Trains Keep Committing SPAD

[AdvancedApproach]

For whatever reason the trains want to SPAD instead of coming to a complete stop, realigning the switch, then continuing on their way. On the other end of my route this doesn't happen at all. It's getting really annoying that I have to babysit AI because they won't follow basic rules such as coming to a complete stop short of an absolute signal with a red light indication. I don't have to worry about this at any other switch and they only fix is to leave the switch aligned to the crossover otherwise trains will intentionally blow past committing SPAD and then emergency braking will be enacted and then will wait 2 minutes before restarting. I don't know what else I can do to address and solve this problem but @N3VSupport you people need to fix this now.

 

[pware]

I don't know what else I can do to address

The important thing to remember with the "AI" is that the "I" does not stand for "Intelligence". The AI has never been perfect and never will be to everyone's expectations. It is the reason why real railroads still rely on human dispatchers and signallers, however imperfect they are, instead of any of the modern AI systems. The Trainz AI is certainly one aspect of Trainz that has always drawn complaints, many of them genuine, but I have found that it works well enough if you keep things simple and treat it like the "I" stands for "Idiot".

With AI trains I have found that a great deal depends on your placement of signals (both visible and invisible) and speed signs (again both visible and invisible) on your approach to switches.

What was the signal prior to the Absolute Signal at STOP showing? Is it capable of showing CAUTION or is it just a choice between STOP and PROCEED ? That could affect the approach speed of an AI controlled train. How far apart are the signals. The approach to a junction would normally require advance warning (sometimes called Distant signals) placed closer than normal to the switch signal.

What is different between the signals and/or speed signs at both ends of your route?

Why do most of your complaints end with the demand that N3V must fix this now? From my reading of many of your posts and their responses (and I have contributed a fair few) the problem is often with the way you have constructed a route, are using the assets, or have not understood how the tools provided in the program work. Eliminate those possibilities before you start blaming others.

 

[grazlash]

I agree wholeheartedly with pware. If you treat Trainz AI as an Artificial Idiot and hold its hand regularly, you will have fewer problems with it. Always use signals which can display a caution aspect before an absolute signal and keep distances between signals reasonable. Maybe read a bit about signalling practices in the USA and perhaps elsewhere. Personally, I trained as a signalman before transferring to driving trains and that has given me a grounding in building routes with proper signalling. Even then there are differences to be learned, like signal spacing.
Take the time to learn about the finer aspects (pun intended) of the game before arcing up and demanding N3V fix this or that now. If there is a real problem, other experienced users will be suggesting that the problem needs addressing.

 

[Forester1]

Sorry, just starting my morning coffee. What is SPAD other than a WWI biplane?

 

[JCitron]

Sorry, just starting my morning coffee. What is SPAD other than a WWI biplane?

It's a the British and Australian term.

Signal Passed At Danger

 

[JCitron]

Try putting in some advanced/distant signals ahead of your crossovers. The "AI" drivers will see these and slow down and prepare to stop. The alternative is to place the 3-headed (type 08) signals. These will tell the driver to slow down for the crossover.

Using this method, I never have a SPAD on the mainline. I do get them in yards though when signals are placed to closely together.

I forgot to mention before that the placement Type 05 (advance/distant) signals depends upon the speed of your line. If you are running your trains quickly, you are going to need to place the signals a substantial distance from your crossovers or other absolute signals to give the drivers enough time to respond to the upcoming signals.