by Railjunkie
mtuandrew wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 12:10 pmAs a locomotive engineer who uses both systems, I can say say in all honesry the I-ETMS system is way better than the ACSES system. I think with this system I could run a train to Cleveland over parts of CSX that I havent been on in close to 20 yrs. and not have an issue.David Benton wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 4:50 am I think it was a orphan system , they tried to reinvent the wheel, instead of going with a tried and true system like the NEC ones. Same with the Michigan system, one could be forgiven for wondering if they were trying to spend as much money as possible.Less an orphan, more a system that didn’t win. ITCS, the GE-built system on the Michigan Line, was pretty early and pretty robust. I’m not sure why more roads didn’t adopt it. I can’t currently find more info on the former Illinois system but I think it was called ASES; they’re re-standardizing on Wabtec’s I-ETMS which has become the de facto American freight standard. Theoretically I-ETMS should be good for 110 mph operation, so I’m not sure what’s holding them up.
The NEC’s ACSES II is actually more robust and doesn’t depend on GPS. I think it is a descendant of some of the European systems that include wayside and in-track transponders. It’s good for a system where you don’t mind spending more on physical infrastructure that ties into existing cab and wayside signals.
The I-ETMS system is more techy. We have a seperate screen with a "map" of the route along with speeds both temp and perm, curvature, grades, signals, crossings (if set up it will blow the crossing sequence at each crossing) and work areas. One needs to sign in to the computer and double check things like tonnage length engine number cars and to be sure the bulletin matches whats on the computer. Its accurate as hell I would guess within 20ft or so.
HOWEVER account it being so accurate and the way the system is set up you cant to quick out of or into speed restrictions it WILL let you know. If you have an ooppsie it WILL download the issue then just about everybody in the world will know about it.
ACSES basically get on and go. It dosent care about train length or tonnage engine number ect ect. Your assigned a letter grade for your train A,B,C,D.
A= High Speed ACELA type trains
B= Regionals less than 125
C= Long distance think LSL
D= work trains
Its all based on top speed and braking curves. You as the engineer are still responsible for train handling and your PCs. Will it take action if it dosent like what you are doing yes it will HOWEVER it wont down load and broadcast your ooppsie to the world. The little black box behind you along with the cameras has it and its saved forever.