Train Driving Simulators

Simulators for skilling train drivers / Loco-pilots, are sophisticated tools designed for various locomotive types such as WAG9, WAG7, WAP7, WAP5, WDM2, WDG4, and trainsets like Vande Bharat and Metro trainsets from ALSTOM, Bombardier, BEML, TMH or Titagarh. These simulators adhere to international standards ISO23019 and come in diverse forms, including full cab simulators with a 6 DOF motion platform, desktop simulators, part-task simulators, VR-based simulators, and even mobile simulators. The configuration is customizable based on the client’s needs. Typically, these simulators are equipped with an independent instructor station, observer stations, or can be independent self-driven systems, providing a comprehensive training environments for skill development and operational efficiency. This versatility ensures that train drivers receive realistic and effective training tailored to their specific requirements, thereby enhancing safety and performance in real-world scenarios.

Simulator Configurations

Full Motion Cab Simulator

The full motion cab simulator will be a full size, to-scale replica of the vehicle. The cab is mounted on a motion platform which may be 3/5/6/ DOF (degrees of freedom). The cab environment is an exact replica of the actual cab and the driver desk will contain all the real instrumentation that is available in the train. This helps in providing an immersive environment with visual simulation, sound simulation and simulation of all the primary senses. In locomotives with open windows, wind speed could also be simulated.

Desktop Cab Simulator

The Desktop static cab simulator has all the features of a full motion simulator, excepting the motion platform. The static cab simulator is normally manufactured to scale and has a driver desk with all the actual components. Such simulators provide a high degree of immersion in the simulation experience through simulating sound as well as visual elements. This requires much less space than that required by the full-scale 6 DOF simulator and is an economical version of the same.

Virtual Simulator

Virtual simulators are multiplatform simulators which can be used on modern devices like computers, smartphones, tablets and even on virtual reality headsets. They provide a high level of immersion through a 3-D environment and provide flexibility in terms of training location. All functionalities of the train can be incorporated into these simulators which run on a cloud-based platform. They are ideal for training and for troubleshooting skills.

Part Task Simulator

Part task simulators are an economical version of static cab simulators and contain the driver desk with full instrumentation along with the driver chair. The desk simulator may be fit with a 3 DOF motion platform to provide sensory immersion in a sensory immersive environment.

Mobile simulator

In this simulator, the driver desk along with the visual and sound systems are placed within a mobile vehicle—a small car, van, or large transport container, depending on the requirement. Mobile simulators take the training center to the driver’s location. They have an air-conditioned environment and can be placed in any parking lot to provide training. They will typically contain the driver desk with replica components.

Special purpose simulator - Crane, Traffic operations, Signaling and similar

Special purpose simulators may be designed for special applications such as accident relief, traffic management, disaster management, signaling systems, station operations, yard operations, or any similar purposes. They may also be designed for other vehicles such as cranes.

Features

This provides an opportunity for the trainee to be fully immersed in a real cab environment. The cab contains a near-realistic interior with accurate ergonomics as per the original cab. The cab will be fitted with a front visual system and, optionally, with side and rear view system. It will come complete with all radio communication systems, passenger communication systems and an instructor communication system. All cab instruments are suitably modified for low-voltage operation in a safe, simulated environment.

Replica Cab With Instrumentation

Every simulator is governed by mathematical models for simulating the dynamics of the train. The math modelling takes into consideration the composition of the train, the loading, the tractive power (traction),the break power applied to the selected track, the curvature and gradient of the track, the track condition (slippery/dry) and the super-elevation. The train modelling also includes the modelling of all possible malfunctions and troubleshooting of the same.

Train Math Modelling

The driver’s auxillary display an additional monitor which is provided inside the driver’s cabin. This monitor gives indication of the trend position on the selected track and graphical data for track gradient, curvature, and corresponding coupler forces and other dynamic simulation results that are used for controlling the train.

Driver's Auxillary Display

The visual simulator system consists of computer generated images (CGI) which may be displayed on an LCD screen or projected on a camera. The visual simulator will be able to simulate weather conditions such as rain, fog, heat and the different times of day. An instructor will be able to change visual elements like the signals, add obstructions on the track, control the traffic on the track and change the loading in the vehicle.

Visual Simulation

The instructor console will be equipped with a number of monitors to monitor and control functions of the simulators in an interactive training environment. The console shall have graphical representation of all train components which will help the instructor interact with trainer and guide him during training sessions.

Instructor Station

Driver’s actions on specific terrains are largely dependent on the type of load, percentage loading and the condition of the wheels. The simulator permits formation of rakes with differing loads. Multiple locomotives may be connected in a train consist at any desired location in the consist.

Rake Formation

C.C engineers has developed the SOVAC technology which provides photo-realistic high resolution imagery. It is accompanied by a sophisticated and detailed state-of-the-art sound system that simulates various sounds a driver might encounter on a train--fault sounds, machinery, people on the platform, etc.

Sound Simulation

The observer station consists of large monitors that indicate the driver’s actions taken inside the cab. It has provisions for marker keys which can be operated by observing trainees.

Observer Station

The motion control for simulating a realistic feel in terms of roll, pitch, heave, search, sway, and yaw actions of the locomotive are recreated by the motion platform, through a software computation model. The motion platform also generates motion for discrete track discontinuities and for jerks relating to cutting off of traction motors.