New German developments in the field of train detection

The paper describes the characteristics of track monitoring systems used in West Germany, and how their performance has been affected by the introduction of electronic traction control, and by the trend towards high train speeds and increased traffic density. The problems arising from these aspects of railway modernisation are being solved by the introduction of a new generation of track monitoring equipment. The features of the equipment designed at Standard Elektrik Lorenz (SEL) AG to meet these new demands are subsequently illustrated and explained.