Since the turn of the century, locomotives in the rail in dustry have transformed into autonomous, self diagnosable, fuel and energy efficient, and safer than ever before pieces of equipment. In the 2020 Railway Age article Roller Processor Platforms, author William C. Vantuano summarizes the industry leading processors on today’s locomotives. He goes into detail about what each system brings to the industry and how they effect the locomotive.

 

Progress Rail’s TALOS™

Vantuano starts off by providing statistics on Progress Rail’s TALOS™ system, which he stated “… utilizes machine learning and massive computing power to analyze and optimize train routes, train types and train health, resulting in significant improvements for fuel and time.” Learning this information is incredibly thought provoking, because compared to locomotives of old, none of these features were ever accesssible. It is a true testament to the improvement in technology and how the industry must adapt to improve quality and move efficently.

Wabtec’s Trip Optimizer

The next system he mentions was Wabtec’s Trip Optimizer energy management system, which he provides is “installed on more than 11,000 locomotives globally”; since buying GE in 2019, this bit of information makes sense, as GE was one of the leading locomtive engine manufacturers in the world. I was lucky enough to tour Wabtec with the RTE program, and this was one of the talking points about how much has to go making a new locomotive, or even restoring an old locomotive to make it function well enough.

Wi-Troinix Violet Edge Fuel Display and Sensor

Another interesting system he mentioned was the Wi-Troinix Violet Edge Fuel Display and Sensor, which Vantuano explains how important the development of fuel tank gauges and fuel sensors are to the rail-industry, because of the strategy that goes into running a long distance train and the fueling it takes to make it last. I find this piece incredibly interesting, because I really didn’t understand how fueling a locomtive worked and the strategic process a long distance train must go through before learning it in class.

NYAB LEADER

The last system LEADER, made by New York Air Brakes, outlined by Vantuano in a great depiction; “as a long, heavy freight train crests a hill, the force of gravity pulls on the portion of the train on the ascending grade—draft—while pushing on the portion on the descending grade—buff…”, LEADER “…allows the lead locomotives to use gravity to their full advantage, while supplying power to the rear locomotives to climb the hill.” This is perhaps the best use of energy conservation, conserving energy in some areas to supply them to other  portions of the train.

The Future is Here

In my opinion, it is evident that the future is bright for technology, and the railroad industry is no stranger to this concept. I strongly believe that improving the capabilties of equipment and attempting to max out potential is pivotal in the continued success of the railroad industry. With these advancements, hopefully the industry can excell in safety and efficiency, and only time will tell the success of these systems.