A train control system and method for use in an electronically-controlled pneumatic (ECP)-equipped train having a lead locomotive or control car, at least one railroad car and, optionally, at least one trailing locomotive or control car. A first controller or computer generates a train brake command and directly or indirectly transmit the train brake command to the at least one railroad car. A second controller or computer separate from the first controller or computer determines transmission of the train brake command to the at least one railroad car.

A train control system and method for use in an electronically-controlled pneumatic (ECP)-equipped train having a lead locomotive or control car, at least one railroad car and, optionally, at least one trailing locomotive or control car. A first controller or computer generates a train brake command and directly or indirectly transmit the train brake command to the at least one railroad car. A second controller or computer separate from the first controller or computer determines transmission of the train brake command to the at least one railroad car.

An expansion module is disclosed for use in a communication network. The expansion module may include a housing, an input interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with at least one analog device, and an output interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with the communication network. The expansion module may also include at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface. The expansion module may also include at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in communication with the housing.

Systems and techniques for detecting applied railcar brakes within a railroad classification yard using thermal imaging. A thermal imaging system, including at least one thermal imaging sensor, captures a plurality of thermal images of railcar wheels. The thermal imaging system determines if a temperature within a user-defined bounding box on the thermal sensor's field of view exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for a specified amount of time. Alternatively, a neural network may be used to detect the excessive temperature. In response, the thermal imaging system sends a system message, and a computer processor receives the system message and, if it meets reporting criteria, identifies the particular railcar and generates and transmits an alert message indicating a potential issue with the wheels of the railcar.

Systems and techniques for detecting applied railcar brakes within a railroad classification yard using thermal imaging. A thermal imaging system, including at least one thermal imaging sensor, captures a plurality of thermal images of railcar wheels. The thermal imaging system determines if a temperature within a user-defined bounding box on the thermal sensor's field of view exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for a specified amount of time. Alternatively, a neural network may be used to detect the excessive temperature. In response, the thermal imaging system sends a system message, and a computer processor receives the system message and, if it meets reporting criteria, identifies the particular railcar and generates and transmits an alert message indicating a potential issue with the wheels of the railcar.