Running Priorities TRS19 (Build 117009)

Driver_Col

Well-known member
I have a scenario which is proving challenging! I have a main line leaving a station, and then branching into a second line. Both lines run parallel for almost 5 miles before merging back into a single line (creating a slow and a fast line to prevent a goods train from holding up an XP train). About a mile before the final merging are a Distant signal on each line.

Problem: I have a Goods train which accesses the "slow line" in advance of an XP train accessing the "fast line". The XP train soon catches up and passes the Goods Train but when it reaches the Distant signal, that signal is against it ("On"). The Distant signal for the Goods Train is "Off". The XP train proceeds at reduced speed to the Home signal where the lines merge, and is held there until the Goods Train passes by and clears the next track section..

Thinking this was a simple priority issue, the XP loco was set as Priority 1, while the Goods was Priority 3 but to no avail. My thoughts are that the first train to trigger that Distant signal gets priority as the following Home signal is then committed. My question is - Is there a workaround for this situation, or do I have to accept it as a "not unreasonable" operations scenario?

All thoughts welcomed. Regards. Colin.

Additional info: The points at the final merge are set "in favour" of the Fast Line so the Goods train is clearly taking them over.
 
Last edited:
I have a scenario which is proving challenging! I have a main line leaving a station, and then branching into a second line. Both lines run parallel for almost 5 miles before merging back into a single line (creating a slow and a fast line to prevent a goods train from holding up an XP train). About a mile before the final merging are a Distant signal on each line.

Problem: I have a Goods train which accesses the "slow line" in advance of an XP train accessing the "fast line". The XP train soon catches up and passes the Goods Train but when it reaches the Distant signal, that signal is against it ("On"). The Distant signal for the Goods Train is "Off". The XP train proceeds at reduced speed to the Home signal where the lines merge, and is held there until the Goods Train passes by and clears the next track section..

Thinking this was a simple priority issue, the XP loco was set as Priority 1, while the Goods was Priority 3 but to no avail. My thoughts are that the first train to trigger that Distant signal gets priority as the following Home signal is then committed. My question is - Is there a workaround for this situation, or do I have to accept it as a "not unreasonable" operations scenario?

All thoughts welcomed. Regards. Colin.

Additional info: The points at the final merge are set "in favour" of the Fast Line so the Goods train is clearly taking them over.
Do you think a token system would work in this situation?
Regards
Ian
 
Do you think a token system would work in this situation?
Regards
Ian
Hi Ian - It is an interesting concept, but my understanding of the token system was to ensure no more than one train on a specific stretch of track. Given that the trackwork in this Route is designed to fulfill quite the opposite scenario, it might have a credibility issue?
 
Have you tried setting the junction for the XP train in the session so that is the default setting?

You may also have to slow up the goods train to ensure that the XP train has control of the junction first, otherwise, the goods train will grab that junction and set the switch against the XP train.
 
Have you tried setting the junction for the XP train in the session so that is the default setting?

You may also have to slow up the goods train to ensure that the XP train has control of the junction first, otherwise, the goods train will grab that junction and set the switch against the XP train.
Hi John. Yes the junction is set as "green" for the XP mainline train. It appears to me (remembering that they are both AI trains) that the first train to trigger its Distant signal is going to get priority due that Distant immediately committing the following Home signal which controls the junction. I guess I could remove the Distant signals and replace them with Invisible signals. I could then place the Invisible signal on the slow line a lot closer to the junction? The problem with that is the expectation of Distant signals. i.e, Is it worth trading off a visual reality in order to avoid holding up the XP? Unless somebody can come up with a better idea, it becomes a dilemma which will my "pleasure" to resolve! Regards. Colin.
 
Hi,
IIRC there are “track priority markers” as well as setting priority of the consist. Alternatively, adding a command to set the junction. The latter does require adding commends to each train
 
Surely you would assign driver control orders for the goods train to navigate to track mark/signal in the loop and wait for the XP train to pass a trigger/signal on the mainline...?? This would be the same instructions given to a driver in the real world - certainly my last train trip into Cambridge there was a Container Train waiting for our train to pass!

I think the problem you are encountering is that the Goods reaches the siding first and gets control of the exit junction before the XP train which comes along a while after the goods.... I dont think you want to rely on the signals doing the planning for you, actively manage the goods train and force it to wait! Ultimately the planning of train movements comes down to people in jobs first and the signals are then set to keep those movements safe :)
 
Hi Guys - The issue with constructing a specific strategy is that my Routes are loops, so the scenario is not necessarily going to repeat itself due to the trains (that caused this whole dialogue) having different schedules which dictate different "loop running times". What I could do though is start one, or both, of the trains in different positions. Perhaps they will never be in this conflicting situation for a few hours???? Your thoughts are appreciated, and I will keep them in mind. Regards. Colin.
 
So my last 10 pence, cos I love problem solving! Ive just had a look at the driver commands list here.... Para 2 Junctions and Signal Commands could probably help you out if you make the XP train set the junction at the end of the loop in its favour a certain distance away - IF the goods is there then the junction will be against it so it waits, if its not then no bother!

And i think you could definitely use some of the Session Variable rules within Para 6 session management commands can be used as well. This would be a little bit more complicated, but i think should be a lot slicker solution. This thread here should be useful if you want to try the session variables.. :)
 
Back
Top