Success for RMD in the U.S.

After months of preparation and an intensive week in the United States, the much-anticipated derailment test was finally carried out during the TTC Conference and Tour in Pueblo, Colorado. The demonstration of RMD’s PMU sensors went exactly as planned – and drew considerable attention from both organizers and participants.

During the test, a special wedge was placed under the train’s fifth and final car, causing it to derail and continue for another 50 meters. The PMUs registered the derailment and sent an alert to RMD’s dashboard in less than two seconds.

Before the test, Brad McCall from RMD’s U.S. distributor AMECO gave a short presentation on how RMD’s derailment detection system can save large amounts of money when accidents occur. He described cases where derailments had gone unnoticed by the train driver – resulting in extensive damage to both rolling stock and infrastructure. With RMD’s system, the driver is alerted instantly and can stop the train before the damage becomes severe.

A highly successful demonstration

Next to the test area, RMD’s dashboard was displayed live, but Brad suspected the audience would keep their eyes on the train rather than the screen. After the test, many gathered to review and discuss the data, seeing how the system had reacted in real time.

Most attendees had already listened to RMD’s presentation the previous day about sensor technology, real-time monitoring, and derailment detection – so expectations were high.

– Our sensors have been warning about wheel flats all day. They detect all types of irregularities – wheel flats, cracks, truck hunting, and rail condition. But today is about showing how the system detects a derailment, said Brad McCall before concluding with a smile: “Enjoy the show.”

The derailment was carried out at approximately 17 km/h (about 10.5 mph), and RMD’s system performed flawlessly in front of an impressed audience. Afterwards, many valuable discussions followed, focusing on the clear practical and economic benefits of the technology.

– I’m very pleased. We successfully presented our system to the U.S. market and to decision-makers from around the world. The United States has the largest freight rail network in the world, and the potential for RMD here is significant, says Jan Lindqvist, CEO of Railway Metrics and Dynamics.

Derailment completed

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