Railway Control Systems & Switch Machines

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Advanced Rail Automation Systems & Railway Control Solutions

Advanced Rail Systems delivers high-performance railway control systems engineered for reliability, sustainability, and operational efficiency in demanding rail yard environments. Our product line includes advanced switch machines, remote control options, programmable switch processors, intuitive automation software, and highly visible LED indicators—all designed to work together as a fully integrated rail automation system.

Whether you’re retrofitting an existing yard or designing from the ground up, our technology enhances operational control, increases safety, and minimizes downtime. From hydraulic switch machines to programmable rail processors, our complete lineup supports the needs of modern rail infrastructure with reliability and performance at its core. Our switch machines can be configured with remote control options using DTMF and audible feedback systems or remote control software packages. Integrated train occupancy detection systems provide fail-safe operations.

YM-16 electric hydraulic railroad switch

switches

Switch Machines: Revolutionizing Rail Yard Efficiency

YM-16 Yard Switch Machine

A compact, electric-hydraulic switch built for standard yard operations. Known for its rapid throw speed (1.2 seconds avg.), sealed bearings, state-of-the-art closed-loop hydraulic systems, broken rod detection, and dual spring holding force, the YM-16 offers reliable switching in high-traffic environments. It’s trailable at up to 20 mph and can be installed with solar power for remote deployment. Add DTMF radio with audible feedback subsystems or data communication kits for remote control operations.

Ideal For:

  • Classification yards
  • Remote sidings
  • Upgrading hand-throw systems
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switches

Switch Machines: Revolutionizing Rail Yard Efficiency

HSM-17 High-Speed Hump Yard Machine

Purpose-built for hump yard applications and locations requiring quick switch throw, the HSM-17 completes switch movement in 500 milliseconds and withstands train speeds of up to 30 mph in trail. Its electric hydraulic system, dual spring holding force, closed loop hydraulics, broken rod detection, low maintenance design, and event logging capabilities make it the smart choice for fast-paced switching environments. This machine has the power and strength to hold up against turnouts with welded heel blocks. A 12 VDC option provides a perfect option to replace obsolete pneumatic switches with aging airline infrastructure, and the 120VDC option is suited to replace existing electric high-speed machines.

Ideal For:

  • Hump yards
  • Classification yards
  • Rapid-switch applications
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HSM-17 railway switch in high-speed rail yard
ML-18C railroad switch machine installation

switches

Switch Machines: Revolutionizing Rail Yard Efficiency

ML-18C Mainline Switch Machine

Designed for high-performance mainline operations, the ML-18C combines heavy-duty hydraulic action, fail-safe sensors, two-wire position indication circuits, and a trailable speed of up to 40 mph. It includes redundant dual connecting rods, four proximity sensors, and a rugged design for all-weather operation. Perfect for dark territory DTMF remote control switch systems with audible position indication feedback.

Ideal For:

  • Mainline track switches
  • Critical points of movement
  • Remote installations requiring field durability.
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Features Across All Models

  • Fail-safe dual spring actuation
  • Optional solar-powered operation
  • Broken rod detection
  • Closed-loop hydraulics
  • No grease points
  • Sealed bearings = zero maintenance
  • Compatible with Pathfinder software and ARMMI processor
  • Factory-set holding force, serviceable in the field
  • Fail-safe dual spring actuation
  • Optional solar-powered operation
  • Broken rod detection
  • Closed-loop hydraulics
  • No grease points
  • Sealed bearings = zero maintenance
  • Compatible with Pathfinder software and ARMMI processor
  • Factory-set holding force, serviceable in the field

Components

solutions beyond hardware

We don’t just build switch machines—we design entire yard automation platforms. Our software, hardware, solar integration, and support services come together to form a unified solution that meets the demands of modern rail operations.

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ARMMI processor for rail automation

ARMMI

Switch Intelligence: Software & Communication Systems

ARMMI Processor & Pathfinder Software

Together, the ARMMI processor and Pathfinder yard automation software form the foundation of a robust, centralized automation system. ARMMI Processor acts as a programmable hub for device-to-device communication, while Pathfinder enables remote switch control, car tracking, and system-wide data reporting.

Benefits Include:

  • Seamless switch interconnectivity
  • Real-time operational data and event logging
  • Shift-based performance reports
  • Enhanced rail yard automation safety and accuracy
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ASR-23

Railcar Braking and Control

Model ASR-23 Skate Retarder

The ASR-23 is an electrically controlled skate retarder designed to safely stop and control rail cars in classification and hump yards.

Key Features:

  • Electromechanical drive shaft actuation with spring-dampening brakeshoes
  • Two in-gauge brake channels with serviceable brake pads
  • Damping springs absorb shock loads during braking
  • Six low-profile cam gearboxes connected by a common drive line
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Superior LED indicator panel in rail yard

leds

Switch Intelligence: Software & Communication Systems

LED Switch Position Indicators

Our LED switch position indicators provide immediate, visible feedback on switch status, improving safety and operator response time. With six mounting configurations available, these indicators work in any yard environment—day or night, rain or snow.

Key Features:

  • High-visibility, long-life LED lighting
  • Configurable mounting: strip or round, pole or housing
  • Weather-resistant and low-maintenance
  • Compatible with all ARS switch machines
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a total solution

Why Railroad Automation is the Future of Yard Efficiency

Railroad automation enables safer, smarter operations while reducing the manual labor and maintenance burdens of traditional yards. By automating track switching, monitoring, and reporting, operators can focus on strategic decisions while the system handles the mechanics.

Automation improves:

  • Switch cycle times and throughput
  • Railcar flow and storage precision
  • Safety by reducing human error
  • Cost savings through lower maintenance and staffing needs
  • Data visibility across every shift and crew
  • Switch cycle times and throughput
  • Railcar flow and storage precision
  • Safety by reducing human error
  • Cost savings through lower maintenance and staffing needs
  • Data visibility across every shift and crew

The result? More productive, scalable yards that perform with consistency and precision.