AI in Dark Territory

[TDHenderson]

How does one script AI movements into a scenario on a route with no signalling? I have searched for info but am not finding much (then again my eyes ain't what they used to be).

Thanks,

Trevor

[Shortliner]

You know what, I wonder the same thing. I'm modeling a shortline (fictional) and in the USA, most shortlines are dark.

[micaelcorleone]

I think it's not possible to run several AI trains on a route without signaling.
This is because the signals are important to AI control as it is all dependent of the signal blocks.
I think a solution could be to model a signal (with all the links) which doesn't show as a signal with lamps and pole in game.

[Shortliner]

I think it's not possible to run several AI trains on a route without signaling.
This is because the signals are important to AI control as it is all dependent of the signal blocks.
I think a solution could be to model a signal (with all the links) which doesn't show as a signal with lamps and pole in game.

The only problem with that is that the player risk a SPAD if he can't tell with the signal of the status is.

[Hawk]

If I remember right, what we used to do in MSTS was add signals but bury them underground so they can't be seen.
Then you can control the AI with them but still make it look like a dark route.

I don't now if that can be done in RW or not though.

[harryadkins]

On the prototype railroads, it is up to the engineer and conductor to be "in the clear" for approaching trains by a certain time whether operating by train order or by track warrant. Therefore, since RW AI trains operate by scripted and timed instructions, it should be easy to give instructions to the engineer of how meets are to be carried out without signals. For example, the dispatcher has issued a track warrant authorizing Extra 4454 to hold the mainline between point A and point D from 0900 until 1030. At 1030, the engineer is ordered to be in the passing siding at point D in order to meet an opposing train. Once the opposing train passes, the engineer calls the dispatcher and the next track warrant is issued giving Extra 4454 the authority to hold the mainline from point D to point G from 1030 until 1200. The AI trains are staged so that they arrive at the proper meeting points at the proper times. It is up to the engineer to follow his orders on time. BTW, there are many websites describing operation by train order and by track warrant.

[Toldrabald]

I have tried that at Doncaster Works, but it was not possible to place any AI engine within the factory premises. Always said "AI train is blocked - signal block not empty" or something like that. I tried different positions in the yard, set the junctions away from the player train but it was still not possible. So you will need signals for AI traffic, what harryadkins describes may be real world behaviour but does not work in the game.
You could bury the signals underground so the player doesn't see them, but if the dispatcher has one of it's glitches and does not set a junction or an AI train is late it would end the scenario. So either way, I'd not recommend it.

[thecanadianrail]

i think burrying the signal underground is the best idea. you just halfto know where the other trains are before you go. in a "Dark line" there would only be 1 train allowed on a single piece of track, even if they were 2 going the same direction, any other train would halfto be on a passing siding or any other place that is not on the main track. the only place you should put thiese burryed signals are at junctions. i know alot about this because the line that goes through my town is a Dark line.(even though it is a Main Line![CN mainline B between edmonton and winnipeg]) i get lots of radio chatter.