Passing Loops

[BAMMARS]

I have a test track set up with a straight length of track and a passing loop. This is as illustrated, by C.Whitedog, in an earlier thread and operates perfectly.

However, when I turn the track into a circular route, by joining the ends, it all goes wrong.

The driver who should go into the loop reverses away from his starting point and goes in the wrong direction. The other driver performs normally.

I have used track markers to force the misbehaving driver as far as the loop, but when he gets there the turnout is set against him and both drivers just sit and look at each other.

I have tried various combinations of signals,spline points, track markers etc., but all to no avail.

Any help appreciated. Alan.

 

[BidMod]

Perhaps you could post some more details - here's a diagram of what I understand, but from what I can see you could only have one train moving at a time anyway, because then you'd end up with them facing each other with no-where to go.

If this diagram is correct, try putting another loop at the other side, with trackmarks for the AI to follow (and signals).


Perhaps you could download this pic, and add the extra details?

 

[BAMMARS]

BidMod.
Thanks for quick reply. I had previously tried what you suggested but still does the same.
I have a station at each end of the circuit and a passing loop on each section of track connecting the stations.

 

[BidMod]

I've had a bit of a play in TRS, and I have the situation working without any markers at all.

See below:


The stations (1 and 2) are Bloodnok's 2 track 130m stations, and I've built these into the loop. The trackwork is not very good, as it was rushed - it should make the point though.

If this minimap shot doesn't help, but is what you are trying to achieve, I have a selection of screenshots in .tga format, but I don't want to have to convert them all for this forum - if you want a copy I can easily email them to you (my address is in my Planet Auran profile, select "view BidMod's website").

If you aren't using the DLS at the moment, you'll need to login (same details).

 

[garyo]

Could it be, that Driver is just taking the "shortest" route to you destination, in which case, maybe backing up, it the shortest route??

 

[BidMod]

Could it be, that Driver is just taking the "shortest" route to you destination, in which case, maybe backing up, it the shortest route??

If that was the case, both of my trains would try to go along the right hand edge of the loop - though this is logical, I think the AI is (marginally) more intelligent.

Also note that I was using loco-hauled trains to test - perhaps it is different with MUs or top/tailed trains.

EDIT: just re-read BAMMARS' last post - I'm going for another play.

 

[BidMod]

Is this what you are trying to achieve (the AI managed this too, though there were some confrontational pauses when it got a little confuzzled)?
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8810/minimap22hv.jpg

There is a pair of single-track stations, with loops between each allowing bi-directional train working.

 

[BAMMARS]

BidMod.
Thanks for your help. Your second map shows the layout I was playing with and didn't have any joy. I'll have a play with your first map and see if I'm any more successful.

Garyo.
Thanks for your post,it was appreciated.

Alan

 

[jost62]

Hi BAMMARS,
I had exactly the same experience you described: When closing the ends to a circle the AI got crazy. Before "turn around" worked, in the circle no way. Cost me a whole weekend without success.
I then gave up and decided not to use a circle (this anyway is model-train-style), not real life railway.
Good luck!
jost62

 

[BAMMARS]

BidMod.
I'm back again. I've run the first map on a 2 board test for half an hour, and with the minimum of signals,and driver instructions, it performed faultlessly.
I now have to incorporate it into my route which includes five stations and covers 30 odd boards. I feel confident that I am now on the right track, thanks to your help. I wonder why I couldn't get it working the other way, but I'll leave that for another day. Once again.... many thanks.

Alan.

 

[BAMMARS]

jost62.

Thanks for your post. As you can see in my last post, I got around the problem with help from BidMod. What would the likes of me do without this forum. Regards. Alan.