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P. Knowlton

Union Switch & Signal Pty. Ltd.

This paper describes the technical solutions reached to satisfy the requirements of a heavy haul railway for a modern integrated central control, distributed processor based interlockings and an in-cab signalling system incorporating on-board automatic train protection. The operating methods for a dedicated heavy haul railway are in many respects different to a mixed passenger and freight railway, Maintaining safety is concerned with the efficient delivery of the product from the mine to the port, which in this case adds the complexity of not stopping trains, unless absolutely necessary. Unnecessary braking of a heavily loaded train can cause problems with broken couplings which can have significant operating consequences.