Train preparation method and gateway for a train preparation method

A train preparation method for bringing a stabled and not-yet-operational rail vehicle into an operational state, the method comprising:

• carrying out the train preparation in an active position of at least one current collector of the rail vehicle and supplying the rail vehicle with electrical energy by an electrical current flowing through the at least one current collector;
• using a gateway to monitor at least one status of at least one component of the rail vehicle, upon the status deviating from a target status specified for train preparation, generating an error signal and, upon the error signal being present, transmitting a message with a gateway-specific mobile-radio-compatible communication interface;
• using the at least one current collector as the at least one component or at least one of a plurality of components having the status to be monitored;
• monitoring an actuation state of the at least one current collector as the status;
• generating the error signal upon the actuation state of the at least one current collector defining a lowering of the at least one current collector;
• and
• using or at least including a transmission of a lowering control command causing the at least one current collector to be lowered, in the monitoring of the actuation state of the at least one current collector.