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SERVICES
Simulation
Simulation Services for Rail and Intermodal Optimization
We develop and deploy sophisticated simulation tools to model rail operations, yard capacity, and intermodal logistics. Our simulations help clients identify bottlenecks, test infrastructure investments, and optimize performance across complex transportation networks.
We deliver advanced simulation services that help clients optimize rail and intermodal operations with clarity and confidence. By combining proprietary modeling tools with industry-standard platforms, we provide data-driven insights that support smarter infrastructure investments, operational improvements, and long-term strategic planning.
Our simulation capabilities span the full spectrum of rail and intermodal logistics—from mainline train operations to complex yard and port environments. Whether you're evaluating the impact of a new terminal, testing dispatching strategies, or identifying system bottlenecks, our tools and expertise help you reduce risk, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions.
EXAMPLES OF SERVICES OFFERED UNDER SIMULATION
Railroad Operations Simulator
With a legacy dating back to the 1970s, L. E. Peabody & Associates, Inc. has been at the forefront of railroad simulation. What began with time-distance “string charts” has evolved into sophisticated, in-house simulation tools that model complex rail networks with precision.
Our proprietary Railroad Operations Simulator (ROS) enables clients to:
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Simulate train movements across 17,000+ miles of track
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Analyze locomotive requirements and dispatching strategies
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Identify system bottlenecks and evaluate capacity improvements
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Test the operational impact of infrastructure investments and traffic changes
These simulations provide critical insights before capital expenditures or operational changes are made, helping clients make informed, cost-effective decisions.
Port & Yard Simulation
Intermodal ports and rail yards are dynamic environments where operational efficiency is essential.
We help clients simulate and optimize these facilities to:
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Improve throughput and reduce congestion
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Evaluate yard capacity and layout alternatives
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Forecast downstream impacts on network performance
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Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks before they occur
Our simulation models support strategic planning and day-to-day operations, ensuring that ports and yards function as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Rail Traffic Controller
The Rail Traffic Controller (“RTC”) software is an industry-standard tool used to simulate and analyze train operations on rail networks. At LEPA, we bring deep expertise in RTC modeling, having applied it to some of the most complex and high-profile cases modeling rail corridors in North America.
Our RTC services include:
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Detailed Network Modeling: We build accurate representations of rail infrastructure, including track layouts, signal systems, speed restrictions, and operational rules.
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Operational Scenario Testing: We simulate current and future traffic patterns to evaluate the impact of infrastructure changes, new services, or revised dispatching strategies.
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Capacity and Delay Analysis: RTC allows us to quantify network capacity, identify delay hotspots, and assess the effectiveness of proposed improvements.
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Timetable and Schedule Validation: We test proposed schedules under realistic operating conditions to ensure feasibility and reliability.
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Stakeholder Collaboration: Our RTC models are often used in multi-party planning efforts, providing a neutral, data-driven basis for decision-making among railroads, shippers, and public agencies.
By leveraging RTC, we help clients visualize and quantify the operational impacts of their decisions—before they’re implemented—reducing risk and improving outcomes.