Abstract: A system for evaluating the condition of a pantograph, the system comprising: a track-side pantograph monitoring station that captures one or more images of a pantograph, while a locomotive comprising the pantograph is in normal service; a station management system that analyzes one or more images captured at the monitoring site and determines the condition of the pantograph; and a user interface that controls the system and presents the results of the analysis to the user. A user may control the track-side monitoring station and station management system remotely.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning system for displaying a warning message to a vehicle approaching a railroad crossing. The railroad crossing includes a railroad along which a train can travel, and a road crossing the railroad and along which the vehicle can travel. The warning system includes an identification system for identifying at least one identity characteristic (e.g. number plate, vehicle type, etc.) relating to the vehicle. A train detection system detects at least one train characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the train approaching the railroad crossing along the railroad. A vehicle detection system detects at least one vehicle characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the vehicle approaching the railroad crossing along the road. The warning system further includes a display system for displaying the warning message to the vehicle responsive to detecting both the train and vehicle characteristics.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the condition of a pantograph, the system comprising: a track-side pantograph monitoring station that captures one or more images of a pantograph, while a locomotive comprising the pantograph is in normal service; a station management system that analyses one or more images captured at the monitoring site and determines the condition of the pantograph; and a user interface that controls the system and presents the results of the analysis to the user. A user may control the track-side monitoring station and station management system remotely.

Abstract: A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a steel railway wheels to form a required distribution of compressive residual stress in the rim. In general terms the wheel heated and then quenched from the plate towards the rim. The wheel is first heated to form austenite throughout the plate and rim portions. The wheel is then cooled to form bainite/martensite in the plate portion. The wheel is cooled to form bainite/martensite in an inner portion of the rim. The wheel is cooled to form bainite/martensite in an outer portion of the rim.

Abstract: A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.