Rail supplier updates from Siemens, Toshiba, Sydac, Anixter and PLG Consulting (Aug. 28)

Siemens was awarded a $156 million contract by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to install communications-based train control on the Queens Boulevard subway line. The technology provides real-time data on vehicle position and speed conditions, which allows operators to safely increase the number of vehicles on the line, Siemens officials said in a press release. The train-control system also reduces the amount of wayside equipment, which in turn helps reduce maintenance costs and service disruptions.

Toshiba Corp. will provide propulsion systems on Seibu Railway Co. Ltd.'s new Series 4000 trains, which are scheduled to be brought on to lines serving Tokyo and its suburbs by spring 2017. The propulsion systems include completely enclosed permanent magnet synchronous motors and variable-voltage, variable-frequency traction inverters. Toshiba will deliver 24 sets of propulsion systems for eight 10-car trains, according to a company press release.

Next month, Indian Railways will take delivery of the first of 12 new train simulators from Australian engineering firm Sydac for about $21.5 million. A total of 12 full-cab rail simulators and 60 desk simulators will be used in 12 cities in India, including Mumbai and Kolkata. The simulators are aimed at increasing India's operational and rail safety.

Earlier this summer, Anixter International Inc. closed on the sale of its OEM Supply - Fasteners segment to American Industrial Partners for $380 million in cash. The new company, renamed Optimas OE Solutions, distributes and manufactures fasteners for customers in rail and other markets.

PLG Consulting has added Tony Hatch to its team. Hatch has worked as a senior transportation analyst on Wall Street for more than 30 years, with stints at Salomon Brothers, Argus, PainWebber and, most recently, at NatWest Markets (USA). In 1999, he formed an independent consulting firm focused on freight transportation. Hatch is also a regular Progressive Railroading columnist.