Train and Train Despatch Configuration
Trains
A train is a form of ground transport that consists of an interconnected set of wagons pulled by one or more locomotives.
In MineMarket, when trains are used to transport bulk material or discrete units to fulfil customer orders, this is also referred to as a 'train'.
Locomotives
A locomotive is an engine used to pull rail wagons. When creating a train template in MineMarket, you can select a locomotive and define the number and structure of the train rakes (a series of connected rail wagons) to be attached.
Wagons and Rakes
A rail wagon is an unpowered vehicle used to transport goods by train. Rail wagons are pulled by a locomotive. Rail wagons are categorised into rail wagon types, which define their carrying capacity and loading attributes. A rail wagon only has a single compartment.
A rake is a series of connected rail wagons. In MineMarket, rakes are used to define the structure of a train and how the material despatched by train is loaded. Rakes are configured as part of train templates. A rake defines the type and number of rail wagons in the rake, and can include additional details such as the planned product to be transported. In MineMarket trains can be loaded By Rake or By Wagon. Loading by rake is used to track the material carried by the rake as a whole, rather than each rail wagon.
Train (Despatches)
Rail despatches or train despatches are known in MineMarket as 'trains'. Despatching by train involves transporting bulk material or discrete units along a train route from a loading location to an unloading location and all associated activities (for example, sampling). Despatch orders can be associated with a train to provide the link between sales or purchase contracts and the despatched material. Service charges can be added to calculate the costs of freight or other services that can be invoiced.
Trains must be created from a template. The template defines the default train structure (including locomotives, rakes and rail wagons), loading type, route and may define default process flows and stockpiles for loading and unloading transactions.
Train Templates
Train templates are used to create trains for despatching material by train. A train template must specify a train route, whether the route can be edited, whether the template can be changed to a different train template and the structure of train rakes. Train templates may specify additional information to simplify the creation of similar train despatches.
A train template may specify:
- A default loading process flow and stockpile, so that bulk material loading transactions can be created with one right-click menu option
- A default unloading process flow and stockpile, so that bulk material unloading transactions can be either created with one right-click menu option or automatically created
- Allowable stockpiles for loading and unloading, to limit which stockpiles can be used
- Whether the loaded product is the default product for unloading
- Default transport event templates for each route point
- Allowable contributors
- Costs and service charges from service or freight contracts
- Which tabs display on the Train screen
- An opening survey
Train templates are categorised into train template groups. A train template must belong to a train template group.
Train Schedules
A train schedule can be used to simplify the creation of multiple train despatches; for example, if trains depart the mine at the same time or day each week. The schedule defines the time of arrival at the first route point, the day of the week and the train template for each train to be created in the schedule.
Video
A Datamine consultant recorded this video about train templates in MineMarket.
Train Schedule Definitions
Train schedule definitions can be set up to create trains at a specific time and day of the week. Train schedule definitions should be associated with a train template. A train schedule definition must belong to a train schedule group.
