Communications device for remote control of rail track switches in a train yard

A communications device for routing a locomotive over a track layout in a train yard, said locomotive operable over a plurality of alternative track routes to reach a respective destination from a plurality of possible destinations in said track layout, said track layout including a plurality of switches configured to alter a route for a locomotive running along said track layout, said communications device comprising:

• a graphical user interface for commanding a desired destination for said locomotive within said track layout, said graphical user interface configured to display a representation of said track layout, and wherein said representation allows an operator with remote control means for controlling movement of said locomotive to monitor operational conditions of the switches that may develop along the route of the locomotive.

A communications device for routing a locomotive over a track layout in a train yard, said locomotive operable over a plurality of alternative track routes to reach a respective destination from a plurality of possible destinations in said track layout, said track layout including a plurality of switches configured to alter a route for a locomotive running along said track layout, said communications device comprising:

• a user display positioned wayside in the train yard to enable an operator at the train yard with remote control means for controlling movement of said locomotive to command a desired destination for the locomotive within said track layout by setting the state of the switches along the route to the destination through a wireless communications link, wherein the user display is accessible by the operator at the train yard, thereby enabling said operator to individually (1) control movement of said locomotive, and (2) directly set the state of the switches along the route to the destination through the wireless communications link independent from a train yard control system.