A train is primarily controlled by a train driver from the cab, also known as the driving compartment.
Where Trains Are Controlled
In most cases, trains are controlled from a dedicated area called the cab. This compartment is typically located in the locomotive, which is the power car of the train. This is where the train driver operates the train.
- Locomotive Cabs: These are the most common location for the controls.
- Cab Cars: For operational flexibility, unpowered train cars known as cab or control cars may also be equipped with driving compartments. This allows the train to be controlled from the front even when the locomotive is pushing from the rear.
Key Controls Used by the Driver
The train driver uses various controls within the cab to manage the train's movement and safety. While the exact controls vary by train type and technology, fundamental operations controlled from the cab include:
- Speed and Power: Accelerating or decelerating the train by adjusting the power output of the locomotive(s).
- Braking: Applying brakes to slow down or stop the train.
- Direction: Selecting forward or reverse movement.
- Safety Systems: Operating horns, whistles, lights, and interacting with signaling systems.
- Communication: Communicating with dispatchers, other trains, or crew members.
The driver's actions in the cab directly influence the train's operation, ensuring it follows schedules, adheres to speed limits, and responds correctly to signals and conditions along the route.
Operating from a Control Car
The reference highlights that cab or control cars contain the necessary equipment for a driver to control the train even when located at the opposite end from the locomotive. This setup is common in passenger trains, allowing for quick direction changes at terminals without needing to move the locomotive to the other end. The controls in a cab car function similarly to those in a locomotive cab, sending signals down the length of the train to the locomotive(s).
| Control Function | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Power/Throttle | Adjusts speed/acceleration | Cab |
| Brake Lever | Applies various braking systems | Cab |
| Direction Control | Selects forward or reverse | Cab |
| Horn/Whistle | Audible warning device | Cab |
| Lights | Headlights, marker lights, etc. | Cab |
This table illustrates some primary control functions found within a train's driving compartment, whether in a locomotive or a control car.
Understanding how a train driver utilizes the equipment in the cab provides insight into the core method of train control.
