On development of train control and signaling simulation

Abstract

The increasing of transportation demand in Thailand requires a lot of human resources to support the future railway system. Therefore, we have developed an in-house fixed-block train control simulation system to be used as a tool for helping learners to understand train control procedures. The train control simulation system combines of train model, signaling control hardware, and controlling and signaling simulation software. ROCO train models and switches are controlled by the z21 controller box which are in-turn commanded by controlling and signaling simulation software through Wi-Fi. The train control software gets train position from RFID reader that installed on train model to read RFID tags under the rail. The software can control train model movement respecting to the defined timetable. Leaner able to reserve a route, the software will check for the availability of tracks and switches throughout the route and then reserve and set the status of the corresponding switches to the correct positions in order to ensure the route safety.