Remote switch point operation

Railway Age, May, 2004

Global Rail Systems, Inc., offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional signaling systems. Its patent-pending FAS-PAS[TM] is said to allow train crews or dispatchers to safely remote control a power switch point in non-signalized territory. Users can control the switch in two ways: through time locking--deployed when the switch is being controlled from the locomotive via DTMF audible tone commands over a voice radio--or approach locking--deployed when the train dispatcher is controlling the switch via data radio network. With time locking, a voice message, including advance information on switch position, is sent to the train crew; and with approach locking, the manufacturer sends advance switch point position indication from a wayside signal. According to Global Rail Systems, field equipment is provided to offer failsafe switch control and switch locking. (254) 883-2200; E-mail: Sales@GlobalRailSystems.com;Website: www.globalrailsystems.com.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]