End of the line!

[jellicoe]

Use a release crossover to allow the locomotive to run around its train. A tank locomotive can do this and couple up to the other end of the train to make the return journey bunker-first. In such cases, you can use the driver command "Run Around Train" to do this automatically but I would advise putting down an invisible speed sign of about 5mph on the release spur to prevent the locomotive running through the stops.

Tender locomotives would never make the return journey tender-first so they would use the release crossover to get to a turntable road so that they could set back onto their train and make the return journey chimney-first.

 

[1993matias]

Or you can use a invisible track or tunnel to run around.

 

[BidMod]

My own thoughts...

You can also use triggers, so that by using three engines you can swap the loco at both ends to return the train.

Here's how it works:

The train with loco 1 enters the platform, and loads the passengers. Then uncouple the loco (if using AI, use the uncouplez driver commands - I think Smileyman made them, but I'm not sure), and drive forward to a trackmark at the very end of the platform, crossing a trigger also.

Loco 2 responds to the trigger (use wait for trigger command from DLS) and couples to the front of the train, then moves off down the line.

When the train is clear of any surrounding yard, run loco 1 to a siding (water point maybe?) ready for the train to return.

Another option is to use a turning triangle, like the WSR is planning at Norton Fitzwarren.


As a side-thought, some express engines did run tender first on branch lines. I believe that the Bulleid pacifics running to Swanage were invariably too long for the turntable, so turned before entering the branch, arriving at Swanage tender-first, departing running forwards.

As people have already pointed out, you would very rarely find tender engines running tender-first on a main line.

 

[stagecoach]

Hi BidMod
Triggers is one way, but i use the post message and wait for message and delete.
The train with loco 1 enters the platform, and loads the passengers. Then uncouple the loco. no need to move the loco. Driver then posts message.

Loco 2 responds to the message (use wait for message and clear) and couples to the front of the train, then moves off down the line.

Put a trackmark near the end of the platform give it a name and you can use the couple at trackmark command. This means you dont have to know the coach number that you have to couple to.

 

[BidMod]

Hi BidMod
Triggers is one way, but i use the post message and wait for message and delete.
The train with loco 1 enters the platform, and loads the passengers. Then uncouple the loco. no need to move the loco. Driver then posts message.

Loco 2 responds to the message (use wait for message and clear) and couples to the front of the train, then moves off down the line.

Put a trackmark near the end of the platform give it a name and you can use the couple at trackmark command. This means you dont have to know the coach number that you have to couple to.

I might look into that later - it looks interesting.