Abstract: A board game is provided that includes a game board, game board enhancement pieces, game pieces and a rule set. The game board has a plurality of similarly shaped pieces configurable for connection to construct a variety of game playing surfaces. The game board enhancement pieces are configured to alter the game board through rule modifications or changes, physical barriers, elevated surfaces, depressed surfaces, or a combination thereof. The game pieces rest on the playing surface. The rule set is supplied either in print or via digital application or internet connection, and is modular to alter the game board and/or play of the board game.

Abstract: A system includes first and second control modules, an energy management module, and an arbitration module. The first and second control modules are on-board first and second powered vehicles coupled by at least a third vehicle in a vehicle consist. The first control module forms control signals to coordinate tractive efforts provided by the vehicle consist. The energy management module is on-board the second powered vehicle and is communicatively coupled with the second control module. The energy management module forms control signals that are transmitted by the second control module to control the tractive efforts provided by the first powered vehicle and the second powered vehicle based on a trip profile associated with a trip of the vehicle consist. The arbitration module is communicatively coupled with the first and second control modules. The arbitration module determines which of the control modules controls the tractive efforts provided by the vehicle consist.

Abstract: A system includes a first propulsion subsystem and a second propulsion subsystem. The first propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a first communication device when operating in an ON mode. The second propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a second communication device when operating in the ON mode. The first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem are controllable in a mode of operation where if one of the first propulsion subsystem or the second propulsion subsystem is controlled to be in an OFF mode, the other of the first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem provides electrical energy to the respective first communication device or the second communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a remote operator control system includes a communication link to send and receive rail vehicle information, an operator interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to send, through the communication link, a request to establish communication with a positive train control system on-board a selected rail vehicle based on an operating condition. In response to receiving confirmation of communication with the positive train control system, the control is configured to receive positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle through the communication link, and display the positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle on the operator interface.

Abstract: A system includes first and second control modules, an energy management module, and an arbitration module. The first and second control modules are on-board first and second powered vehicles coupled by at least a third vehicle in a vehicle consist. The first control module forms control signals to coordinate tractive efforts provided by the vehicle consist. The energy management module is on-board the second powered vehicle and is communicatively coupled with the second control module. The energy management module forms control signals that are transmitted by the second control module to control the tractive efforts provided by the first powered vehicle and the second powered vehicle based on a trip profile associated with a trip of the vehicle consist. The arbitration module is communicatively coupled with the first and second control modules. The arbitration module determines which of the control modules controls the tractive efforts provided by the vehicle consist.

Abstract: A system includes a first propulsion subsystem and a second propulsion subsystem. The first propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a first communication device when operating in an ON mode. The second propulsion subsystem is operable to provide electrical energy to a second communication device when operating in the ON mode. The first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem are controllable in a mode of operation where if one of the first propulsion subsystem or the second propulsion subsystem is controlled to be in an OFF mode, the other of the first propulsion subsystem and the second propulsion subsystem provides electrical energy to the respective first communication device or the second communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a remote operator control system includes a communication link to send and receive rail vehicle information, an operator interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to send, through the communication link, a request to establish communication with a positive train control system on-board a selected rail vehicle based on an operating condition. In response to receiving confirmation of communication with the positive train control system, the control is configured to receive positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle through the communication link, and display the positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle on the operator interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equipping a locomotive with a modular radio communication system capable of being expanded to incorporate future improvements in radio and data communication electronics. The modular radio communication system provides for the installation of a standardized mounting plate and housing onto the rooftop of the locomotive to reduce the need to make extensive mechanical and electrical modifications to the locomotive when the radio communications system is updated. Sunscreens and vent openings in the standard mounting plate and housing work to reduce the temperature of the internal components of the modular radio communications system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equipping a locomotive with a modular radio communication system capable of being expanded to incorporate future improvements in radio and data communication electronics. The modular radio communication system provides for the installation of a standardized mounting plate and housing onto the rooftop of the locomotive to reduce the need to make extensive mechanical and electrical modifications to the locomotive when the radio communications system is updated. Sunscreens and vent openings in the standard mounting plate and housing work to reduce the temperature of the internal components of the modular radio communications system.