Via or To

[frattonstation]

When crerating a schedule what is the difference between "via" and "to", especially when track markers are concerned? Is it best to put via a track marker or to???

 

[Fitz505]

The 'to' command will sent your train directly to the trackmark or location designated via the shortest route (excluding any direction markers or blocked tracks) and then stop.
The 'via' command is used before the 'to' command or designated location.
For instance you could send the train 'via' trackmark xxx to trackmark zzz.
The train would first head to trackmark xxx, then without stopping, head to trackmark zzz.
It's a very handy command. I use it often send freight trains to yards via tracks avoiding nearby stations even though the shortest route is pass the station. There is an endless use of the command. The only minor downside is you have to note where the trackmarks are you want to use the 'via' command with. No big deal.

John

 

[frattonstation]

Many Thanks for that.
What about Track direction markers.
If I need to send a loco back the way it came up a single track from a station, do I place direction markers pointing both ways so it can go back the way it came?
I seem to have a problem that my loco will go the long way round my loop instead of going back the from the direction it came.

 

[Fitz505]

In that case, I wouldn't use a direction marker at all. You have to be careful using direction markers. Overuse of them will result in a lot of "no path to destination" messages when using the AI.
Route finding for the AI drivers has probably been one of the most talked about subjects here. Basically, it's sort of like putting a monkey at the controls. He may get there eventually ("may" being the operative word), but you will be left scratching your head on how he got there.
Actually, considering this is just an entertainment simulation, the AI drivers aren't too bad, if you keep it simple. Some people go completely bonkers when the AI won't run a route exactly. I accept it for what it's capable off and live with it. I use the AI mostly for trackmark to trackmark running. For instance running a through train from staging to a yard track. I may have the engine uncouple and go to a service track, but I will do most of the switching myself.
With a little practice, you will learn what you can get away with, and learn basic signaling. It has a lot to do with AI path finding.

John

 

[frattonstation]

Great, many thanks for your help.

 

[Koondawg]

@ Fratton

I just spent the last week, which I was on vacation, making a new route. I was having trbles getting the trains (AI) to do what I asked. I have 7 trains running now with no problems by setting up triggers and adding loops so the trains will continue foward, instead of a push/pull task.
When I was using the push/pull is when I got wierd stuff happening....like train A instead of driving via blah blah to get back to the industry would take off on its on....wasting time finally to get back on track...
By adding in the loops at the industries all works great now.

I use drive via to get to a destination, and drive to a trackmark to wait on a trigger or set off a trigger.
With trial and error you will figure it out...only took me a week of running them to get all the kinks ironed out.

KD

 

[frattonstation]

cheers for all your help and advice, it has been really useful so far.