speed control

[sardon]

I have made a small route. I placed speed signs around it, most of the way 60mph and in two places 40 and 20. The first time around my train followed the limit pretty good. Then I started it again (without making any changes) and this time the train never went over 37mph. What would cause the difference? How can I fix it?

[aradlaw]

You don't mention signals, I'm pretty sure that without signals on a route the trains run about half speed (usually)

[sardon]

could you be more specific? What signals and where to place them? I only have two road crossings in the layout and they have signal lights and lowering bars.

Don

[leeferr]

Signals at junctions and sidings. The AI is probably interpreting a turnout thrown against the route of the train ahead of the train and therefore is probably running as if in caution block. Getting a route signalled correctly can be a very time consuming effort, but well worth the effort.

[sardon]

But I have no junctions or sidings. As of right now all I have is a short , sort of , circular track with a passenger station on it and that's it so far.

Don

[spiffy101]

Just insert a signal that you get from the trackside objects at each crossing. Your train should now do the limit. Also, are doing this in DCC or cab mode?

[Dermmy]

Unsignalled circular routes pose problems for the AI - it looks ahead and 'sees' itself and assumes another train in the block. The AI only looks ahead two junction/signals so if you place at least two junctions and at least two signals somewhere around the loop all will be well. If you REALLY don't want junctions and/or sigs use invisible track, invisible levers and invisible signals. The AI will know they are there, but you won't see them in 'Driver'....

Andy :)

[sardon]

Thanks for the help. I am using it in cab mode. I will try a couple signals and see what happens.


Don

[Harry_James_Potter]

You won't need junctions. Just four signals evenly spaced...

regards

Harry

[pommie]

Or you could just place a few speed signs at twice the speed that you want, then the AI would travel at half that which is the speed you want :)

Cheers David