CZ/SK verze

Farewell to Old Iron Clunkers: Check Out What New Trains Can Do

Farewell to Old Iron Clunkers: Check Out What New Trains Can Do
photo: Siemens Mobility / Public domain/Cybersecurity in rail transport
09 / 08 / 2024

Forget the old carriages that your grandparents remember. In the past thirty years, trains have transformed beyond recognition. They're now automated, with doors that open at the push of a button and lock while in motion. These carriages are packed with technical features that passengers are often unaware of. RAILTARGET is to give readers a behind-the-scenes look.

According to the Czech Railways, the company is upgrading its services and passenger care by replacing old carriages. Of the total 800 series B carriages, only a small fraction remains in service. Comparing today's travel quality to that of thirty years ago, we see that trains are now automated, doors are operated by buttons and are locked while in motion. New carriages feature central control, ensuring doors open only on the correct side. Passengers are often unaware of the systems inside the train, such as electric brakes, anti-skid devices, temperature sensors, CO2 sensors, diagnostic and control units, and communication systems, all designed to ensure safety and comfort. 

Over the past thirty years, the fleet has undergone significant changes. Passenger carriages have reached the level of locomotives. In the past, maintenance required just mechanics to replace worn parts and fix minor issues, but now it's different. More qualified workers are needed to keep pace with railway modernization. When a new vehicle arrives at the maintenance center, technicians are provided with maintenance materials and technical descriptions, and sometimes even maintenance guides, to ensure the trains last as long as possible. In summer, the main issues are with air conditioning, while in winter, it's heating. Maintenance can be very beneficial for technicians in terms of sharing experiences with non-traction units.

We've also learned that a team of technicians who understand computers is currently developing. This is crucial due to the digitization of railways. Each carriage today has at least one if not multiple, software systems. They also have firmware and PLDs (programmable logic devices). One machine can have up to twenty such technical components. It's a team effort. Each technician has a specific role. One might specialize in the mechanism of retractable boarding doors, ensuring they work perfectly despite heavy use and wear. Repairs also involve software adjustments, with technicians ensuring safe operation.

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