Train Dispatcher (computer simulation)
Encyclopedia
Train Dispatcher is a train simulator
of centralized traffic control
(CTC) systems. It was originally developed in the 1980s as a training tool for a commercial railroad and was then made available to the public. The software is currently produced by SoftRail (formerly Signal Computer Consultants) for Windows
-based computers.
The simulator is operated from the perspective of a CTC dispatcher
. Track
diagrams similar to actual CTC displays are provided, and train operations run according to a timetable
. Operations can be run in real time or adjusted fast or slow.
Version 2 of the software was released in 1997 and supported multiple track territories. The manufacturer provided five territory files in the initial package, and offered additional territories for sale on its website. It also provided companion software called "Track Builder" which allows users to create and share files for additional railroad territories. Users have created territory files for many locations, including North America
, Australia
and Europe
, and some of these files are available for free downloading on the company's website. The version 2 software is available as a free download from the manufacturer.
The current version of the software is 3.5, and is provided with five US territories, and one each for Canada
and Australia. Additional for-sale and free territory files are available.
Train simulator
A train simulator is a computer based simulation of rail transport operations.-Industrial train simulations:Like flight simulators, train simulators have been produced for railway training purposes...
of centralized traffic control
Centralized traffic control
Centralized traffic control is a form of railway signalling that originated in North America and centralizes train routing decisions that were previously carried out by local signal operators or the train crews themselves. The system consists of a centralized train dispatcher's office that...
(CTC) systems. It was originally developed in the 1980s as a training tool for a commercial railroad and was then made available to the public. The software is currently produced by SoftRail (formerly Signal Computer Consultants) for Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
-based computers.
The simulator is operated from the perspective of a CTC dispatcher
Train dispatcher
A train dispatcher is employed by a railroad to direct and facilitate the movement of trains over an assigned territory, which is usually part, or all, of a railroad operating division. In Canada the train dispatcher is known as the rail traffic controller...
. Track
Rail tracks
The track on a railway or railroad, also known as the permanent way, is the structure consisting of the rails, fasteners, sleepers and ballast , plus the underlying subgrade...
diagrams similar to actual CTC displays are provided, and train operations run according to a timetable
Public transport timetable
A public transport timetable is a representation of public transport information to assist a passenger with planning a trip using public transport. A timetable details when vehicle will arrive and depart specified locations and may be organised for by route or for a particular stop...
. Operations can be run in real time or adjusted fast or slow.
Version 2 of the software was released in 1997 and supported multiple track territories. The manufacturer provided five territory files in the initial package, and offered additional territories for sale on its website. It also provided companion software called "Track Builder" which allows users to create and share files for additional railroad territories. Users have created territory files for many locations, including North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, and some of these files are available for free downloading on the company's website. The version 2 software is available as a free download from the manufacturer.
The current version of the software is 3.5, and is provided with five US territories, and one each for Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and Australia. Additional for-sale and free territory files are available.