Using an Invisible Signal

[Ian_Coleman]

I'm trying to persuade an AI loco to couple to the rear of a consist which is at a terminus, by using the couple command.

At the moment, the loco stops just short of the beginning of the platform, and whatever I try, the loco will not travel the last few yards towards the rear of the consist. I thought I'd try using an invisible signal at the mouth of the platform, but all to no avail.

As this is the first time that I've used an invisible signal, I'm probably not using it correctly.
When the loco stops, I would expect to see a radio signal which would tell me what the problem was, but nothing shows!

Any ideas please,
Ian

 

[fran1]

place the signal, name it platform 1 for example, then use the couple to train/vehicle in front/rear of signal command. can't remember the exact name. I'll look for it.

 

[Dermmy]

CoupleToVehicleNearSignal by atilabarut, although in the circumstances I would probably place a trackmark and use CoupleToVFacingTrackmark also by atilabarut.

The invisible sig will always show red if the consist is in the platform and it is just another obstacle in the way of the engine's progress. If the vehicle in the train has a unique username (ie if it is the only vehicle of the type in the session) try CoupleToVehicle (also by atilabarut)...

 

[fran1]

Have the signal facing the consist,doesn't need to be invisible it can then be used as the departure signal. avoid placing any facing the coupling loco or you'll have to manually drive it through them.

 

[stagecoach]

Do you still have an engine coupled to the other end of the consist? This will often make the coupling engine think a train is in the way and not couple. Uncouple the train in the terminus first.

 

[Ian_Coleman]

Thanks Stagecoach,

I do have a loco at the end of the consist, but it is uncoupled before the coupling loco arrives.

Ian

 

[roger_clark]

In our ‘Brighton to Horsham’ route and scenario, the first train arrives at Brighton terminus and the loco uncouples. A second loco then comes from a siding and couples up to the rear of the first train and then hauls the coaches away. I was quite surprised that it worked so easily without any clever tricks, I use the ‘couple to (vehicle description)’ command. Just remember that the buffer stop in the terminus acts as a red signal.
Cheers,
Roger.

 

[Ian_Coleman]

Thanks Roger, that is exactly the situation that I am trying to deal with. I think it's the buffer I put at the end of the track which is causing the problem!

Ian

 

[Ian_Coleman]

Thanks Roger, that is exactly the situation that I am trying to deal with. I think it's the buffer I put at the end of the track which is causing the problem!

Ian

 

[Ian_Coleman]

Just tried it - and it works perfectly!

Thanks again Roger!

 

[Kree8tiviT]

question

Just remember that the buffer stop in the terminus acts as a red signal.
Cheers,
Roger.

Just wonder......if the buffer is always red, would it make any sense to place an invisible signal just before the buffer?

 

[Dermmy]

Probably not - the 'buffer' is still at red, the invisible is now at 'Caution' which leaves the preceding signal at Green and trains are thundering into the platform at 70 mph (or whatever). Seeing the buffer as a red signal guarantees that dead ends are approached at slow speed...

Andy

 

[trackplate]

Just wonder......if the buffer is always red, would it make any sense to place an invisible signal just before the buffer?

This can help with the AI run round command in tight locations
Bob V