System and method for improved train handling and fuel consumption

A method of controlling the operation of a railroad train on a track having a locomotive consist for moving the train, the locomotive consist having one or more railroad locomotives to improve locomotive consist fuel efficiency, the method comprising:

• a) determining on-board the locomotive consist a current location of the train;
• b) identifying on-board the locomotive consist a change in condition of the track prior to the train reaching the change in track condition;
• and
• c) adjusting on-board the locomotive consist the locomotive consist power setting to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on a load condition of the train being as the train approaches the change in track condition.

A system for improving fuel efficiency of a railroad train located on a railroad train having a locomotive consist comprising one or more railroad locomotives, said system comprising:

• a) a position-determining device;
• b) a track profile database comprising terrain and contour data about a railroad track;
• and
• c) a processor for determining on-board the locomotive consist a current location of the train, identifying on-board the locomotive consist a change in condition of the track prior to the train reaching the change in track condition, and adjusting on-board the locomotive consist the locomotive consist power setting to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on a load condition of the train being as the train approaches the change in track condition.