Maintaining the past, creating the future | UK
train-detectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Maintaining the past, creating the future | UK

Operator
Dean Forest Railway
Country
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Track Vacancy Detection
Products
RSR123, FAdC
Year
2019

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) operates a historical 7 km passenger service line running north from Lydney Junction to Parkend, in the Forest of Dean. Due to extensions of the line and an additional turnout being added at Parkend, an update and modernisation of the existing train detection and signalling system was necessary. Being a heritage railway, it requires high standards in terms of signalling and safety, whilst maintaining the historical touch of the line.

The train detection system had to be integrated into the mechanical interlocking that was also being restored to bring Parkend signal box back to life. Achieving the necessary ballast resistance to reliably operate track circuits would have involved relaying a large portion of track. Together with the maintenance requirements of additional track circuits, this would have been too time-consuming, as the line is operated by a volunteer workforce. Alternatively, extending the original token system would have reduced the number of income-generating services. Thus, a different method of track vacancy detection was necessary.

Based on previous positive experiences, DFR decided to go for an axle counter solution from Frauscher. To provide maximum flexibility and meet the variety of requirements defined, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC was chosen. On track, nine Frauscher Wheel Sensors RSR123 are now detecting even the old steam train’s wheel flanges highly reliably. Using the system’s ability of establishing individual architectures, the axle counter was collocated with the interlocking inside the existing signal box. Track vacancy detection data is provided to be electronically integrated into the mechanical interlocking. Additionally, Supervisor Track Sections STS and Counting Head Control CHC are providing maximum availability and system resilience. The Frauscher Diagnostic System FDS provides DFR’s experts with remote access to real-time diagnostic data.

Quick installation

With the assistance of the Frauscher UK employees, installing and commissioning the FAdC and Wheel Sensors RSR123 took only six days, including laying the cable. This resulted in a minimum downtime on site.

Reduction of ongoing maintenance costs

The possibility of remote diagnostics ensures that a time related benefit is given during operation as well, as it can help off duty staff members to support their colleagues onsite and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Data configuration and consistency of spare parts, allows for future remodelling and expansion work.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
train-detectionAustria

GKB Graz-Köflacher Bahn | Austria

The operator of the Graz-Köflacher Bahn has made substantial modernisations to the network, choosing a decentralised system architecture and the EULYNX standardised interface. In this case, it was crucial that the new system would ensure a seamless transition from the previous parallel interface for relay systems to EULYNX.
train-detectionTaiwan

Shalun Signaling | Taiwan

The Shalun Line is frequented by four-car-trains and located in the south of Taiwan. Tropical conditions with temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees and high humidity are not the only challenge the Frauscher Axle Counter Solution has to deal with.
train-detectionUnited States of America

Class 1 Grade Crossing Enhancement FAdC and RSR180 | USA

Frauscher was approached by a US Class 1 railroad regarding a grade crossing owned and operated by them, on a track crossing a public road. The operator’s main goal was to find a signaling solution that would seamlessly integrate with the current crossing controller and keep the crossing operational under challenging operational conditions. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensor RSR180 were chosen as the ideal solution for this particular project.
train-detectionChina

Tram Huangpu Line 1 | China

Tram Huangpu Line 1 (HP1) line is located in urban areas with high traffic density and passenger volume as well as many level crossings. The adverse weather conditions can cause flooding of the track bed and add to the challenges for reliable system availability and operations.
train-detection, servicesIndia

Sini - Chandil Railway Line | India

The Sini-Chandil railway line is a crucial rail connection located in the state of Jharkhand, which lies in the eastern coastal region of India. This railway line holds significant strategic importance for the entire region, and now incorporates Frauscher solutions, including the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC, Wheel Sensor RSR180 and the Frauscher Insights applications Diagnostics and Motion.