Method of controlling train consist

Abstract

A method to control a train consist by an off-board train control system is provided. The method includes retrieving train sequence initialization data from a plurality of car control devices. The train sequence initialization data is retrieved via an on-board locomotive control system. The method of retrieval includes automatically fetching the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system from the plurality of car control devices, via an electronically controlled pneumatic brake system. Thereafter, the method includes, transmitting the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system to the off-board train control system. Further, the train consist is controlled based on the train sequence initialization data retrieved from the plurality of car control devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of controlling a train consist by an off-board train control system, the method comprising:
 retrieving train sequence initialization data from a plurality of car control devices, via an on-board locomotive control system, wherein retrieval includes:   automatically fetching the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system from the plurality of the car control devices, via an electronically controlled pneumatic brake system;   transmitting the train sequence initialization data by the on-board locomotive control system to the off-board train control system; and   controlling the train consist based on the train sequence initialization data retrieved from the plurality of car control devices.