Signal issues - continued

[Approach_Medium]

Hi;
I have found, at least in TS2009, that signals do not always operate as one might expect them to.
For example, I have a 2 track mainline with two crossover tracks, one for each direction/track, so a total of 4 junctions.

When I place an 06 signal to indicate left or right diverging, the signal will give the correct indication as long as there is no other junction (even a siding) between the 06 signal and the next signal.
If there is another junction, the signal will fail to indicate the position of the crossover, and never give a clear signal on the top aspect.

I have found a way to sort of work-around this problem by placing an invisible signal in-between the crossover and the next junction.
The only problem with that, is if another train is approaching in the opposite direction, the 06 signal will indicate restricting, not stop, because there is the invisible signal between it and the approaching train.

It would be really nice if there were a "signal controller" box, similar to the junction controller, that would allow certain signals to be linked to one another.
This could provide a lot more flexibility with complex junctions, and allow more prototypical operation.

I am not familiar with TS scripting, but am trying to learn, so maybe I could code such a controller. Don't hold your breath though<g>

FW

 

[Tiger313]

There's bloodnok's scripted signals but they're UK style signals. Maybe he could give you a push in the right direction, could be worth asking.

 

[Bill69]

Hi FW,

I have used this method of controling crossovers for a long time. It works in TRS2004, TRS2006 and TS2009.

Trains on this route should keep left unless one line is blocked or the loco is doing a runaround. I also use the Junction control V2 to link the junctions.

Cheers,
Bill69

 

[Approach_Medium]

What are those yellow thingies? Look like triggers, but not the same as the built-in.

I did find a way to get my signals to work. Maybe yours is more efficient or more correct though.
I used two invisible signals, and the trigger multiple signals rule to create the effect I want.

FW

Edit:
Your situation works because your crossover points are always the first thing after the signals. In my situation, the crossovers are not the "universal" type, but accomplish the same thing. The crossovers are located a couple hundred yards from each other, so there will be a set of opposing points between the signal and the correct-facing crossover points, thus I had to use the invisible signals.
Now I discovered another problem: When I throw the switch to line the far crossover from one track to the other, the signal will show approach instead of stop because there is the invisible signal in-between (which will be showing stop if it were visible<g>).
The work-around for this appears to be placing an invisible junction in front of the signal, with points opposing so that when the distant crossover points are against traffic, the invisible junction's points will also be thrown (using the Junction Controller) and the signal will show stop.

I would really like to learn scripting so that I could create a "signal controller" that could be programmed to accomplish this.
This controller I propose would link the signals at opposite ends of any interlocking so that they always work together, and would be aware of all junction positions.
I don't think this would be all that difficult to do if I knew TS scripting.

Here is my interlocking

FW

 

[Bill69]

Hi Fwasssner,

The yellow markers are direction markers, they are built in, you find them in the same panel as the trackmarks. The AI drivers will not go against them unless you force them to.

Cheers,
Bill69

 

[Approach_Medium]

Thanks.
Unfortunately, I cannot restrict traffic direction on my railroad. Trains use both tracks for both directions. This is a freight-only line<g>

I have things working pretty well now. I had to install two invisible junctions, which are controlled by the position of the crossover points so that the signals will give the correct indication and prevent a disaster!

FW

 

[Bill69]

Hi FW,

Good, that is another way of fixing things. Glad you got it all working.

BTW did you get the trucks that you were having trouble with working?

Cheers,
Bill69.

 

[Approach_Medium]

Hi FW,

Good, that is another way of fixing things. Glad you got it all working.

BTW did you get the trucks that you were having trouble with working?

Cheers,
Bill69.

Nope. Never did find the C40 or B40 trucks. I even tried DL from a free content website, and don't think those work either.
I'm running TS09 SP2 Beta, but I don't think that is the issue. I think a lot of it is that TS04 content is not always compatible with TS09.
TS06 would accept the old progressive meshes, while TS09 will apparently not.
I think I'll try substituting trucks from a working loco and see how they look.
That is what I did for the wellcars that didn't work. I had to try a couple before I got the right ones, but they work fine now.

FW