London Underground
Jubilee Line train cab simulator
The challenge
A realistic simulator to provide Jubilee Line drivers with cost-effective familiarisation and practice prior to formal training and assessment on a full-size cab simulator.
The London Underground Jubilee Line has been significantly upgraded with new signalling equipment, control systems and in-cab controls, including a new computer interface for Train Operators: the Train Operator Display (TOD). A PC-based simulator was required to introduce these changes, preparing Train Operators for their formal training.
The simulator requirements were:
- Realistic journeys including underground and overground sections
- Photo-realistic equipment and train cab environment
- Easy navigation around a ‘virtual cab’ to examine/operate equipment
- Ability to ‘zoom in’ to in-cab control panels and aspects of the TOD screen display for inspection, information and interaction
- Logging of user details, progress and interaction with controls
- Evaluations using fault-based scenarios for the learner to demonstrate competence
- Hints when required
Our solution
The need for photo-realistic equipment and train cab environment required us to take numerous photos of the new Jubilee Line cab and and then build a highly realistic 3D model of it (in LightWave) complete with functioning controls and indicators.
The program starts with a narrated tour of the new system components, before inviting the
During each scenario, pre-rendered videos fill the cab windows, with their playback speed synchronised to the train speed, increasing the impression of realism. The driver controls the train speed using his mouse to move the traction brake controller forwards and backwards.
pre-rendered videos fill the cab windows, with their playback speed synchronised to the train speed
System requirements
Hints are provided if required and a Library is available containing pdf reference material (maintainable by London Underground).
Measuring understanding
The simulator also operates in ‘Assessment’ mode in which no
Who is it for?
hints are available and all actions taken are logged in the driver’s record file. The eSim was distributed on a memory stick to encourage drivers to build familiarity with the scenarios at home prior to attending their full-size simulator training session.