Mechanical Lever Frame Simulators
IST Simulations can supply mechanical lever frames for training, fully painted, interlocking and with simulator back-end.
The frames are built in half-real-size, giving a sturdy and firm frame of levers to operate, but without the space and structural requirements of a full-size frame installation. Our frames are designed to sit on the floor or a small platform and don’t require a ‘downstairs’. They are the right size to be worked by a candidate in a normal standing position, providing a realistic signal box experience.
Frames can be made for any layout, real or fictional, with any number of levers and any arrangement of interlocking, and all are built to comply with Network Rail’s standards for the provision of signalling simulators: NR/L2/OPS/254 and NR/L2/OPS/254/01.
Block instruments, bells and controls can be modelled, illuminated diagrams and all manner of block-shelf instruments such as signal and point repeaters, lamp repeaters / FFF alarms, TPWS FIUs, emergency alarms and any other custom-required indicator with 100% accurate operation.
Interlocking
Interlocking is achieved mechanical and/or electrically. IST’s mechanical frame simulators are powered by two software systems, both completely in-house developed by IST’s software labs – one for the interlocking and one for the ‘outside world’.
The frames are interlocked to your exact requirements, including from real-life control tables.
Outside World Software
Our ‘outside world’ software, also developed in-house completely from scratch and completely unique to IST, mimics the movement of trains, point blades, lamp proving, and all the other real-life inputs to the interlocking.
Assessor’s Terminal
All IST simulations enjoy a comprehensive assessor’s machine on which all aspects of the simulation can be managed including altering the movement of trains, failure of points, aspect / signal and track circuit equipment, ground frame operation and other miscellaneous actions such as HABD, power failure, block controls, etc.
Where the simulation requires absolute block systems, these can be worked by an assessor or automatically, with the software responding appropriately to all bell signals in the rules and regulations.
Regional Variations
Where GWR/BR(W) frames are produced, lock economiser plungers can be provided.
Indication locking on levers controlling motorised points can be accurately simulated.
Signal lever backlocking / Sykes backlock release can be modelled.
Levers can be sprung to give candidates appreciation of forces applied to different types of lever.
Training Simulation
Combined, the above components provide a training environment with 100% accurate-to-life interlocking behaviour on which all types of training for normal-working and emergency drills can be practiced with zero safety risk.
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