An advanced simulator applied to control centre testing and operator training

London Underground´s Central Line has 49 stations and extends for approximately 55 kilometres. The line has been completely resignalled throughout, with the associated introduction of new trains and automatic train operation (ATO). Very few changes have been made to the geography of the line as the new signalling has been introduced. Five depots and two sets of fan sidings for overnight stabling result in both the line geography and the timetabled service patterns being complex. A new signalling control system (SCS) has also been provided and this is in the final stages of commissioning. Prior to the provision of the new systems, there was no centralised control, and so one of the key deliverables under the scope of the SCS contract is a real-time simulator. Whilst the simulator has the primary role of operator training, it has also evolved to be an essential tool for the setting to work of the control system and the testing of its control philosophy, before the system is applied in passenger service