CN introduces smaller, lighter operator
control units for the BELTPACK® locomotive remote control system
MONTREAL, Feb. 5, 2001 - Canadian National today announced the introduction
of a new generation of operator control units (OCU) for the BELTPACK®
locomotive remote control system (LRC) it uses in Canada.
Designed and manufactured by CN's CANAC subsidiary, the OCUIIe is a major
step forward. Significantly smaller, lighter and ergonomically improved
over the previous unit, the OCUIIe weighs just 3.4 pounds, compared to 6.8
pounds for its predecessor - a 50 per cent reduction in weight and 39 per
cent reduction in total size. It features a molded magnesium housing with
rounded edges and corners for maximum comfort as well as high impact resistance
and durability. An improved user safety vest support system that transfers
weight to the operator's hips and body frame - thus eliminating potential
back, shoulder and muscle strain - has also been developed and will be deployed.
The new operator control unit is the result of more than a year's close
cooperation and teamwork involving CANAC, CN management and field operations
employees, UTU representatives, as well as ergonomists and kinesiologists.
"The drive behind developing the new OCU was weight and comfort,"
said Jack McBain, senior Vice-President, Operations at CN. "With input
from CN's employees performing switching assignments using the BELTPACK®,
CANAC and the design team provided an ergonomically-designed, lighter and
safer OCU that will be greatly appreciated by our yard employees."
Implementation of the new operator control unit has commenced in Montreal's
Taschereau Yard with delivery of the first 40 units that will account for
the implementation on the Eastern Canada Division's Champlain Region. Implementation
in all of CN's main yards, including Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver,
will be completed during 2001. In all, 250 new OCUs will be delivered to
CN. Presently, CN has over 125 yard locomotives equipped with the BeltpackÒ
locomotive remote control system, making it the largest user of locomotive
remote control systems in North America.
BELTPACK® is a computer-based locomotive remote control system that
allows control of locomotives by ground-based employees via radio link using
a portable operator control unit (OCU). The technology enables two operators
to operate a switching assignment safely, by use of an onboard computer.
CN's data shows that the use of the locomotive remote control system has
resulted in a major reduction in the number of yard incidents.
Canadian National Railway Company spans Canada and mid-America, from
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports
of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile,
Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis,
St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America.
