-                 LED wayside signals.
-                 FS3000 audio-frequency Jointless Track Circuits.
-                 ERTMS level 1.
-                 ERTMS level 2.
-                 ASFA, national ATS.
-                 CTC/CRC and associated elements.
Dimetronic’s scope above includes day-night functionality for the wayside signals and full compatibility of the JTCs with the 25 KV overhead electrification system.
The ERTMS train protection system includes Level 2 through the installation of 4 Radio Block Centres RBCs, Level 1 with centralised Line Equipment Units LEUs plus Dimetronic’s traditional ASFA train stop system. 4 on board equipment are also included, along with the Central Control Post for ERTMS, where command operations take place and real time Temporary Speed Restrictions may be established in the line.
Also within Dimetronic’s scope is the Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) system, that can be established either at the existing CTC at Atocha’s station in Madrid or at the new CRC at Córdoba.

Listen to the new Invensys Rail Podcast. James Drummond, Invensys Rail Group President gives his views as to the challenges facing the rail industry.

You can subscribe to the Rail Technology Podcast in Apple iTunes or add a list of the latest episodes to your personalised Google homepage this Podcast subscription page.  Whilst it is possible to download each episode as an mp3 here, you can simply sign up like you would for a magazine and you will automatically receive any new episodes as they become available.

 Click to subscribe with iTunes.

 Click to add to your Google homepage.

If you don't have podcast reader software such as iTunes installed, you can either subscribe from home or vist this blog, where latest podcasts will be made available as a direct mp3 or zipped mp3 download.

You can download the First podcast with James Drummond as a zip file here.

Billed as the rail industry's premier event, Railtex 07 will take place at ExCel London from 20-22 February 2007.  As you would expect, Westinghouse Rail Systems is attending. No surprise when you consider that Westinghouse has been signalling railways for over 140 years and today leads the world in advanced integrated signalling and control systems for main line and mass transit railways.

The company has developed a comprehensive range of products, systems and services for all types of railways, providing fully integrated solutions - from initial system design, right the way through to installation, testing, commissioning, training and maintenance.  Its products are at the heart of many of the world’s major railway and metro networks; recent projects have successfully been completed in the UK, Norway, Portugal, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. 

Visitors to Railtex 07 will have an opportunity to discuss the full range of Westinghouse products, including WESTCAD, SystematICS, WESTeX and WESTLOCK.

At the heart of the stand will be a display of WESTCAD, featuring a simulation of the WRSL Service Control System (SCS) facility.  This forms an integral part of the system which WRSL is supplying to BTUK - as part of the Metronet upgrade of the Victoria Line and SSL – and is based on similar systems which the company has installed in Singapore and on the Central Line in London. 

The SCS provides the facility to automatically operate the railway in accordance with the timetable provided and to enable control room operating staff to manage the day to day running of the railway, by implementing alterations to the timetable for that operating day.  This flexibility allows changes to be made as a result of situations that arise throughout the operating day, for example, the temporary closure of a station as a result of overcrowding.

Displays will demonstrate both the Operator Workstation environment and the facilities available on the Interlocking and Movement Simulator (IMS) control screens, which simulate the trains and signalling equipment.

Elsewhere on the stand will be a demonstration of SystematICS, the first fully integrated control and communications system specifically designed for rail applications. SystematICS  integrates information from key railway management systems - including train control, traction power, tunnel ventilation, ticket machines and passenger information and security - and concentrates control of them into one highly efficient and very adaptable control centre.  The system provides real time display of all essential and management functions, and full integration between them. 

Railtex visitors will be able to view a display module which demonstrates how traction power and tunnel ventilation components function as part of a Westinghouse control centre. 

Also on display will be the company’s WESTeX GCP4000 Level Crossing Predictor, which builds on the success of the GCP3000 model.  The WESTeX GCP4000 is the latest generation, solid state, level crossing control system and is capable of controlling up to six lines.

It provides the capacity to deliver total control of level crossings, including train detection, crossing control logic, barrier and light drives, vital indications and event recording.  The GCP4000 provides users with a high quality, full colour interface incorporating touch-screen technology which provides both configuration and diagnostic facilities.

Amongst other products and systems on display, the company will be highlighting the latest results of the trials of its WESTLOCK interlocking unit at Leamington Spa.

The six month trial represents a significant milestone in the generic approval process of WESTLOCK, during which it is fully controlling an area previously covered by a Solid State Interlocking (SSI).

WESTLOCK is a computer-based interlocking system; with each unit equivalent to four SSIs, WESTLOCK is able to control over 300 SEUs (Signalling Equivalent Units).  As well as being more powerful, WESTLOCK is more compact and considerably faster, designed with high-speed data link capability for rapid communication with a range of control centre options, trackside equipment and ETCS radio block centres. 

In addition to the system displays and demonstrations, visitors will also see examples of WRSL’s involvement in the major resignalling projects being undertaken across Network Rail.  This will include the latest updates on the ground-breaking WESTLOCK interlocking as well as the company’s range of systems that offer technology solutions across the field of signalling and control. WESTRONIC Time Division Multiplex systems will be shown alongside the WESTPLEX vital data transmission product and the latest advances in control and display systems.

www.railtex.co.uk

GISA the infrastructure manager of the Regional Government of Catalonia has awarded Dimetronic the signalling contract for the double track between Martorell Enllaç and Olesa of the Catalonian Regional Railways (FGC) £6.5m. Martorell Enllaç – Olesa is a 9.5 Km section of the Llobregat-Anoia line of the Catalonian Regional Railways (FGC), which is going to be double-tracked.
The scope of the project includes the installation of the Westrace interlocking, jointless track circuits, ASFA spanish cab warning and automatic braking system,and the integration in our existing FGC Control Traffic Centre in Sant Boi.

Queensland Rail have awarded Westinghouse Rail Systems the Bluff-Blackwater duplication project. This major win follows other recent successes with the Windah-Grantleigh and R.G. Tanner projects. Together they total over $20m of orders associated with QR's current major coal fields investment programme, with many more opportunities to come.

Frans Heijnen, a well know name within the rail industry, will be moving into the role of VP Industry Relations in order to take a more active role in representing Invensys Rail Systems within international industry forums.

Owen Traynor will become Acting VP Technology and will be based at the Invensys Rail HQ in Chippenham in the UK. 

Frans Heijnen who will retire at the end of 2007 will support Traynor in order to enable a smooth transition in advance of his retirement.

The key issue for metro operators is to continue running a safe and reliable service whilst minimising the disruption during modernisation. Westinghouse Rail Systems has gained an enviable reputation throughout the world based on its experience in successfully upgrading signalling and control systems on some of the world’s busiest metro systems.

Success is dependent on many years experience and developing and managing an effective migration strategy. This combines the reuse of proven platforms supplemented by trials of new elements and their ultimate integration into the system. This low risk approach allows the customer to progressively improve performance and capacity whilst maintaining operation and adherence to safety standards.

Case Studies: London Underground, Singapore Metro, Beijing Metro and Oslo Metro