System includes a control system used to control operation of a vehicle system as the vehicle system moves along a route. The vehicle system includes a plurality of system vehicles in which adjacent system vehicles are operatively coupled such that the adjacent system vehicles are permitted to move relative to one another. The control system includes one or more processors that are configured to (a) receive operational settings of the vehicle system and (b) input the operational settings into a system model of the vehicle system to determine an observed metric of the vehicle system. The one or more processors are also configured to (c) compare the observed metric to a reference metric and (d) modify the operational settings of the vehicle system based on differences between the observed and the reference metrics.

System includes a control system used to control operation of a vehicle system as the vehicle system moves along a route. The vehicle system includes a plurality of system vehicles in which adjacent system vehicles are operatively coupled such that the adjacent system vehicles are permitted to move relative to one another. The control system includes one or more processors that are configured to (a) receive operational settings of the vehicle system and (b) input the operational settings into a system model of the vehicle system to determine an observed metric of the vehicle system. The one or more processors are also configured to (c) compare the observed metric to a reference metric and (d) modify the operational settings of the vehicle system based on differences between the observed and the reference metrics.

A method for determining a signal aspect representing the vacant or occupied state of a track section for a rail vehicle, in particular a maintenance or construction vehicle, on a CBTC track. In this case, the rail vehicle does not have an on-board CBTC device. In order to dispense with special hardware, an app on a smartphone initiates the following steps: A) photographing of a track beacon in the direction of travel, B) determining the ID (identification signature) of the track beacon, C) transmitting of the track beacon ID to a CBTC track control centre and D) receiving of the signal aspect determined by the CBTC track control center for the track section starting with the track beacon.

A method for determining a signal aspect representing the vacant or occupied state of a track section for a rail vehicle, in particular a maintenance or construction vehicle, on a CBTC track. In this case, the rail vehicle does not have an on-board CBTC device. In order to dispense with special hardware, an app on a smartphone initiates the following steps: A) photographing of a track beacon in the direction of travel, B) determining the ID (identification signature) of the track beacon, C) transmitting of the track beacon ID to a CBTC track control centre and D) receiving of the signal aspect determined by the CBTC track control center for the track section starting with the track beacon.

A vehicle control system includes a controller that determines a communication loss between a first vehicle and a second vehicle and/or a monitoring device in a vehicle system. The controller determines an operational restriction on movement of the vehicle system based on the communication loss that is determined, and obtains a transitional plan that designates operational settings of the vehicle system at different locations along a route being traveled by the vehicle system, different distances along the route, and/or different times. The controller also automatically changes the movement of the vehicle system according to the operational settings designated by the transitional plan to reduce the movement of the vehicle system to or below the operational restriction determined by the controller responsive to the communication loss being detected.

A method includes generating a trip plan that dictates operational settings to be implemented by a vehicle system moving along a route. The trip plan is based on a temporary work order issued for a restricted segment of the route. The work order provides a maximum speed through the restricted segment for a limited time period that is expressed using a time standard. One or more of the operational settings of the trip plan specify movement of the vehicle system through the restricted segment at a vehicle speed that is less than or equal to the maximum speed. In response to determining that the temporary work order has expired, the method includes at least one of prompting an operator of the vehicle system to confirm that the work order has expired or generating a new trip plan in which the vehicle system exceeds the maximum speed through the restricted segment.

A method includes generating a trip plan that dictates operational settings to be implemented by a vehicle system moving along a route. The trip plan is based on a temporary work order issued for a restricted segment of the route. The work order provides a maximum speed through the restricted segment for a limited time period that is expressed using a time standard. One or more of the operational settings of the trip plan specify movement of the vehicle system through the restricted segment at a vehicle speed that is less than or equal to the maximum speed. In response to determining that the temporary work order has expired, the method includes at least one of prompting an operator of the vehicle system to confirm that the work order has expired or generating a new trip plan in which the vehicle system exceeds the maximum speed through the restricted segment.

A control system includes a controller that may determine whether a second speed limit, which is less than or equal to a first speed limit, is in effect for a segment of the route. The controller may switch one or more operational settings of a vehicle from the first speed limit to the second speed limit, and may operate the vehicle at the first speed limit outside of the segment of the route and operate the vehicle at or below the second speed limit while the vehicle is approaching or within the segment of the route.

A control system includes a controller that may determine whether a second speed limit, which is less than or equal to a first speed limit, is in effect for a segment of the route. The controller may switch one or more operational settings of a vehicle from the first speed limit to the second speed limit, and may operate the vehicle at the first speed limit outside of the segment of the route and operate the vehicle at or below the second speed limit while the vehicle is approaching or within the segment of the route.

A locomotive control system and method of use operable to provide operational control of a locomotive ensuing the detection that the locomotive will enter a railroad switch having the point blades incorrectly positioned. The locomotive control system further includes a point alignment detection sensor being operably coupled to a railroad switch and the point blades thereof. A plurality of track transceivers are mounted adjacent to the railroad switch and extend outward from the railroad switch along the railroad track. At least one engine transceiver is provided and is operably coupled to a locomotive. A controller is included and functions to provide logic and control of the locomotive control system. The method provides monitoring of the point blades of a railroad switch and detection of the movement of an approaching locomotive having entered the detection zone and is operable to prevent movement through the railroad switch if damage will occur thereto.