UK: Transport for Wales has introduced virtual reality training technology for train managers, enabling them to experience scenarios from a classroom before moving on to practical training.
‘This sort of training is used by the military, NHS, emergency services and other educational establishments but we’re the first train operator in the UK to introduce it to our train manager function’, said TfW Commercial Operations Trainer David Lewis. ‘It is important to understand that it doesn’t replace real life training but it will bridge the gap between theory in the classroom and practical experience.’
The Dispatch Simulator developed by Edinburgh-based Denova features a computer replica of a CAF Class 197 DMU. Scenarios can include dispatch procedures on a range of platform types, bringing the train to a stop in an emergency, dispatching against signal failure, identifying suspicious items and dealing with an onboard fire, plus many others. Users can interact with a virtual onboard phone to speak to the driver or signaller, who is played by the instructor in the classroom.
‘You can test out situations you just wouldn’t typically experience in the real world when taking trainees out’, said Conductor Instructor Lee Alexander. ‘I was really impressed with the technology and I like that we can suggest ideas for different scenarios.’
Brendan Morris CEO of Denova said ‘it has been a fantastic project and a real industry first. It allows trainees to practise degraded or emergency situations that they might seldom see, but need to be competent in. Like cab simulators for driving, the dispatch simulator helps build confidence and competence in safety critical procedures.’
