Train using wrong track

[lenscab]

Hi all..... I have downloaded from CM a container industry and it has 3 in tracks and 3 out tracks , the problem is that when I tell a train to go to an offload or load track it goes to a track on the right hand side because it is a german developer. which is a pity because I rather like it. Is it possible to change them in the config file, and could you tell me how please.
The name of it is Containers 007WT.
Thanks for any replies I would be grateful.
Len

 

[JCitron]

Direct the AI using track markers before and after the container port.

Put in markers, for example, called Track 1 in, Track 2 in, Track 3 in, and then Track 1 Exit, Track 2 Exit, and Track 3 Exit on the tracks leading up to and after the industry (container port).

When directing your AI drivers to load at Track 1, you do this, for example using the markers as I named them above - you'll of course come up with your own naming convention, the commands will be as follows.

Drive via track mark Track 1 In.
Load (or Unload) {put in industry name}
Drive via track mark Track 1 Out.

This ensures that the AI will take the proper track, and the exit track mark. The exit track mark, while appearing redundant ensures the AI won't decide to backup after finishing up their loading or unloading. In some cases you might need to, in fact it might be better to put the exit track mark a bit of a distance away from the industry to ensure that the AI actually drive there. The thing to watch out for here, that the marker isn't too close to the junctions if any because the AI will sometimes skip past the track mark then back up because it's like "Oh wait, I forgot to get the track mark!". This causes all 'ell to break out as the AI get things scrambled.

The issue of the AI taking the right track versus left track as nothing to do with the country of origin of the asset. The reason for this is the AI will seek out the shortest or quickest distance between points. Their idea of quickest is not always the quickest way.
This shortest distance is a mathematically measured distance on the curve between points meaning the AI will do stupid things such as taking a "short cut" through the 15 mph yard tracks and passing loops, while avoiding the 65 mph mainline tracks. To get around these situations, it's best to place an entry track mark, a middle, and an end, and use a Drive via command instead of a Navigate via. A Drive via track mark is very specific. The AI will only take that path and won't seek a shortcut to get to their destination. A Navigate via command will let the AI choose the quickest, or shortest path.

Hope this helps.

 

[lenscab]

Thankyou for trying to help me, ,,,,I am sorry but what you have suggested does not work because after I set TM and then tried to tell it where to unload it comes up with six choices,,,,,,,tracks 1,3,6 it says pickup and 2,4,5 are unload, so I cannot just tell it to go to the industry I have to choose. I could of course to one of the pickups if I want to unload but I can see me getting very confused that is why I asked if it could be done in the config. I am afraid I don't know anything about configs, so what do you think? Anyone that does could do it easy I think. Please let me know what you think.
Len

 

[JCitron]

Thankyou for trying to help me, ,,,,I am sorry but what you have suggested does not work because after I set TM and then tried to tell it where to unload it comes up with six choices,,,,,,,tracks 1,3,6 it says pickup and 2,4,5 are unload, so I cannot just tell it to go to the industry I have to choose. I could of course to one of the pickups if I want to unload but I can see me getting very confused that is why I asked if it could be done in the config. I am afraid I don't know anything about configs, so what do you think? Anyone that does could do it easy I think. Please let me know what you think.
Len

Don't get too frustrated yet. The AI will do that to you! It might help if you can give us the KUID and the name of the asset. We can take a look at it and come up with a recommendation, although that may be similar to what I've posted.

I wouldn't touch the config.txt files. It isn't necessary and doing so can lead to other problems.

With the AI you have to be specific by picking a specific track no matter what method you choose. The alternative is to use a single track mark on the lead to the container yard then again use a Drive to industry, remember the Drive to is very specific while Navigate to is a free for all and let the AI choose.

(TM = Track Mark)

Drive via TM "Container Yard Entrance" (note the Drive VIA) This keeps the AI from stopping even briefly.

Drive to Pickups (or drop-offs) on track - pick a number if it's laid out that way.

Then give a Drive via, exit TM.

If you don't have the Drive to, or Drive via track marks available, you can add them by editing the available driver commands in the session setup.


The thing is the AI are bots, or pretty much dumb, well more than dumb - stupid is more like it. They will do exactly as you tell them, but you need to be very specific to get them to do what you want them to do, and not what you think you want them to do. As you gain experience, you'll find yourself anticipating what they will do and plan accordingly.

 

[lenscab]

Thanks for helping me....The name is Containers 007WT and the kuid is Kuid2:427808:10582:1
Can I suggest you download it , its in CM in the DS and then you can see what it is I mean. I only need to use the drop off tracks in this case but like I said they are on the wrong side. and its just a pity it only does 40ft containers and not 20ft. I have been working on a new seaport that's fully editable and its looking very good , if I say it myself, plenty of animation and it does not come to a stop like the Auran one. its nearly done and if you are interested I can send you a copy when it is.
Len

 

[JCitron]

I'll check out the asset.

Reconfiguring queues is a bit of a pain. Adding in 20ft containers is easy, however, the attachment points may need changing out, and that's not as easy as it sounds.

 

[ecco]

The issue of the AI taking the right track versus left track as nothing to do with the country of origin of the asset. The reason for this is the AI will seek out the shortest or quickest distance between points. Their idea of quickest is not always the quickest way.
This shortest distance is a mathematically measured distance on the curve between points meaning the AI will do stupid things such as taking a "short cut" through the 15 mph yard tracks and passing loops, while avoiding the 65 mph mainline tracks.

To get around these situations, it's best to place an entry track mark, a middle, and an end, and use a Drive via command instead of a Navigate via. A Drive via track mark is very specific. The AI will only take that path and won't seek a shortcut to get to their destination. A Navigate via command will let the AI choose the quickest, or shortest path.

Hope this helps.

A bit off the OP topic,but...

For the condition of trains taking a shortcut through an industry, the easiest fix is:
Make all locos priority 1
Make the mainline track(s) that bypass the industry's shortcut priority 1
This works better than TM's because you needn't tell every train to bypass using TM's which can get to be quite laborious with tens of industries and tens of trains.

If you zoom out to where the tracks are just a dark blue line, the P1 tracks will show as white, the (default) P2 will be the usual blue and P3s will be light blue.


Priority 1 trains will go to an industry or TM on P2 or P3 tracks if specifically ordered to do so.

 

[JCitron]

A bit off the OP topic,but...

For the condition of trains taking a shortcut through an industry, the easiest fix is:
Make all locos priority 1
Make the mainline track(s) that bypass the industry's shortcut priority 1
This works better than TM's because you needn't tell every train to bypass using TM's which can get to be quite laborious with tens of industries and tens of trains.

If you zoom out to where the tracks are just a dark blue line, the P1 tracks will show as white, the (default) P2 will be the usual blue and P3s will be light blue.


Priority 1 trains will go to an industry or TM on P2 or P3 tracks if specifically ordered to do so.

I've done that too ages ago when priority marks first appeared. They worked, but in this case I was aiming for KISS.

 

[JCitron]

Len,

I just tested the asset. It works as intended. In order to get the asset to work as intended, you do the following:

1) Instruct the AI to Navigate or Drive to industry.
2) You pull down the list and choose the container port.
3) A third prompt appears at the bottom requesting which platform. You then choose which one you want your driver to drive to.
4) Place other commands following to have the AI driver continue on to another destination.

This works no differently than coalmines, passenger stations, or other industries.

 

[lenscab]

OK fine now thanks to your help, I have got it do do what I want so now I can get on with something else..Thanks again.
Len