A computer simulation model of a private railway system

Abstract

The paper describes an operational study of a private railway system in the Transvaal. The main objective of the study was to recommend the minimum requirements for railway lines, locomotives and wagons and an economic, safe and reliable operating method for the proposed traffic levels, controlled by a remote signalling system. A survey of locomotive and train activities was undertaken to measure actual system activity times. The railway system was successfully modelled using the Firm's simulated train haul programme and HOCUS language. The resulting proposals showed a large capital saving, in the order of 100 times the study cost, below previously estimated capital costs.