The Rail Dispatch and Capacity Analysis Model, or RDCAM, is an important tool for today's transportation planner. RDCAM is a cost-effective, responsive and accurate approach to rail capacity and schedule analysis projects. Based on over 15 years of experience in developing train dispatching software and analyzing train operations, RDCAM uses a proprietary optimization algorithm, which plans and executes train movements in accordance with managements' objectives and schedule priorities. Rail Sciences has fine tuned the RDCAM dispatching engine to accurately and realistically replicate the actions of a dispatcher.
RDCAM has the capability to animate the simulation horizon which allows both technical staff and line management to quickly visualize "what if" scenarios. The output information is database compatible and can be exported for further review and refinement.
RDCAM has been extensively validated against real world train operations data. The validation has proven that the meet-pass logic accurately replicates the actions of a judicious dispatcher and verifies that the model can accurately move trains across a network on the basis of scheduling and horsepower/trailing ton ratios.
RDCAM has the following user benefits:
● Cost Effective - By using PC based machines and a Windows environment RDCAM avoids
expensive mainframes and programming time.
● User Friendly - The input/output toolkits lead the user through the collection of input data and the formatting of output reports.
● Output Flexibility - RDCAM allows the user to choose a variety of output formats. Built-in graphics drivers can provide animated screen outputs as the model progresses in time. The user can also plot train "stringline" charts in color.
