AI slows trains at junctions

[Approach_Medium]

Hi;
I found that when I tell an AI train to Navigate via track marker, the train will slow down (to 12mph) approaching the junction that will send it to the trackmark it has been directed to navigate via. After passing the junction at the slow speed, it accelerates to normal speed again.

This does not happen if I only give instruction to the AI train to Navigate TO trackmark (not Via). Then, it just continues straight through at the junction.

So, I'm wondering what Navigate via trackmark is really used for? I thought I could use it to tell one train it must take the main track, and another train that it must take the passing track. Perhaps this is still the case, but I don't need or want trains to slow down at the junction. These junctions are on a mainline, and are electrically controlled. I use the "Lever Auto" at the junctions, although I don't believe what lever I use would make any difference.

Any idea of how to work around this?

Thanks

FW

 

[Wolfie7AU]

To answer half your question:

• Navigate to Trackmark means the AI will plot a path to the named trackmark (if it can), and will drive to a stop at that trackmark before processing the next driver command
• Navigate via Trackmark means the AI will plot a path to the named trackmark (if it can), and will drive to to that trackmark before processing the next driver command

The subtle difference is that "to" will stop at the trackmark before the next command, while "via" will maintain whatever speed it's at and just flow on to the next command. So usually, you'd use them like "Navigate via Trackmark A" -> "Navigate via Trackmark B" -> "Navigate to Trackmark C", so the driver just smoothly flows from A to B and stops at C.

To try and answer the second half of your question, not sure, but I'd be looking at the signals prior that specific junction. Maybe getting an Caution (orange) signal, which will cause the AI to slow to half the current speed limit (there are exceptions to this though).

 

[Approach_Medium]

To answer half your question:

• Navigate to Trackmark means the AI will plot a path to the named trackmark (if it can), and will drive to a stop at that trackmark before processing the next driver command
• Navigate via Trackmark means the AI will plot a path to the named trackmark (if it can), and will drive to to that trackmark before processing the next driver command

The subtle difference is that "to" will stop at the trackmark before the next command, while "via" will maintain whatever speed it's at and just flow on to the next command. So usually, you'd use them like "Navigate via Trackmark A" -> "Navigate via Trackmark B" -> "Navigate to Trackmark C", so the driver just smoothly flows from A to B and stops at C.

To try and answer the second half of your question, not sure, but I'd be looking at the signals prior that specific junction. Maybe getting an Caution (orange) signal, which will cause the AI to slow to half the current speed limit (there are exceptions to this though).

Thanks for the info;
The signal which protects the interlocking at the junction is clear at the time of this incident.
I'll try removing the signal and running the scenario again.

FW

 

[lewisner]

Which direction are the Points?Switches set for at the junction? If trainz has to plot a course and change the points, that may be why it slows down, while it "thinks"? At a junction on my prototypical route the goods train from the branch ALWAYS gets slowed to a stop at the signal and has to wait about 30 seconds before the signal clears - Home arm first, then Distant.It's actually a rather realistic feature.

 

[Approach_Medium]

I have found my problem. It's the JK points I am using.
When I use standard junctions, everything works fine. But after replacing the standard junction with the JK points, I have the problem.

First, I started a new route, just 5 baseboards and a single track with one passing siding in the middle. No signals.

I have set up the JK points according to instructions, and am using one of the JK Junction Control Box.
When the driver session starts, the points are already set correctly, but the train slows anyway. It does not matter whether I instruct the train to take the main track or the passing track. It always slows, regardless of how the points are set when the JK points are used.

I tried replacing the JK "wires" with invisible track (BNSF50), and got the same result.
It is appearing that for some reason, the JK points cause a delay in the junction's reporting back to AI of its status.

I am going to do some more research on my simple route.

FW

 

[nuni727]

My advice with these problems even though its fixed is to read all of what is on this page. http://trains.0catch.com/tutorial.html Hope this helps you in the future.



-Nuni

 

[Approach_Medium]

My advice with these problems even though its fixed is to read all of what is on this page. http://trains.0catch.com/tutorial.html Hope this helps you in the future.



-Nuni

Yea; I'll take another look at it, but I don't think there is anything there that explains my problem.

FW

 

[iff_c]

Any news regarding the slowdown at andi06 junctions?

Chris

 

[lwhelan]

Don't think Andi's Junctions are to blame here.

I have discovered so far that if you use the "Navigate Via Trackmark" command and there is any type of industry before the trackmark you are heading for then the train will slow down to about 20km or so at the industry and then speed up again after passing.

As far as I can tell the industry can be a station, industry like the Forestry and maybe even
Andi's junctions (must try that!).

If however, you have the trackmark before the industry, then it doesn't slow down.
Even if it is close to the industry.


Still researching......................
Laurie

 

[JohnnyC1]

Are your junction signaled, I mean really signaled? I have stretch of track less then .5 mile that has at least 15 signals on it with the speed set at 60mph. The only time a consist will slow down is to take a diverging route, mostly because the points need time to line up.
Also, If you align all of your points for the main line your consist should be able maintain the set speed for that route.

Johnny

 

[lwhelan]

You CAN add Andi's Junctions to the problem.

Replace a station with one of Andi's junctions and the result is the same.

Makes no difference whether the junction is signalled or not.

If the trackmark is before the junction - NO slow down!

If the trackmark is after the junction - 20km until it passes the junction.

Still looking................
Laurie

EDIT: The command "Drive Via Trackmark" is the same as "Navigate Via Trackmark".

 

[Kennilworth]

Hi

Are you using the Junction Controller with the junctions? On my route if I add the Junction Controller I get a script error (2010) so I never use it now.

The improved signalling logic since TC3 will slow a train down to 8 mph in certain conditions. I had a problem with this happening on the S&C route when using SCS2006. I was setting the path ahead for one block at a time and was getting the slow down to 8 mph at one point every time. The solution was to set the path ahead for 2 blocks at a time. Once I did this there was no further problem. I have had the same problem occasionally on other routes and the answer has always been to add further signals behind the problem area.

I don't know if this signalling logic applies to anything other than UK practice but it may be something to try.

Regards

Brian