Train Coach Indicators that change with the direction of the train (2024)

Background

The client needed to clearly mark the train coach carriages on their 158 fleet with a letter. This is so that those passengers with seat reservations can easily find their designated seat.

When the train travels in one direction, Coach A is at the front.

Train Coach Indicators that change with the direction of the train (1)

However, if the trains were to return in the opposite direction, the front coach would be “D”.

The brief

The client wished a sturdy device that would enable staff to easily change the coach letter when the train is reversed:

Train Coach Indicators that change with the direction of the train (2)

The Process

Train Coach Indicators that change with the direction of the train (3)We worked together to design such a device. The outside dimensions were determined by the location of the device. The inner workings had to be as light as possible using materials able to meet the stringent Fire Standards via GM/RT 1234 (since then, EN45545 is the current standard). When the rail key is inserted into the device, it can be used to swap the letters. 2 Prototypes were produced before the design was put into Production.

The Result

The device was put into service in August 2011.

Other Customers

The original train coach indicator design was modified and improved in 2017 for a similar part for another customer. Size constraints meant that a complete re-design of the inner workings were required. Furthermore, where the key-hole parts were previously glued, these were re-designed to include a screw, making them sturdier.

Train Coach Indicators that change with the direction of the train (2024)

FAQs

How does a train change direction? ›

Trains change track using a machine that switches the direction of the rails. The switch or point machine moves blades of rail into place that change the direction of the train wheels. Deciding which track a train should use is the job of the train controller, though it is usually handled automatically by computer.

How do you know which coach is which on a train? ›

Look for the coach letter on the outside of the train. This will save you from having to walk the length of the train when on board. Look for your seat number. Seat numbering starts from one end of the coach and finishes at the other.

How do I know my coach position on a train? ›

Online: Passengers can check their coach position online on the Indian Railways website or mobile application by entering their PNR number. Enquiry Helpline: Passengers can call the Indian Railways enquiry number 139 to get information on the coach position.

What is B1 B2 B3 coach in train? ›

In the case of AC 2nd and 3rd class coaches, they are marked as 'B' coaches. The letter 'B' stands for 'Berth', as these coaches have sleeping berths for passengers. The coaches are numbered as B1, B2, B3, and so on, to differentiate between different coaches of the same class within the same rake or section.

How do train signals work? ›

A combination of sensors and radio signals determine the precise location and speed of the trains. Then, it dictates the safest distance for trains to be from each other. This information is then fed to the trackside signals. The way that the system works is to always default to a red signal to be as safe as possible.

What controls the trains direction? ›

Train dispatcher directly controls the position of switches and the display of signal aspects. And on multiple track lines, any track can be used for movements in either direction.

What is coach code in train? ›

The first 2 digits of this unique code represent the year in which the coach was made. The last 3 digits represent the type of coach it is. For example, if the code on the coach is 04052, it means the coach was manufactured in 2004, and 052 represents A.C. Coach. Numbers 1-200 represent A.C. Coaches.

What does coach mean on a train? ›

countable noun. A coach is one of the separate sections of a train that carries passengers.

What does forward facing mean on a train? ›

Forward facing – You'll be facing the front of the train. You may also be facing another passenger,sometimes with a table between you. Backward facing – You'll be facing the back of the train.

What is a coach code? ›

The Code of Ethics provides coaches with guidelines and examples of how they should act. It is a guidebook for coaches and is intended to help them be ethical and professional.

What does L mean in train coach position? ›

S = Second class / Sitting accommodation — usually / normally operated as Unreserved. L = Luggage or Parcel Van / Compartment(s) — Railway transports Parcel / Luggage by these. R = Brake Van meant for Guard of the train — it has the equipments required in connection with the duties of the Guard of a train.

What does HA1 mean in train? ›

The HA1 coach in Indian Railways refers to a type of air-conditioned (AC) first-class coach. It is also known as the "First AC" coach and is considered the most luxurious and expensive class of travel in Indian Railways.

What is AB1 in train coach? ›

Coach number
Tire NameTypeRepresent coach in Train
HBComposite AC One Tier/Three TierHB1, HB2, HB3
ABComposite AC Two Tier/Three TierAB1, AB2, AB3
SLSleeper Class Non AC coachS1, S2, S3
SLRstands for Seating cum Luggage RakeSLR(Luggage yard)
15 more rows
Apr 11, 2022

What is C1 in train coach? ›

CC : Air-conditioned chair-car. - Coaches are numbered C1, C2, C3. CH : High-capacity version of the air-conditioned chair-car class - Coaches are numbered M1, M2. EC : Executive Class, or First Class Air-conditioned chair-car - Coaches are numbered E1, E2, E3. SL : Sleeper class - Coaches are numbered S1, S2, S3 etc.

What is the A1 in train coach? ›

A1 Coach: A1 is the code for a 2nd AC (Second Air Conditioned) coach [1]. It is one of the classes available for long-distance train travel in India. The A1 coach consists of berths in two tiers, with air conditioning facilities.

What makes a train go forward? ›

Besides steam- and diesel-powered locomotives, many modern trains operate solely on electrical power. They get the electricity from a third rail, or electrical line, along the track. Transformers transfer the voltage from the lines, and the electrical current drives the motors (AC or DC) on the wheels.

Can trains move in either direction? ›

Trains can operate in both directions. As with road motor vehicles, trains have mechanisms allowing travel in either direction along railway tracks. But there are problems and solutions. The layout and configuration of steam locomotives only allows for preferred forward travel with the locomotive pulling rolling stock.

Does a train have a reverse gear? ›

The electricity is used to operate big electric motors which drive the wheels. Electric motors don't need gearboxes. They provide massive amounts of torque from stop to top speed. They can do this in forward and reverse, which is why you see train engines facing forward and backward on the same train.

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