Getting closer

[martinvk]

Buffer stops are great to keep trains from leaving the end of the track but they also prevent trains from getting too close.

Even though the driver has an instruction to Navigate to the track marker named end, he doesn't get any closer than 16m from the track mark which is 10m in front of the buffer stop for a total stay back distance of 26m. I tried placing a signal before the buffer stop. Any closer than 45m and the message that it is within the overlap distance appears.

Imagine that this was a terminal station with a platform along the track. How do I get the train to get closer to the buffer stop?

 

[PerRock]

often the trick used is to extend the track out further (underneath the platform in a terminal) and place an invisible buffer on that; then place a fake one at the end of the plaform and the trackmark wherever you want it. the Buffer at the end of the platform in reality does nothing. You can hide the extended track in buildings, platforms, if your careful you can slope it into the ground.

peter

Edit; something deep in my head itches and says that there is a rule that allows the train to move closer to the buffer as well.

 

[martinvk]

... place a fake one at the end ...
Edit; something deep in my head itches and says that there is a rule that allows the train to move closer to the buffer as well.

Making a fake buffer sounds like what I need to do. I also have that itch. Perhaps someone can help scratch it.

 

[zuluking]

One trick is to extended the track beyond the buffer using invisible track.
I place an invisble signal behind the buffer.

 

[dougtrain]

Up to the buffers.

Hi all. Have a look at this link (with pictures) and see if it helps at all.

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=40820&highlight=Bill69

Doug

 

[Lewiscc65]

One thing you can try is to reduce the radius of the maker. They are set to 20m reduce it to around 5m and the train will get closer.

 

[Dreadnought1]

It must have been changed in '09.

In '06, I've gotten within 5-6m of the buffers by putting a very low speed restriction about 12-15m out and an invisible signal about 7-8m out from the buffers. It would appear that the train doesn't see the buffers until it passes the invisible signal.

Cheers,
Dreadnought1

 

[martinvk]

I was not aware that signals could have a user defined trigger radius.

Meanwhile, a quick dive into GMAX produced an invisible version of my NS track end. Since it is all controlled in the config file, I didn't really need to modify the mesh but I wanted to add a bit of text to indicate that it is an invisible version. The other new track end is a dummy that doesn't stop any trains. I just removed all the parts that refer to signaling from the config file. Should probable add a discrete sign to remind me that it is a dummy track end to prevent a lot of head scratching when trains don't stop.

In Surveyor showing both the invisible track and invisible track end.

In Driver showing what the engineer sees and how close he gets to the buffer stop.

 

[alanti]

I was not aware that signals could have a user defined trigger radius.
...

Its the markers that have the user defined radius

 

[teddytoot]

Its the markers that have the user defined radius

And points/switches.

 

[airtime]

I usually place a dwarf signal alongside the buffer, then the train will go to the track mark. The dwarf signal will always show red, as there is no continuation of track after that point...

Hope this Helps

Joe Airtime
Just type in dwarf in the signal menu and it'll appear.

 

[Deano5]

The buffer is just a signal that is dressed in a buffer shaped coat, some buffers are just the shape with no built in signal and cause the previous signal to stay red/line terminates. As stated, all you need to do is add a small length of invisible track and an invisible signal. Then you just make adjustments to your AI needs. .

 

[Allan051]

How to get a buffer stop????????

I'm sorry to hear about your problem, but I have trouble right from the start! Do you know how you can get a buffer stop? I sure don't! Please help me!

Allan051

 

[martinvk]

Well, you could just make one, not that hard really or use one of the built-in ones or for more variety, go to the DLS and there you will find plenty to choose from, including mine - like the one in the picture in post #1

 

[Allan051]

Thanks for the help on the subject!

I am a newbie here and I appreciate it!