Efficient train movements are fundamental to the successful operation of a rail depot. With multiple vehicles, maintenance activities, routes and pieces of depot equipment often operating within the same environment, effective control and coordination are essential.
Depot Control Systems can help operators manage this complexity by providing a centralised approach to vehicle movements, points control and the integration of depot equipment.
Integrated Depot Control
FirstClass Safety & Control designs, manufactures, installs and supports Depot Control and Locally Operated Points Systems (LOPS) for rail depot applications.
These systems can assist depot operators by controlling and automating activities that would otherwise require manual intervention, helping to simplify operations while maintaining the required safety controls.
Depending on the requirements of the depot, a system can incorporate automatic or locally operated points control, route setting, vehicle movement control and interfaces with other depot systems and equipment.
This allows movements through the depot to be managed efficiently while helping protect people, vehicles and infrastructure.
Designed Around the Depot
No two rail depots operate in exactly the same way.
Our Depot Control Systems are therefore developed around the individual layout, operational requirements and working practices of each facility.
Solutions can range from individual points control and LOPS applications through to larger integrated Depot Control Systems covering multiple roads and operational areas.
Where required, systems can incorporate SIL 2 safety functionality appropriate to the depot environment.
Integration with Existing Equipment
A key consideration when upgrading a depot is how a new control system will interact with existing infrastructure.
FirstClass Safety & Control has extensive experience of integrating new and existing systems, including legacy and third-party equipment.
Our systems can interface with equipment including:
- Points and signalling equipment
- Depot Protection Systems
- Personnel Warning Systems
- Lifting jacks
- Bogie drops
- Train washes
- Underfloor wheel lathes
- Doors and access systems
- Fuelling facilities
- Ventilation and exhaust extraction
- Shore supplies
- OLE isolation and interlocking
This approach can allow depot operators to introduce new functionality without unnecessarily replacing serviceable existing equipment.
Upgrading and Extending Existing Systems
Depot requirements change throughout the life of a facility.
New rolling stock, additional maintenance activities, changes to depot layouts and ageing or obsolete equipment can all create a need to modify an existing control system.
FirstClass Safety & Control can upgrade, extend and modify existing Depot Control and LOPS installations, including systems originally supplied by other manufacturers.
Our experience with legacy systems means we can assess existing installations and develop practical solutions to extend their operational life, introduce additional functionality or integrate new equipment.
Through-Life Support
Effective depot control depends on systems remaining reliable and supportable throughout their working life.
Alongside the design and installation of new systems, FirstClass Safety & Control provides training, planned maintenance, modifications, upgrades and remote technical support.
We also provide 24/7 service support contracts for customers requiring additional operational assurance.
Whether you are developing a new rail depot, extending an existing facility or considering the upgrade or replacement of an ageing Depot Control System, our team can develop a solution around your operational requirements and existing infrastructure.