Tackling Signal Sighting Challenges at Saltaire Station

Saltaire Station Platform Extension: Tackling Signal Sighting Challenges with TrueSight™

At True North Rail, we’re committed to solving rail engineering challenges with innovative solutions. Recently, we worked with North South Rail and Network Rail to address a complex signal sighting issue at Saltaire Station—a curved track section that presented significant cost, compliance, and operational challenges.

The Challenge

Relocating a critical signal to a straighter section of track would have been costly, required changes to a new Signalling Control System, and caused operational disruption.

The Solution

Leveraging our proprietary TrueSight™ platform, powered by Unreal Engine, we created a photorealistic Signal Sighting model that integrated BIM and GIS datasets. Delivered in just 10 days, this model enabled real-time reviews and rapid decision-making by the Signal Sighting Committee.

Key Outcomes

✅ Optimised Signal Placement: We developed a compliant, cost-effective solution by proposing a cantilevered Main Signal and a reduced-offset Banner Repeater on the curve.

✅ Dispatcher Visibility: The model provided realistic visualisations to optimise the passenger-train signal interface.

✅ Accelerated Approvals: Stakeholders approved the solution in a 2-hour virtual session, avoiding costly system data changes and ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

What Our Partners Said

📣 "TrueSight™ delivered a flexible, realistic model, solving a complex issue." – Russ Mosley, North South Rail

📣 "The realism was astonishing—TrueSight™ removed the guesswork." – Ricky Scarff, Network Rail

Once again, True North Rail has proven the power of innovative VR solutions in streamlining complex rail projects, delivering precision, efficiency, and cost savings.