Abstract: A method using the position data being determined on the train to determine characteristics of the train and/or the track. This is achieved by providing position determining devices at two or more spaced locations along the train. The position of the two locations are determined by the position determining devices. A processor determines the difference between the two locations from the positions determined by the position determining devices and determines the characteristics of the train from the determined difference between the two locations.

An integrated train control system according to the present invention includes a wire trainline and a brake pipe extending through each car on the train. A master controller determines the conditions for each car and locomotive in the train and as a function of predetermined conditions transmits over the trainline individualized brake signals to each car and locomotive and individualized propulsion signals to each locomotive.

A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions.

A controller determines that an end of train (EOT) has passed a point through the use of positioning systems at the head of the train (HOT) and the EOT.