Another AI challenge

[Mick_Berg]

Here's a tricky situation for the AI. I have trains coming into a two track terminus, where the locos run round the train. If one loco is in the process of running around, and another train shows up ready to enter the terminus, it will go in as soon as it thinks the track is clear. But that will mess up the previous train's running-around procedure. Can anyone think of a way to keep the next train out of the terminus until the previous train has run-around and left the terminus? (if a diagram is needed for clarity, I'll make one.) I thought of using a trigger, but the traffic is too random for that. I'm using TC3.
Thanks,
Mick Berg.

 

[p-dehnert]

You could use the commands from the following pack, to reserve (and release) the track, while doing the runaround:
www.auran.com/TRS2004/DLS_packcontents.php?AssetPackID=7192

Atilabarut has some more commands which might be useful.

Peter

 

[Damned2]

A diagram would have been useful.
Assuming it something like this with 2 lines.



..................j1 .. j2................... P1................. j5... j6 >sig
-------------------------------Trig1----------------------------Trig1a------------------
.....................\ / ............................................ \ / ........................... sig<
...................../ \ ............................................./ \ ............................sig<
-------------------------------Trig2----------------------------Trig2a------------------
....................j3. j4 ................. P2 ................. j7 .. j8 >sig

Here's my suggestion.

When the train hits trigger 1a or 2a, then all junctions are set to run straight.

When a train enters platform 1 trigger 1 locks the junctions j4 towards j1 and j7 towards j6. This will set the signal for platform 2 to red and halt an approaching train. When the train has run round and departs it hits trigger 1a which will set the junctions to run through the platforms allowing the 2nd train to enter platform 2. Then reverse the triggers for a train hitting trigger 2 at platform 2

 

[stagecoach]

Depending on the trains entering and leaving Post message and Wait for message and clear could work. Drive to trackmark somewhere on the approaching track and Wait for message and clear. The train will wait until it gets the post message from the runaround train. On getting the posted message it then enters the station and loads and runsaround. On completion of its runaround it can then Post message for the next train. If you had a DMU enter the station you would still need these messages but the post message could be after the load or even after the wait for message as no running around would be required by this type of train.

 

[Mick_Berg]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'll try the suggestions. If I get nowhere I'll post again with a diagram.
Thanks,
Mick Berg.
EDIT< It seems that for now a simple trigger setup does work. I just set a trigger to make the incoming train wait until the outgoing train has run around and left the terminus.
Thanks again.