Train signals and follow command

[Jayturf]

hey all,

Is there a way to make trains display signals? Such as when trains are run as a section. Also is there a follow command. It would be cool if you could make another train follow a certain train at a specified time interval. In case you haven't guessed I'm trying to run sections on my route and want to make it more protoypical.

 

[duckblaster]

Use invisible signals.

 

[Jayturf]

I do...so i guess i'll just have to use that method

 

[TSwenson]

Running sections of trains

If I understand correctly, what you are trying to do is run a second section of a timetable train. I am curious if you are looking for classification lights (or flags) for the locomotive. I think there are a few F7s with class lights modeled, however I don't know of any locomotives with flags.
As to getting the second section to follow the first my suggestion is to give it the same commands as the first and give it a time delay (5 min.). The problems may arise when you take control, as the driver, of one of these trains. However I should think that you would be conforming to the same timetable/schedule and therefor the issues should be minimal.
You did not say how your prototype is signaled (dark, ABS, CTC) but the signals in Trainz seem to function as ABS signals. I have found that trying to simulate dark territory to be a complete pain in the AI.

 

[Jayturf]

My prototype wasn't signaled. It was strictly TT&TO operations. There were fixed signals at operator stations only. I have used invisible signals throughout the route to keep the AI separated. I guess on the single track I could put an invisible signal every mile or so in both directions. This would allow a train to follow another with a mile spacing. The only problem would be that it would almost be impossible to preven cornfield meets if the ai was strickly running the route. It would be fun though to run as a dispatcher...to keep everything running smoothly.

 

[duckblaster]

Have a look at http://trains.0catch.com/tutorial.html it has some good info on signaling and everything else related to the AI.

 

[Jayturf]

I have read all of his tutorials at least 10 times...what I am proposing to do would go against everything that chuck talks about...and would require that you would actually have to dispatch the trains as if there were no signals...the only reason for the signals would be to keep the trains spaced when running as a section. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[TSwenson]

It sounds like you have found one of the limitations of the AI program in Trainz. It may be interesting to see if is possible to create a timetable and train order (TT&TO) method of operations for Trainz. As many of the smaller lines that lend themselves to modeling in Trainz operated in this manner it would be nice to see such a system. I believe that some of the technical problems to creating such a system may have been solved. However there may be unanticipated issues with such a system.