Synchronized control messages for starting and stopping independently controlled locomotives in a train

Abstract

A train control system includes independent virtual in-train forces modeling engines onboard each of a plurality of locomotives in a train and a data acquisition hub configured to acquire signals from sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of real-time force and displacement measurement data from each of draft gears and couplers interconnecting each locomotive with another locomotive or with non-powered rail cars, acquire synchronized messages transmitted from offboard the train or from other locomotives of the train over a range of frequencies used by voice radios on the train for communicating between the locomotives, wherein the synchronized messages include real-time information on starting the train, stopping the train, and the next two speed limits for the train, and acquire heuristic data indicating the locomotive's motion during a predetermined period of time. An energy management system adjusts throttle requests, dynamic braking requests, and pneumatic braking requests for the locomotives based at least in part on a respective one of the virtual in-train forces models.