VMS has invested considerable research and development time in developing rail signal solutions, the first result being the LED colour light signal which has now been operating on Network Rail track since September 2006.
We followed this up with a completely new type of LED banner repeater signal. Offering a two-state white, or a three-state white/ green display option, this slim line signal is only 70mm thick and weighs 15kg, and has been fully approved since 2008.
Our latest LED rail signals are even more innovative, combining all the advanced features of LED optics with a lightweight modular construction and mounting system, the likes of which have never been seen in the rail industry.
The same Rigel LED technology used in our road signs is now delivering high performance and exceptional reliability to the rail industry, and in many cases, the bonus of significant cost savings.
Timeline of the lightweight rail signal development:
2001
• Invited
by Railtrack to join the LED CLS development, later involved in various
trials
2006-2009
• CLS
Signals installed at Penrith
• Full Approval
of CLS – no
restrictions
2007-2009
• BRS trialling only one year
from concept
• Full
Approval of BRS – no restrictions
2009
• Awarded
Network Rail Framework Supply Contract
• Modular
Signalling partner with WRSL (now Invensys Rail) for Network Rail
2010
• Lightweight
Signals System developed
• Track-trialled
LCLS & PLJI – August
2010
2011
• Lightweight
LCLS & PLJI – Full
Approval without restriction, April 2011
• SRI,
PRI, MRI & PLS – developed ready for track-trialling
• Awarded
Iarnród Éireann
(Irish Rail) Framework
Supply Contract - April
• WINNER of
Network Rail Partnership Awards
Innovation category - July
PLEASE NOTE
DataStore is currently unavailable for
Rail products.
Infrarail 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham
Minister of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Theresa
Villiers MP, and Jeremy Candfield, Director General of the
Railway Industries
Association,
were taken with the cost-saving and enhanced performance features of
the
VMS Lightweight Signalling and Structures at the official opening
of Infrarail 2012.
Anthony Isaacs, VMS Business
Director - Rail, explained how the innovative system offers infrastructure
companies significant cost reduction opportunities
through simplified installation, commissioning and greatly reduced
maintenance requirements.
VMS has developed a radical new LED signal system unlike anything else seen on the rail network. This super-lightweight system of support structures and signals is designed to deliver superior levels of performance, whilst significantly reducing installation and infrastructure costs.
Powered by 24Vdc or 110Vac, the signals use VMSL's proven and reliable LED technology, reducing maintenance to little more than an annual inspection. A unique hinged-post configuration enables easy installation by two men with simple tools, and also results in a kinematic envelope ideally suited to inter-track applications.
The system is ideally suited to any new or renewal schemes which require new structure and heads, but it can also be retrofitted to existing mountings with the backwardly compatible interface.
Lightweight system range:
• Colour Light Signal (CLS) 1, 2, 3 and 4 aspects
• Position Light
Junction Indicator (PLJI), Pos 1 - 6
(any combination possible) with 3
or 4 aspect CLS
• Standard Alphanumeric Route Indicator (SARI)
• Miniature Alphanumeric Route Indicator (MARI)
• Banner Repeater Signal (BRS)
• Position Light Signal (PLS)
The LED CLS is fully approved without restrictions by (UK) Network Rail, fully compliant to RT/E/S/10062 specification for use in multiple aspect signalling systems.
Signals utilise the unique and patented RIGEL LED technology and include features that ensure consistent clarity of signal in all expected environments.
LED modules are available in red, yellow, and green, in configurations of 1, 2, 3 or 4 aspects. The signals are of a robust modular construction, and are rated at IP65. They are compatible with existing signal mounting arrangements and offer full backwards compatibility with current signalling systems.
Features and benefits
• Fully approved
to Network Rail RT/E/S/10062
- without restrictions
• >90% of generated light reflected without distortion
• Unique internal
visor and angled polycarbonate lens cover
ensures no phantom effects without external
hood
• Long range: 800m
3°;
narrow angle beam;
Medium range: 400m 16°;
wide-angle beam, achieved
from the same product without selection /
adaptation
• Internally adjusted
wide-angle prismatic viewing sector
for close range visibility
• Low maintenance, inspect and wash once annually
• Environmentally protected to IP65
• Light intensity
constant irrespective over input voltage
range 78-131Vac
• Non-Urgent and Urgent alarm reporting
• Interchangeable with BR-SE 81 lamp signals
• Fast turn-off, <20ms to dark state
• Mechanically and electrically keyed aspects
• Quick repair; <2 minutes aspect exchange
The LED banner repeater signal from Variable Message Signs Limited is a lineside repeater signal that provides high optical performance and extended reliability from utilising LEDs to create clearly interpreted aspects.
Fully approved by Network Rail / HMRI for use either for new installations or to replace existing low-reliability types such as fibre-optics, it is offered in two versions: a two-state white, and a three-state white/green.
The BRS is a repeater type signal used to provide a train driver advance notification of the state of the next colour light signal. The signal is derived from displaying a black bar on a circular white background. This signal has 2 states; a diagonal bar and a horizontal bar. Where a third aspect is required, this is achieved from a diagonal black bar on a circular green background.
Designed with consideration to RT/E/S10062 (Long Range CLS) and BR1651pt3 (Fibre Optic Banner Signal).
Features and benefits
• Long life LED light source
• Clear and distinct "black bar"
• 2-state: white horizontal and diagonal aspects
• 3-state: white
horizontal and diagonal aspects,
green diagonal aspects
• Wide angle viewing
• Backwards compatibility with existing signals
• Auto regulating from 78V to 131V AC
• No external hoods
- construction provides phantom
immunity
• Each aspect is electrically independent
• Non-corrosive materials used throughout
• Only 70mm thick
and weighing 15Kg
-
requires less substantial infrastructure
• Can be mounted "upside-down" without modification
• "Plug & Play"; speedy connection / disconnection
• No-maintenance Line Replaceable Unit
• Easily retrofitable
