Keeping Routes Clear

[goofeyfoot]

Hello:

I have Trainz for iPad.

I have multiple AI trains in a single route. To keep things uncongested, I have been using triggers. That works well when you only have only two or three trains. However, when you have seven or eight trains things get more difficult. As the many trains meander around the route, no particular sequence or pattern is apparent. Therefore using triggers to keep things orderly seems difficult, or even impossible. Eventually two trains are staring at each other and unable to pass.

My question is whether there is a command or commands which can be used to keep the trains from encountering each other as they travel about.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[JCitron]

You need to use track marks and directions markers in addition to signals. Track marks are red cone-shaped pointed objects that you name once placed on the track. You then pick the track mark as a destination from a list when navigating or driving. This will keep the AI going where you want them to go rather than wandering off as you say. To keep meets from happening, you can use direction markers to guide the AI in a direction following the direction that the yellow cone-shaped object has. These also work as one-way signs and can prevent the AI from entering into a track.

The signals are just that and work as they do pretty well and close to real life. There are different types specified with different types of operation. Type 02 and Type 06, for example are approach signals appropriate for junctions. Type 04 is an absolute signal, meaning that trains must obey the signal and stop when told to do so. They are used at the entrance to main lines from yards and sidings and where tracks run from double to single. A Type 05 is a permissive or home signal that the AI can pass by, however, they do indicate what is ahead and can allow you to have more than one driver at a time on a single section of track.

Hope this helps some.

John

 

[goofeyfoot]

John:

thanks for for that very detailed explanation. I will work on those items. Very well written, and thanks again.

Michael

 

[goofeyfoot]

Another related question. If you construct turnouts and cross tracks will the AI be smart enough to use them to avoid conflicts?

 

[JCitron]

Another related question. If you construct turnouts and cross tracks will the AI be smart enough to use them to avoid conflicts?

What do you mean by conflicts?

If it's oncoming traffic, as in meets, I use passing sidings with direction markers and signals. Type 04 for the exits and Type 06 for the entrance.

You might find this helpful.

http://trains.0catch.com/tutorial.html

This was done with an older version of Trainz, but much of the information here is pertinent today. The information, however, on track direction is a misnomer so ignore that.

John

 

[philskene]

Michael --

Is the iPad version similar to the PC version I use?

If it is, this might provide some useful hits about taming rouge AI:

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/show...-to-allow-bi-directional-AI-on-a-single-track

Phil