Off-Track Repeater Signals

[Nicko034]

Hi all,

I’m trying to model a repeater signal that sits off to the side of the track (not on the running rails) and does not control a block or affect AI routing.

All I need it to do is visually reflect the aspect of the nearby trackside signal it repeats (e.g. clear / caution / stop).

The signal asset is the Vic Sig 3P Home + Marker variant.

Is there a recommended way to do this in Trainz?
– Dummy/disconnected spline?
– Specific signal assets that support repeater behaviour?
– Or is this only possible with custom scripting?

Any guidance would be appreciated — thanks.

 

[TSwenson]

So you want a "repeater" signal, one that relays the information from a signal further along the line, such as when the actual signal may have a short sight distance or unfavorable conditions (like a stopped train would block several crossings).
It almost sounds like you want to do the opposite of the "JR Signal Offset" asset, have the signal indicate, and not necessarily initiate the behavior, at the remote point. I'm thinking you could use a dummy invisible track and an offset signal rule and/or asset. Just shooting from the hip here, but, I'd try "JR Offset Signal" and a dummy signal with a signal link rule... that might do what I'm thinking you want.

I can think of some actual examples for both reasons for a repeater. I would say a switching signal at the throat of a yard where the controlling signal is just on the other side of an overhead bridge (US-1 at Rigby Yard in S. Portland, Me) and you cant see it very well due to the bridge footing; and a repeater east of the yard in Lawrence, Ma to prevent westbound freights from blocking 3 crossings waiting on the signal at the east entrance to the yard (the repeater has been eliminated due to cab signaling upgrades, others on the forums can speak more on that area).

 

[Nicko034]

So you want a "repeater" signal, one that relays the information from a signal further along the line, such as when the actual signal may have a short sight distance or unfavorable conditions (like a stopped train would block several crossings).
It almost sounds like you want to do the opposite of the "JR Signal Offset" asset, have the signal indicate, and not necessarily initiate the behavior, at the remote point. I'm thinking you could use a dummy invisible track and an offset signal rule and/or asset. Just shooting from the hip here, but, I'd try "JR Offset Signal" and a dummy signal with a signal link rule... that might do what I'm thinking you want.

I can think of some actual examples for both reasons for a repeater. I would say a switching signal at the throat of a yard where the controlling signal is just on the other side of an overhead bridge (US-1 at Rigby Yard in S. Portland, Me) and you cant see it very well due to the bridge footing; and a repeater east of the yard in Lawrence, Ma to prevent westbound freights from blocking 3 crossings waiting on the signal at the east entrance to the yard (the repeater has been eliminated due to cab signaling upgrades, others on the forums can speak more on that area).

Thanks for the detailed reply. The purpose of this repeater signal at it's real life location is definitely to provide a clearer view, as the track curves to the left and the main signal is obstructed by sound barriers. I actually managed to, before your reply, use an invisible signal, position it next to the lineside signal, repeater signal on invisible track in its off-track position (approx. 30 metres to the right of the mainline). Using Signal Link, I made the invisible signal the master and both lineside and repeater signals slaves via 2 Signal Link boxes. It was more stable this way.

 

[TSwenson]

Good that you got it figured out... far too many times have I too found the best way to figure out a solution is to phrase the problem as a request for help (and not necessarily actually ask, just organize the problem to ask).

Sounds like a solid fix, I'm not any sort of expert on signaling, most of my signal knowledge is on using them, not setting them up (I work T&E not Signals). Patience and a flow chart are helpful on signaling stuff, and at least in Trainz we don't need a whole signal gang to move a signal...

 

[norfolksouthern37]

Interesting and workable approach. There may be some more options to explore for specific types of signals like this that can allow just an addition of a signal rather than complex invisible tracks and linkers even though this is perfectly fine. The type of signal "Repeater" is a valid signal type in Trainz, and should work by simply copying the state of the next signal it sees. You can activate this on any mosignal object by putting repeater 1 in the config.txt entry.