Timetables - Dark Routes - Managing Traffic - AI Turntables
#1
Posted 12 February 2020 - 04:34 AM
Regarding both Activities and Timetables...
I've been playing around on the BSR - a dark route - and I'm trying to see there's a way to manage AI traffic without signals... I would assume if the prototype had meets - they would issue a track warrant to proceed no further than such and such siding until such time as the meet would occur...
Single track main with passing sidings - paths set from opposing ends - passing sidings defined in both directions - starting time identical... As it is now - after a few miles of heading towards opposing traffic - one of the two trains just stops on the main - half way through a passing siding switch - blocking any possible solution for the two trains to pass...
I know I could set timed wait points but I'd rather not as that limits the flexibility of using the path in Timetable mode - where I might want to juggle times around... Any other way to define a meet without being time dependent ? Is there a better way to manage traffic on a dark route ? I though of maybe having to signal the route then bury the actual signals so they are invisible...
Second issue - is there any way to use working Turn Tables with AI ?
Any insights appreciated...
Regards,
Scott
#2
Posted 12 February 2020 - 04:42 AM
#3
Posted 12 February 2020 - 04:45 AM
ebnertra000, on 12 February 2020 - 04:42 AM, said:
Hi...
Right - I thought so too - so theoretically - as I described my paths - shouldn't one train be smart enough to realize there is a conflict and take one of the multiple defined passing sidings ? Both opposing trains were AI controlled...
Thanks for the response !
Regards,
Scott
#4
Posted 12 February 2020 - 04:50 AM
Re automatically managing traffic in dark routes, yes, in general OR should be able to do this.
#5
Posted 12 February 2020 - 04:57 AM
Csantucci, on 12 February 2020 - 04:50 AM, said:
Re automatically managing traffic in dark routes, yes, in general OR should be able to do this.
Hi Carlo,
I'll look for the thread for Timetable mode turntables - and - probably resort to using Timetables only - if I can get it to work...
In Timetable mode - is it possible to have a switcher sorting cars in a freight yard - similar to the features you added to "Wait Points" in activities ?
Thanks as well...
Regards,
Scott
#6
Posted 12 February 2020 - 05:26 AM
I believe that features like those have been added, but am not so sure. In the "Developing subforum" you should find info and also documentation.
#7
Posted 12 February 2020 - 05:43 AM
#8
Posted 12 February 2020 - 07:37 AM
RE: Turntables in Timetables
I found the updated manual on timetables and it has a whole section devoted to turntables (a recent addition) - but - it seems as if the turntable can only be used for storage on various storage tracks - I couldn't find any reference to actually "turning" a locomotive... Pull on - reverse direction - then pull off... If anyone has used this feature and can add to this discussion - it would be most appreciated...
Regards,
Scott
#9
Posted 13 February 2020 - 06:29 AM
For my timetable, I end the inward path at the turntable, and in #dispose, $triigger a new train with the #consist name field added $reverse. An outward path starts at the same location.
Timetables run in 2 modes, auto signal, and auto node ,and will switch between them automatically. If you run out of a signal controlled area you enter auto node. You need to be in auto node to couple unless you have enabled callon in the signal scripts.
A dark area will be auto node , and you can do most shunting operations . Use $forms with attach/detach/ transfer in the #dispose row, and start a new train column
In your initial post you seem to suggest sharing paths with activity and timetable modes. I suggest you don`t share, as any path mods will be hard to unravel. A good rule is 1 train 1 path, as paths are cheap in resource terms.
Timetable mode is good at manging meets, although I haven`t done much of it, the tools are there.
Hope this is some use, Rick
#10
Posted 13 February 2020 - 08:05 AM
rickloader, on 13 February 2020 - 06:29 AM, said:
For my timetable, I end the inward path at the turntable, and in #dispose, $triigger a new train with the #consist name field added $reverse. An outward path starts at the same location.
Timetables run in 2 modes, auto signal, and auto node ,and will switch between them automatically. If you run out of a signal controlled area you enter auto node. You need to be in auto node to couple unless you have enabled callon in the signal scripts.
A dark area will be auto node , and you can do most shunting operations . Use $forms with attach/detach/ transfer in the #dispose row, and start a new train column
In your initial post you seem to suggest sharing paths with activity and timetable modes. I suggest you don`t share, as any path mods will be hard to unravel. A good rule is 1 train 1 path, as paths are cheap in resource terms.
Timetable mode is good at manging meets, although I haven`t done much of it, the tools are there.
Hope this is some use, Rick
Hi Rick,
Hah - a brain I can pick - it sounds like you know your way around... Thanks for the response...
I saw Rob's resignation - disappointed as well - hopefully at some point we can drag him back in...
:)
LOL - so close on Turntables - just how cool would it be to see AI trundling on to the table - spinning themselves around to face the proper direction - then heading off on their assigned task - it would add massively to the visual appeal to those of us who live in tea kettles... I see what your're saying as a kludge - obviously - I need to delve deeper into Timetables in general and try some new things...
I'm helping out the "Bridgeton and Saco River" crew (Maine 2 Foot Steam in 1920's) - only about 25 miles long - and I'd like to get a functional timetable to include with release...
Yeah - as for the paths - I guess what I had in mind when I mentioned that - is I just didn't want to get in to locking the path down with specific timed wait points... I think I'm going to focus my efforts solely on Timetables now... I wish I could blow a horn like in activities but I don't think any of Carlo's Advanced AI Shunting features work with Timetables...
Thanks again...
Regards,
Scott