On Dec.1, 2011, Deutsche Plasser presented the world's first 3D-tamping simulator in the newly extended training center in Bingen on the Rhine, Germany.

With this new 09-3D tamping simulator, the training center now has a valuable training instrument. A completely new kind of simulation of the surroundings in the work cabin provides a realistic impression of a true working situation. This is augmented by numerous original components such as the operating panel, the work seat with operating controls installed in the armrests, a touch panel for the CWS computer working system, pedals for controlling the work units and the standard pilot lamps.

The real-time 3D simulation enables the trainee to learn how to perform normal plain line tamping and renewal tamping, but also how he or she must react when encountering obstacles such as level crossings, inductive track magnets, cable ducts, signal switching mechanisms, etc. and this improves the quality of the training.

The 09-3D tamping simulator assures
• tamping under realistic conditions
• intensive training without disruption of rail services or risk of damage to the track
• recording, analysis, evaluation and therefore a quality control of the training units attended
• better trained staff for a higher availability of the machines in operation
• no need to keep a machine specially for training purposes
• an increase in the overall machine output thanks to highly qualified and specialized machine operating staff

Due to the success in Bingen, an identical 09-3D tamping simulator is currently being prepared for installation in the Plasser & Theurer training centre in Linz, Austria.