• New Orleans Public Belt restresses, reinvigorates safety

• Assistant Vice President Bridges & Structures

6/8/2016

ARMS: PTC-in-a-Box

It's nearly impossible to explain to industry outsiders how immense and complex the tasks related to the railroads' positive train control (PTC) implementation have been and remain. Along the way, manufacturers have been eager to support the railroads' efforts with all types of essential PTC products and materials. 

Many of these products – for signal, communication and locomotive PTC installations – have been included in the more than 10,000 customized PTC kits that ARMS has provided to six of the seven Class I railroads. Their scale has been quite variable – ranging from single packages that hold small PTC electronic components and power systems, to 60-foot containerized shipping units that hold practically everything needed for a wayside site.

ARMS kitting projects have been tailored to each PTC installation and to the railroad's specific requirements. Individual kits are frequently modified to meet site specifics. Often they include some integrated parts or electronics, plus the tools and small incidental material pieces and instructions needed by field personnel. ARMS kits are packaged intentionally to facilitate on-site unloading and fast assembly. 

ARMS PTC-in-a-Box Solution has helped railroads add PTC to their signal sites within hours, rather than what would otherwise require several days, company officials said. Each PTC-in-a-Box unit shipped by ARMS is fully integrated with all of the essential PTC components, simplifying installation.

As part of the PTC power solution, ARMS has been integrating and kitting power solutions for both backup and dark territories. These often have been hybrid solutions powered by Ameresco solar and wind systems, as well as Plug Power fuel cells.