Transport for Wales Accelerate Power Operated Points Training with Simulation
Challenge
To reduce the risk of serious incidents, when entering passing loops and using Points Local Control Units on their network, Transport for Wales identified a requirement to enhance their training for Train Managers using simulation. The challenge was to provide an application that enabled Train Managers to,
- Be able to read points and understand where a train will move in both positions
- Understand how to set the Points Local Control Unit correctly in relation to the required points position and the correct procedure to call a train forwards on the successful completion of the procedure
The delivery requirement was for an Android app allowing Train Managers to both practise procedures with in-app guidance and also undertake unguided procedures with the option of reporting their performance.
Solution
Having worked with Denova on the Class 197 familiarisation app and Virtual Reality Dispatch Simulator, the TfW training design team called on them again to help design and build a suitable solution. The source data and existing training material was reviewed and a design specification agreed which included the following functionality:
- An overview of the Points Local Control Unit features and functionality
- A visualisation aid for reading track points
- The ability to simulate the following 2nd Degraded Mode procedures on a Points Local Control Unit
– Train entering the loop in the usual direction
– Train entering the loop in the ‘opposite’ direction
– Train exiting the loop in the usual direction
– Train exiting the loop in the ‘opposite’ direction - The ability for users to carry out procedures without hints and with the option of reporting their performance to their trainer
Outcome
The project has delivered a cost effective, easily distributable simulator app that enables regular practice on specialist procedures that TfW could not otherwise simulate in real life or by using traditional hardware simulators. This will significantly accelerate competence development on the use of Power Operated Points.
“This is a complex training requirement that is difficult to communicate using traditional classroom techniques. Working with the Denova team we were able to convert the specific learning outcomes into realistic simulations that are now easily distributed to our train managers tablet devices. This is the ideal simulator technology for building competence in specialist procedures.” Paul Pritchard, Safety Operations Standards Competency Manager, Transport for Wales
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