Cattron Introduces L-Stop Locomotive Stop System

(Cattron)

Cattron, a manufacturer of wireless control systems for safety and mission-critical applications, announced on June 25 the introduction of its new L-Stop locomotive stop system.

According to Cattron, the system is designed for rapid installation (achievable in less than two hours) and requires minimal maintenance, “emphasizing user-friendliness and cost-efficiency.” Additionally, L-Stop “enhances operational control by allowing up to three operators to remotely activate a single locomotive’s horn and bell, increasing the safety for everyone in the vicinity. Its robust fail-safe design also guarantees a safe stop of the locomotive if communication is ever compromised, providing an extra layer of security that sets it apart from competitors,” the company noted in a release.

Cattron’s L-Stop system “sets a new standard in locomotive safety technology, distinguishing itself with dual interface connectivity that seamlessly integrates both pneumatically and electronically with any locomotive and works with legacy remote-control systems,” the company said. It boasts an extended operational range of up to five miles, supported by repeaters, “to ensure comprehensive coverage across even the most expansive rail yards.” The system’s direct-to-locomotive interface, Cattron adds, also takes failure-prone, third-party programmable logic controllers (PLCs), out of the equation.

Key features and advantages of the L-Stop system include:

• “Rapid Installation and Low Maintenance: The system can be installed in less than two hours and features minimal maintenance requirements due to its simple design, which includes only one moving part. The system’s efficiency reduces downtime and operational costs, making L-Stop both a practical and economical safety solution
• “Dual Interface Technology: Uniquely interfacing both pneumatically and electronically with locomotives, L-Stop integrates seamlessly regardless of existing control systems, including those from competitors. This dual connectivity ensures robust and reliable performance even under severe operational conditions.
• “Extended Operational Range: Offering an impressive standard operating range of one mile line-of-sight, L-Stop’s capabilities can be further extended with the use of repeaters, potentially covering up to and beyond five miles of track if needed. This extensive range ensures that the system can accommodate larger rail yards and complex track layouts.
• “Locomotive Sounding Option: As an additional safety feature, systems that include horn and bell functions will automatically sound upon the receiver braking to notify yard personnel that the L-Stop has been activated.
• “Enhanced System Security: Incorporating lockout/tagout capabilities, L-Stop ensures that its safety features remain engaged unless deliberately overridden using a customer’s own secure procedures. This prevents unauthorized manipulation and maintains strict security protocols within the railyard.
• “Multiple User Connectivity: Up to three workers can be connected to a single L-Stop system on a locomotive, enhancing teamwork, safety and redundant oversight. The system’s infrastructure supports multiple units within a facility, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response capabilities across the entire railyard.
• “Fail-Safe Operation: Designed with safety as a paramount concern, L-Stop requires continuous communication between the handheld transmitter and the locomotive. If communication is ever lost, perhaps due to a transmitter fault or damage, the system is engineered to safely stop the locomotive automatically.
• “Immediate Control and Enhanced Safety: The L-Stop places control directly in the hands of the workers, providing them with a personal safety device that can safely stop a locomotive when a dangerous situation is detected. This capability is crucial in preventing accidents, such as collisions with obstructing vehicles or near switches, where visibility is limited for locomotive engineers.”

“This is a top-notch wireless control solution that enhances safety in the railyard, putting safety and control in the worker’s hand,” said Cattron Vice President of Product Management Brian Fette. “L-Stop builds on Cattron’s 45-year legacy in the rail industry, offering a failsafe safety device that drastically reduces the risk of accidents.”

“The innovative locomotive stop system is designed to bolster safety across rail yards,” Cattron stated in the release. “Its cutting-edge technology empowers engineers, conductors and other rail professionals in the yard with the ability to halt a locomotive immediately by pressing a single button, thereby substantially mitigating accident risks. L-Stop is tailored for seamless integration with any locomotive, requiring no additional hardware or subsystems.”