Begiinning automation

[CAREL_RICHTERS]

I am a beginner in the field of automation with Trainz. I know a few things, for example: the logic of a block system in Trainz Plus; which Trainz signals I need for this; how to set up an AI train. Knowing the logic of Trainz does not mean that I can apply it well, because a locomotive does not stop for a red signal, and I also struggle with setting the speed at which an AI train runs. So actually, I know very little about it.

To learn the basics, I have created a rail oval consisting of 6 blocks, on which a manually operated locomotive runs. The idea is that this train is followed on some blocks by an AI train running at a higher speed. This AI train should, at some point, stop at a signal with two red lights behind the block in which the first train is running. This should be based on the built-in logic of Trainz.

My question is, how do I set up this little layout, particularly the blocks, trains, signals, and Driver, so that the block system on this rail oval works correctly? Later, I want to set up this layout with two passing tracks on the long sides, at the end of which the trains must take turns stopping. I think that if I master this well, I will be on the right track for automating a larger layout in Trainz.

I can also mention that I drive clockwise and use the block signal Sig_US1_02R.

 

[JCitron]

I am a beginner in the field of automation with Trainz. I know a few things, for example: the logic of a block system in Trainz Plus; which Trainz signals I need for this; how to set up an AI train. Knowing the logic of Trainz does not mean that I can apply it well, because a locomotive does not stop for a red signal, and I also struggle with setting the speed at which an AI train runs. So actually, I know very little about it.

To learn the basics, I have created a rail oval consisting of 6 blocks, on which a manually operated locomotive runs. The idea is that this train is followed on some blocks by an AI train running at a higher speed. This AI train should, at some point, stop at a signal with two red lights behind the block in which the first train is running. This should be based on the built-in logic of Trainz.

My question is, how do I set up this little layout, particularly the blocks, trains, signals, and Driver, so that the block system on this rail oval works correctly? Later, I want to set up this layout with two passing tracks on the long sides, at the end of which the trains must take turns stopping. I think that if I master this well, I will be on the right track for automating a larger layout in Trainz.

I can also mention that I drive clockwise and use the block signal Sig_US1_02R.

My recommendation is to open up Kickstarter County or some other built-in route in Surveyor and take a look at how the original author did this. This is how I did it 21 years ago when I first started with Trainz.

There are different signal types and unfortunately, I can't open my Trainz Plus right now to check due to installing the beta which is tying up my system.

Off of the top of my head, you will need two signals to do what you want.

Type 04 Absolute
Type 05 Advance or permissive signal.

Type 02, if I'm going by memory is an advance signal, therefore your trains won't stop at those.

Absolute signals will tell your AI drivers to stop or go with nothing in between.

Advance signal will tell your AI that the next signal ahead is red or yellow, the same as a permissive signal. These signals have a small black bar below the signal head. In real life, the signal is given a name or number which is displayed on the bar. The train engineer or conductor needs to stop and ask permission to pass this signal based on specific rules. When he asks for permission from the dispatcher, he will read off the signal number to him and receive the okay to proceed. In Trainz, our AI will pass the signal because they have no way to ask for permission to pass the signal.

Work on getting this set up first and then we can move on to the next step. Building a route and creating sessions in Trainz while not terribly difficult, can be frustrating at first and yes it can become complex. The only way to go about this is one step at a time.

 

[CAREL_RICHTERS]

My recommendation is to open up Kickstarter County or some other built-in route in Surveyor and take a look at how the original author did this. This is how I did it 21 years ago when I first started with Trainz.

There are different signal types and unfortunately, I can't open my Trainz Plus right now to check due to installing the beta which is tying up my system.

Off of the top of my head, you will need two signals to do what you want.

Type 04 Absolute
Type 05 Advance or permissive signal.

Type 02, if I'm going by memory is an advance signal, therefore your trains won't stop at those.

Absolute signals will tell your AI drivers to stop or go with nothing in between.

Advance signal will tell your AI that the next signal ahead is red or yellow, the same as a permissive signal. These signals have a small black bar below the signal head. In real life, the signal is given a name or number which is displayed on the bar. The train engineer or conductor needs to stop and ask permission to pass this signal based on specific rules. When he asks for permission from the dispatcher, he will read off the signal number to him and receive the okay to proceed. In Trainz, our AI will pass the signal because they have no way to ask for permission to pass the signal.

Work on getting this set up first and then we can move on to the next step. Building a route and creating sessions in Trainz while not terribly difficult, can be frustrating at first and yes it can become complex. The only way to go about this is one step at

Hello J Citron
I have read your response and thank you for the effort you made to answer me.
However, I fear that I can do little with this. I've noticed that the logic of the block system in Trainz Plus works slightly differently than in previous versions. This requires a different setup of the system, which means I need to work with different signals and configure the commands in a different way.
I've also realized that ChatGPT has developed so much that this free program can assist me brilliantly in this process.
Thank you again for your input; I truly appreciate your time and effort!
Best regards,
Carel Richters

 

[JCitron]

Hello J Citron
I have read your response and thank you for the effort you made to answer me.
However, I fear that I can do little with this. I've noticed that the logic of the block system in Trainz Plus works slightly differently than in previous versions. This requires a different setup of the system, which means I need to work with different signals and configure the commands in a different way.
I've also realized that ChatGPT has developed so much that this free program can assist me brilliantly in this process.
Thank you again for your input; I truly appreciate your time and effort!
Best regards,
Carel Richters

I'm glad you found some help. Yes, the newer versions have "fixed" things compared to the earlier versions.