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Train Event Recorders are similar to, but pre-date, the black boxes found on aircraft. They record data about the operation of train controls and performance in response to those controls and other train control systems.
Data storage is provided by magnetic tape, battery-backed RAM, nonvolatile EEPROM or "Flash Memory" overwritten in a FIFO continuous loop.
The data is mainly used in the investigation of accidents and incidents but can also be used to monitor the performance and competence of drivers.

Contents 1 Regulations 1.1 US 1.2 UK & Ireland 2 History 3 See also

[edit] Regulations

[edit] US

The Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) "Final Rule 49 CFR Part 229", (revised June 30, 2005) FRA ruling, FRA press release requires that Event recorders be fitted to the leading locomotives of all US, Canadian & Mexican trains operating above 30 MPH on the US rail network including all freight, passenger and commuter rail locomotives but does not apply to transit running on its own dedicated tracks.

The new ruling applies to locomotives either ordered before Oct 1, 2006 or placed in service after Oct 1, 2009 and included:

• Improved crash worthiness by means of a “hardened” memory module able to withstand:
  • Fire resistance of 750 C for 1-hour- this test simulates the temperature of burning diesel fuel
  • Impact shock of 55g
  • Static crush of 110kN for 5-minutes - this test simulates a locomotive derailment and blunt object impact
  • Fluid immersion in Diesel, water, salt water or lube oil for 2-days
  • Hydrostatic pressure equivalent to immersion to a depth of 15 m in water for 2-days
• Recording of additional information to enhance the quality of information available for post-accident investigations including the following “safety-critical” signals:
  • Speed
  • Direction of travel (Forward or Reverse)
  • Time
  • Distance
  • Throttle position
  • Operation of brakes
  • Status of Headlights & Marker Lights (On or Off)
  • Operation of Horn
  • Status of Cab signals
• Store the last 48 hours of safety-critical train data. This is to prevent over-writing of the crash data if the loco is used for the subsequent "clean-up" of the crash scene.
• The phasing out of the old magnetic tape models over a four year period due to their vulnerability to data loss in the event of a crash.

[edit] UK & Ireland

All trains operating on Railtrack controlled infrastructure are required to be fitted with an Event recorder complying with GM/RT 2472[1] Ireland has also adopted this regulation.
Similar in approach to US requirements, the UK regs are more comprehensive in their list of required signals. This reflects, in part, the prevelance of passenger trains and the inevitable possibility of incidents involving access doors.
Signals to be recorded include:

• Brake demand inc. operation of Bk. Controls & other activation
• Power notch
• Wheel speed
• Speedo signal
• AWS operation
• DRA
• Vigilance Operation
• PES - Passenger Emergency System
• Override of any Safety System
• Horn
• Door signals
• Door inter-lock
• WSP
• Tilt
• Speed supervision & Control

[edit] History

The earliest event recorders were the mechanical Hasler[2] speed recorders, which appeared in the 1920s. These drew with ink on rolls of paper and recorded time and speed.

[edit] See also

• Tachograph - used on trucks.