Model Railroad Software Safety Testbed

The Model Railroad Software Safety Testbed is an integral part of the research and education efforts of the laboratory.  Students enrolled in the Software Safety Engineering course gain hands-on experience implementing critical control software using an easy to understand project platform.  Scheduling software is used to set high-level objectives and manage passing of multiple locomotives traveling in opposite directions around the track layout.  Should there be a defect in the scheduling software, an independent safety monitor enforces standard railroad safety rules to prevent train collisions.  The software is developed using a DO-178C style development process supported by artifacts developed with guidance from SAE ARP 4761.

Current research includes the development of a more precise train identification and tracking system that will replace the system of magnetic and optical occupancy sensors that is now in use.

Oval Track Layout

Sidings Allow Trains to Travel in Opposite Directions Under Software Control

Under Construction