Project: Optimising Rail Depot Operations in Holbeck, Leeds
Location: Holbeck Rail Depot, Leeds
Client: RTS Infrastructure
Key Outputs:
3D video showing 12-hour operation of site including movement between platforms
Novel application of PTV VISSIM
Bespoke programming to control movement of vehicles
This case study exemplifies our approach at Modelling Group: combining our technical expertise with innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges in transport planning. It highlights our ability to adapt our modelling techniques to unique scenarios, ensuring accurate representation of operations and contributing to efficient planning and decision-making.
The Challenge:
The operation of a rail depot is a complex dance of precision and timing. For the Holbeck Rail Depot in Leeds, we were tasked with developing a microsimulation model that would accurately represent the arrival and departure times of trains over a 12-hour period. The model also needed to illustrate the movement of trains between platforms for refuelling and cleaning, ready to resume service.
Our Approach:
At Modelling Group, we embraced this challenge by creating a model that not only captured the intricate operations of the depot but also identified any capacity issues. One of the key challenges was the multiple times the trains had to move through the depot from platform to platform, all while adhering to a strict timetable and ensuring movement was not impaired by other trains.
To achieve this, we set up the train network with two sets of links - one for trains moving from east to west, and vice versa for the second set. This allowed vehicles to move both forward and backwards along the railway lines. The ‘switch’ between links was controlled by bespoke programming, triggered by detectors in the network located at the points where vehicles would stop.
The Outcome:
Our innovative approach resulted in a detailed 3D video showing the 12-hour operation of the site, including the movement between platforms for fuelling and cleaning. This project demonstrated our ability to apply our modelling expertise in novel ways, beyond the more traditional highway and junction modelling.
