Forwards, ever forwards

[pintokitkat]

Is there a rule somewhere that will make AI locos only move forwards? It seems such an obvious fix to the problem of trains backing up the down line or down the up line. The track direction markers don't do that (I don't think that's what they are for) and the AI ignores the direction the track was laid, if it wants to, so insisting that trains don't go backwards would be very useful.

Thanks.


Andy

 

[JCitron]

Is there a rule somewhere that will make AI locos only move forwards? It seems such an obvious fix to the problem of trains backing up the down line or down the up line. The track direction markers don't do that (I don't think that's what they are for) and the AI ignores the direction the track was laid, if it wants to, so insisting that trains don't go backwards would be very useful.

Thanks.


Andy

Hi Andy,

The AI will ignore the direction the track is laid because, according to N3V, the track direction does nothing for them other than assist the user while placing trackside objects because they go on the proper side. There are two things to prevent the AI from going backwards You can use direction markers. These are the yellow objects in the same list with the red track marks. Think of these as one-way and do not enter signs. Put these where you don't want the AI to cross-over or take the wrong side of the passing loop. They can also prevent the AI from going backwards as well because they won't leave that section since the point is facing them.

The second thing, which I think really does help, is to ensure that the driver is on the proper end of the train or locomotive. I found that with TS2010 and up, the driver has to be at the front of the train, otherwise they will back up as though they are trying to turn the train around. This I think is the most frustrating thing because in some cases, the train needs to back up for long distances such as pushing empties into a mine branch then pulling the loads out. Perhaps there are rules somewhere that can prevent this, but I've been unable to find any.

John

 

[nicky9499]

Hi John, have you considered the Reverse Train Direction command? I have used this on some of my commuter trains for backwards running with success.
Assume a commuter train (ie. Ryan's Metra stuff) pulls into a terminal station. Simply put in a Reverse Train Direction command and the AI will go "in reverse" as though it was driving from the cab car - without any fuss.