Automatic neutral section control system

摘要

A method of controlling a neutral section operation of a train ( 14 ) including a lead locomotive ( 16 ) and at least one remote locomotive ( 12 ) in communication with the lead locomotive. The locomotives are electrically powered from respective electrical connections to a catenary ( 22 ) having at least one neutral section ( 26 ). The method includes sensing when a lead locomotive is proximate the neutral section of the catenary. The lead locomotive then commands the remote locomotive to perform a neutral section operation when the lead locomotive has traveled a distance equal to a distance ( 20 ) between the lead locomotive and the remote locomotive. The lead locomotive determines when to issue a neutral section command based on a speed of the lead locomotive and an elapsed time from when the lead locomotive senses its location proximate the neutral section.