opolt Aug 25, 2010:

British example Published in London, UK :-)

"The ETCS start-up process involves a transition from No Power mode (NP) to
Standby mode (SB) and initiates a self-test. This is part of the ‘start of mission’
process and can take place while the driver is carrying out other train preparation
duties, this must have little or no impact on train preparation times.
Upon successful completion of the self-test, the system will enter SB mode. The
system is now receptive to input commands. The Driver Machine Interface (DMI)
will display messages to highlight to the train preparer any faults or failures
recognised during the test."

From here:
http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/RSSB-ERTMS...

Lotsa "missions" and "start of mission" in there.

opolt Aug 25, 2010:

Re mission They do use this term; whether it's grandstanding or linguistic inability, I don't know, but keep in mind that the industry is heavily internationalized. I remember having seen the word "mission" used at ADtranz. It also depends on the context of course -- "mission" is very formal, and is used in connection with rail layout schemes, control unit logic, etc. -- Edited to correct mistakes, sorry I'm in a hurry.

NKW (X) Aug 25, 2010:

Hi Suzie. That reference to the European Train Control System convinces me that 'M' is highly likely to denote a Movement in this context.

Susan Zimmer (asker) Aug 25, 2010:

Sorry, Bernd - there is not much more context
It's a list to be filled out by bidders and follows:

Zeitraum, ETCS Regelbetrieb, Beginn einer Fahrt (SoM)

I hate these projects with little context myself, but it is what it is...
Nick, I think you may have convince me.
Opolt, you reference a translation. I really don't think "start of mission" fits is right here - unless we're sending troops somewhere:)) but, I may be wrong. So, I'll keep it in mind.

NKW (X) Aug 25, 2010:

re the Siemens dictionary, it is probably not the most authoritative source of translations for rail traffic terminology, as opposed to railway engineering terminology. If 'SoM' is definitely an English-language abbreviation, then 'movement' would, at least fit the context, as it means a trip between point A and point B, as can 'Fahrt' (the UIC dictionary lists a few translations, few of which bear much relation to the railway terminology that I used to encounter when I worked for the Movements Manager at Crewe in days of old).

Bernd Runge Aug 25, 2010:

Maybe some more context would help (other criteria, etc). And, what makes you think that this has to be an English abbreviation?

Susan Zimmer (asker) Aug 25, 2010:

Thanks, Nick - was my first thought, too. But Siemens lists "motion" in the translation for "Fahrtrichtung" - direction of travel/motion...
Of course, not translation for "Fahrt" as such in this nice Siemens dictionary.

opolt Aug 25, 2010:

Start of mission ... ... maybe:

http://www.trenidicarta.it/schede/13/13372_ETCS_European_Tra...

NKW (X) Aug 25, 2010:

In railway circles, a journey is sometimes referred to a 'movement', or at least it used to be; certain web references suggest that the post of Movements Manager still exists. www.railcar.co.uk/features/tail.htm