Distributed train intelligence sytem and method

A train having at least two locomotives and a method for controlling the propulsion and braking systems of the locomotives, each locomotive comprising a propulsion system and a braking system, a transceiver for communication between the locomotives; sensors for sensing operational conditions on the locomotive; and a processor for receiving the sensed operation conditions, communicating information including the sensed operational conditions to the other locomotive, determining a propulsion or braking value based on the sensed operational conditions, pre-selected criteria and the information received from the other locomotive, and outputting the propulsion or braking value or command; wherein the processor includes a train dynamic model program to determine the propulsion or braking value or command and estimated train operational conditions using initial train parameters; and the processor is adapted to compare the sensed and the estimated operational conditions and adjusts the initial train parameter as necessary based on the comparison.