2013 – July – Skilton – Cost Effective Signalling – Sweating the Asset in New Zealand

John Skilton BE Hons. (Electrical and Electronic) FIRSE, MIPENZ, CPEng Generations of signalling engineers have been subjected to accusations that signalling is too expensive. This paper examines some of the techniques applied in New Zealand to provide cost effective signalling and train control systems. Case studies for the use of common SCADA platforms for train control and the use traffic light based level crossing systems in yard areas are provided. The paper concludes with a brief look at some trends in the signalling arena that may impact on the cost of train control systems in the future.