AI errors when trying to program routes

[rbunker65]

I'm using TANE, trying to program routs for AI. I never had any problems with the same routes on my iPda, but when I try to go in and get some automated passenger runs going in TANE on the PC, I get an exclamation point on my AI guys. Every once in a while the cab controls will pop up, but then just disappear and nothing happens. What am I missing?

And don't AI trains make their own switching on the track switches, whatever they need, to get to where they need to go?

All the trains I am trying to automate are running the same direction in a loop, so there should be no problems there...

help?

 

[rbunker65]

Anyone? Bueller?

The indicator there is a problem with the route (I believe) is the exclamation point in the AI characters Icon on the bottom left of the screen.

Anyone have an idea what I need to do to correct this?

TIA

 

[PC_Ace]

The exclamation mark typically appears only momentarily whenever an AI Driver's path or task is blocked temporarily by another consist (or locked junction; red signal, etc.).
It's a warning to the player to check the circumstances to alleviate the problem; resolve any path impasse for one of the drivers, etc.
It should go away once the AI driver is able to continue.
If it happens often, then you should consider changing the timing for the arrival (at that junction, signal, or industry) by one or other of the AI consists in your Session Edit design.

Regarding the occasional, fleeting appearance of the AI's driver controls, this is also fairly normal behaviour, and coincides with the driver executing a scheduled command, or crossing a track mark, observing a wait command, etc.

 

[rbunker65]

Do they not change their own switches?

Also, one other possibility is, i have them running in a circle through Kickstarter County. I have them programmed to run from the main yard passenger terminal to the small yard on the other side. I also have another consist right behind them I wanted to run that same direction. Is it possible the front consist is seeing the path BEHIND it as the shorter most economical path, and the consist behind it is blocking? It's totally clear in front of the consist.

How do the AI consists choose their direction? Shortest path, OR, direction the train is pointing? If they choose shortest path, I have to then put nav points in to force them the other way?

 

[PC_Ace]

Yup. They will change junctions as needed to complete their task list - if they are not impeded by other consists controlling that junction.
Getting AI to follow your directions flawlessly means considerable planning and forethought by you, the creator of the Session.
If you're using built-in routes (and not your own) during session creation, then you'll often need to add additional track marks (and sometimes track direction markers) to ensure AI drivers follow the exact path you desire, meticulously.
I use 'Drive via (track mark name)...' to spell out the paths for consists to follow and 'Drive to (track mark name)...' to indicate a destination approach, followed by a 'Wait' command, and then the next 'Navigate to... (Name of Industry or station) to provide a destination (and the associated commands that apply there).

AI also needs space - and thinking time - to execute closely located commands, so try to add short waits (say 10 seconds) in crowded areas when there is resource contention for junctions, loading bays, etc. I use sidings to add wait time for certain consists to avoid interference with priority traffic - just as train controllers do in real life.

YOU are in charge! If AI acts up, it is your design fault. Think through all the things that CAN go wrong - and cover for them!​

 

[JCitron]

The AI will take the shortest point, as the crow flies, between two points. You can direct them to use the proper route, instead of an inside track or through a yard, by using track marks and direction markers.

The track marks, colored red, can be renamed and used to build the routing paths for the AI to travel. To block AI from taking a particular path, use the yellow-colored direction marks. These work as one-way and no-not-enter signs to the AI; with the AI moving in the direction the direction mark is facing.