How to Use Track Direction Markers

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<tr valign="top">
 
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>'''Track Direction Markers are yellow coloured track markers that are invisible in ''Driver Mode'' but visible in ''Surveyor Mode'''''</td>
+
<td>'''Track Marks are red coloured track objects that are invisible in ''Driver Mode'' but visible in ''Surveyor Mode'''''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>'''Track Direction Markers are used as "One Way" signs to force trains under AI control to travel in a specific direction through the track section where they are placed'''</td>
+
<td>'''Track Marks are used as destinations or waypoints for AI driver commands'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>'''Track Direction Markers only work on AI controlled trains.''' They have no effect on manually controlled trains</td>
+
<td>'''Track Marks only work on AI controlled trains.''' They have no effect on manually controlled trains</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''direction''' that the marker is pointing has absolutely '''NO EFFECT''' on its operation</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
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='''What are Track Direction Markers?'''=
+
='''What are Track Marks?'''=
  
−
While '''Track Marks''' can be used to direct trains around a layout, they must be added to the '''Driver Commands''' in the form of '''Drive Via''' commands, and similar, to individual train drivers to work. '''Direction Markers''' can perform some of the same work without needing to be added to the command lists of the drivers. Their disadvantage is that '''Direction Markers''' will affect all AI controlled trains while '''Track Marks''' will only affect those AI trains where they appear in the driver command lists.<br>
+
The '''Trainz AI''' relies heavily on '''Track Marks''' to direct trains around a layout. They are only visible in '''Surveyor Mode'''.<br>
  
−
'''Direction Markers''' force AI drivers to follow a particular path. They only work on AI controlled trains and have no effect on manually controlled trains.
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>Track Marks are the targets for:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate To Trackmark''' driver commands</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Drive Via Trackmark''' and '''Navigate Via Trackmark''' driver commands</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>They can also be used as:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>attachments for '''Navigation Points'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>locations for '''Coupling''' operations</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
='''Route or Session?'''=
 
='''Route or Session?'''=
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td>'''Direction Markers can be placed in a Route layer or in a Session layer'''</td>
+
<td>'''Track Marks can be placed in a Route layer or in a Session layer'''</td>
 
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<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td>Placing '''Direction Markers''' in a '''Route layer''' (e.g. in the same layer as the track) means that they will be available in '''all Sessions''' created using that particular Route.
+
<td>Placing Track Marks in a '''Route layer''' (e.g. in the same layer as the track) means that they will be available in '''all Sessions''' created using that particular Route.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td>Placing '''Direction Markers''' in a '''Session layer''' means that they will only be available in that Session. This can be useful if two or more Sessions are being created and you want to use different '''Direction Markers''' in each Session.
+
<td>Placing Track Marks in a '''Session layer''' means that they will only be available in that Session. This can be useful if two or more Sessions are being created and you want to use different Track Marks (destinations and waypoints) in each Session.
 
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='''Adding a Track Direction Marker'''=
+
 
 +
='''Adding a Track Mark'''=
  
 
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<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
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<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
----
 
----
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A '''Direction Marker''' has no useful properties other than the direction it is pointing. This is the direction that all AI controlled trains will be forced to take.
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A Track Mark has two important properties:-
−
</td>
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*its name which is needed for all commands and rules that use the Track Mark, and
 +
*its '''Trigger Radius''' (the red "wings" shown in the image below, the radius value is shown below the Track Mark name). This controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark)</td>
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</tr>
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<tr valign="top" bgcolor=#ffffe0>
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<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700;">The direction that a Track Mark is pointing has NO EFFECT on its operation</span></td>
 
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<br>
 
<br>
 
=='''<span style="color: black; background-color: cyan;">&#160;In Surveyor Classic (S10)&#160;</span>'''==
 
=='''<span style="color: black; background-color: cyan;">&#160;In Surveyor Classic (S10)&#160;</span>'''==
 +
 +
===<span style="color: black; background-color: cyan;">&#160;Setting the Track Mark&#160;</span>===
  
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
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<td>[[file:TrackDirectionTools.png|link=]]</td>
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<td>[[file:TrackMarkTools.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
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<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
# Open the '''Track Tool'''
 
# Open the '''Track Tool'''
−
# Select the '''Trackmark button'''
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Trackmark button'''
−
# Select the '''Track Direction Marker'''
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the item named '''Track Marker'''
−
# Select the '''+''' (add) button - it may already be selected
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''+''' (add) button - it may already be selected
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the track location where the '''Direction Marker''' is to be placed
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the track location where the Track Mark is to be placed
−
# If it is not facing the correct direction, rotate the marker to point in the opposite direction
+
If necessary, you can adjust the position of the Track Mark by dragging it along the track using the '''Move''' tool
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
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<td colspan="2">
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
When placed, the properties window for the Track Mark will appear.<br>
 +
[[file:TrackMarkProperties.png|link=]]<br><br>
 +
Enter a name for the Track Mark and, if needed, select a layer.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=896>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Enter a useful name for each Track Mark - the name will be needed for driver commands. Most creators base the name on the location (e.g. "Maintown Track 1 North")
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
===<span style="color: black; background-color: cyan;">&#160;Set the Trigger Radius&#160;</span>===
 +
 +
At the bottom of the '''Track Tools''' flyout menu is an '''Advanced''' button. <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> this button to open the Track Mark advanced tool set.<br>
 +
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
[[file:TrackMarkRadiusTools.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 +
* <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Advanced''' button
 +
 +
You then have a choice of methods to set and adjust the Trigger Radius of Track Marks
 +
 +
[[file:Ablue.png|link=]] To copy the current Trigger Radius of an existing Track Mark
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Get Trigger Radius''' icon
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the Track Mark whose radius you want to copy - the radius will be copied into the Trigger Radius value box (the default value is 20.00 metres)
 +
 +
[[file:Bblue.png|link=]] To manually alter the Trigger Radius
 +
:* Type the new value (in metres) into the Trigger Radius value box
 +
 +
[[file:Cblue.png|link=]] To apply a value in the Trigger Radius value box (from methods [[file:Ablue.png|link=]], [[file:Bblue.png|link=]] or [[file:Dblue.png|link=]]) to another Track Mark
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Set Trigger Radius''' icon
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the Track Mark that is to receive the new value (you can click on more than one)
 +
 +
[[file:Dblue.png|link=]] To adjust the value up or down
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Adjust Trigger Radius''' button
 +
# Select the Track Mark
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> forward (to increase the value) or backwards (to reduce the value)
 +
# The new value will be immediately applied to the selected Track Mark as the mouse moves (but only one marker at a time)
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=896>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Once you have a Trigger Radius entered in the value box, you can apply it to any number of Track Marks by using method [[file:Cblue.png|link=]] shown above
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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'''Surveyor 2.0''' is currently only available for '''Trainz Plus Standard''' and '''Trainz Plus Gold''' subscription members.<br>
 
'''Surveyor 2.0''' is currently only available for '''Trainz Plus Standard''' and '''Trainz Plus Gold''' subscription members.<br>
  
−
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Adding a Direction Marker&#160;</span>===
+
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Adding a Track Mark&#160;</span>===
  
 
[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]] In the '''Asset Palette''' either:-
 
[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]] In the '''Asset Palette''' either:-
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td colspan=2>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]] <span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Shortcut&#160;</span><br>
 
<td colspan=2>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]] <span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Shortcut&#160;</span><br>
−
If you already have a '''Direction Marker''' placed in your route then:-</td>
+
If you already have a '''Track Marker''' placed in your route then:-</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint1Blue.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint1Blue.png|link=]]</td>
−
<td>move the tool pointer over the existing direction marker object and hold down the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Alt&#160;</span> key. The object name will appear in a '''ToolTip''' attached to the pointer</td>
+
<td>move the tool pointer over the existing track marker object and hold down the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Alt&#160;</span> key. The object name will appear in a '''ToolTip''' attached to the pointer</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:DotPoint2Blue.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:DotPoint2Blue.png|link=]]</td>
−
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Alt&#160;</span>&#160;+&#160;<span style="color: black; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span></span> (hold down the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Alt&#160;</span> key and <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span>) on the direction marker to identify it in the '''Assets Palette''' and to select the '''Placement Tool'''. Release the key.</td>
+
<td>while holding down the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Alt&#160;</span> key <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the track marker to identify it in the '''Assets Palette''' and to select the '''Placement Tool'''. Release the key.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
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<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td>[[image:FilterSelectDirectionMark.png|link=|alt=Filtered list]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:FilterSelectTrackMark.png|link=|alt=Filtered list]]</td>
−
<td valign="middle">[[image:DotPoint4.JPG|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the item name '''AI Routing Direction Marker''' or '''Track Direction Marker'''.<br>
+
<td valign="middle">[[image:DotPoint4.JPG|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the item name '''Track Mark'''.<br><br>
−
<br>
+
−
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=560 cellpadding=2>
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>
+
−
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=556 cellpadding=2>
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
−
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
+
−
----
+
−
There are '''two''' separate '''Direction Markers''' available.<br>
+
−
<table>
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
+
−
<td>'''Track Direction Marker''' - this is the original version</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
<tr valign="top">
+
−
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
+
−
<td>'''AI Routing Direction Marker''' - this is similar to the original but it does not affect signal operations</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
</table>
+
−
</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
</table>
+
−
</td>
+
−
</tr>
+
−
</table>
+
−
<br>
+
 
If you are not sure about an asset then <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Double Left Click</span> on the name to bring up its image and description.</td>
 
If you are not sure about an asset then <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Double Left Click</span> on the name to bring up its image and description.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
−
[[image:DotPoint5.JPG|link=]] Place the '''Direction Marker''' on the track.<br>
+
[[image:DotPoint5.JPG|link=]] Place the '''Track Mark''' on the track.<br>
 
<table width=1000>
 
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td>[[image:DirectionmarkAdd_S20.png|link=|alt=Add direction marker]]<br>
+
<td>[[image:TrackmarkAdd_S20.png|link=|alt=Add trackmark]]<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=480 cellpadding=2>
 
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=480 cellpadding=2>
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<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
----
 
----
−
To delete a '''Direction Marker''' (or any asset):-
+
To delete a '''Track Mark''' (or any asset):-
 
# select either the:-
 
# select either the:-
 
#* '''Free Move Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;S&#160;</span>) or
 
#* '''Free Move Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;S&#160;</span>) or
 
#* '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span>)
 
#* '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span>)
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Direction Marker'''
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Track Mark'''
 
# press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Delete&#160;</span> key
 
# press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Delete&#160;</span> key
 
</td>
 
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=460>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=456>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you need to rotate the '''Track Mark''' to face the opposite direction then:-
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Menu Icon''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
 +
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Rotate Trackside&#160;</span>
 +
'''Note:''' the direction it faces has no effect on its operation.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:DotPoint2Blue.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:DotPoint2Blue.png|link=]]</td>
−
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the track at the position where you want to place the '''Direction Marker'''</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the track at the position where you want to place the '''Track Mark'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
−
The '''Direction Marker''' can be easily moved if needed - see below.
+
The '''Track Mark''' can be easily moved if needed - see below.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
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----</td>
 
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
−
</table>
+
</table><br>
−
<br>
+
 
[[image:Tools_S20.png|link=|alt=Tools and keymap for S20]]
 
[[image:Tools_S20.png|link=|alt=Tools and keymap for S20]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Set the Direction Marker Properties&#160;</span>===
+
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Set the Track Mark Properties&#160;</span>===
−
<table width=1000>
+
 
 +
<table width=900>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td>[[image:DirectionmarkAdjust_S20.png|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:TrackmarkAdjust_S20.png|link=]]</td>
−
<td>[[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Change Its Direction</span><br>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Change Its Name</span><br>
−
The direction the marker points is its '''ONLY''' important property.<br>
+
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 356: Line 457:
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>If you need to rotate the '''Direction Marker''' to face the opposite direction then:-
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Menu Icon''' ([[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key) to open up the object property and control menu
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Context Menu Icon''' ([[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected) to open up the object property and control menu
−
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Rotate Trackside&#160;</span></td>
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Edit Properties&#160;</span> option in the popup menu
 +
# enter a name for the '''Track Mark'''
 +
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] to accept the change or on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] to reject it
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 364: Line 468:
 
----</td>
 
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
−
<tr valign="top">
+
</table>
−
<td colspan=2>[[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Change Its Name</span><br>
+
</td>
−
The name of the marker is only useful for finding it in the route. It is not needed for any operational purpose.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
[[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Set its Trigger Radius</span><br>
 +
The '''Trigger Radius''' controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark).<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2">
 
<td colspan="2">
Line 375: Line 483:
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Context Menu Icon''' ([[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key) to open up the object property and control menu
+
[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> forward or backward on the '''Green Dot''' next to the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] in the images above and below) to increase or reduce its '''Trigger Radius'''
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Edit Properties&#160;</span> option in the popup menu
+
−
# enter a name for the '''Direction Marker'''
+
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] to accept the change or on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] to reject it
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 384: Line 489:
 
<td colspan="2">
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
----</td>
−
</tr>
 
−
</table>
 
−
</td>
 
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Move the Direction Marker&#160;</span>===
+
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Move the Track Mark&#160;</span>===
  
−
[[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Move it Along the Track</span><br>
+
[[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Move it Along the Track</span><br>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 401: Line 503:
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
−
[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> on the '''Yellow Dot''' next to the '''Direction Marker''' ([[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] in the images above and below) to move the '''Direction Marker''' along the track
+
[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> forward or backward on the '''Yellow Dot''' next to the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] in the images above and below) to move the '''Track Mark''' along the track
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 412: Line 514:
 
<table width=900>
 
<table width=900>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td>[[image:DirectionmarkFineAdjust_S20.png|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:TrackmarkFineAdjust_S20.png|link=]]</td>
−
<td>[[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition it Up/Down</span><br>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition it Up/Down</span><br>
−
This feature allows a '''Direction Marker''' to be physically placed above the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Direction Marker'''.<br>
+
This feature allows a '''Track Mark''' to be physically placed above the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Track Mark'''.<br>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=530>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=530>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 424: Line 526:
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
 
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> on the '''Blue Vertical Axis Line''' above the '''Direction Marker''' ([[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left) to move the '''Direction Marker''' up or down
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> forward or backward on the '''Blue Vertical Axis Line''' above the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left) to move the '''Track Mark''' up or down
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 438: Line 540:
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>If you need to return the '''Direction Marker''' to its original position then:-
+
<td>If you need to return the '''Track Mark''' to its original position then:-
 
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Menu Icon''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
 
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Menu Icon''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
 
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Reattach to Track&#160;</span></td>
 
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Reattach to Track&#160;</span></td>
Line 450: Line 552:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
[[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition it Left/Right</span><br>
+
 
−
This feature allows a '''Direction Marker''' to be physically placed left or right alongside the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Direction Marker'''.<br>
+
[[image:DotPoint7Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition the it Left/Right</span><br>
 +
This feature allows a '''Track Mark''' to be physically placed left or right alongside the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Track Mark'''.<br>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=900>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=900>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 461: Line 564:
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
 
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
 
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> on the '''Red Horizontal Axis Line''' on the '''Direction Marker''' ([[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] in the image above to move the '''Direction Marker''' left or right of the track
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> left or right on the '''Red Horizontal Axis Line''' above the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left) to move the '''Track Mark''' left or right of the track
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td colspan=2>
 
<td colspan=2>
 +
 
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=800>
 
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=800>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
Line 474: Line 578:
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
----
 
----
−
The '''Green Horizontal Axis Line''' shown as [[image:DotPoint7Blue.png|link=]] in the image above pointing forward from the '''Direction Marker''' will move the '''Direction Marker''' forward/backward regardless of whether it is on the track or not. It has the same effect [[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Move it Along the Track</span>. However, by using this tool it is possible to move the '''Direction Marker''' beyond the end of the track if that is ever required.
+
The '''Green Horizontal Axis Line''' shown as [[image:DotPoint8Blue.png|link=]] in the image above pointing forward from the '''Track Mark''' will move the '''Track Mark''' forward/backward regardless of whether it is on the track or not. It has the same effect as [[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Move it Along the Track</span>. However, by using this tool it is possible to move the '''Track Mark''' beyond the end of the track if that is ever required.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 494: Line 598:
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>If you need to return the '''Direction Marker''' to its original position then:-
+
<td>If you need to return the '''Track Mark''' to its original position then:-
−
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Manu Icon''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
+
# <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its '''Context Menu Icon''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
 
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Reattach to Track&#160;</span></td>
 
# from the popup menu select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Reattach to Track&#160;</span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 504: Line 608:
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Assign a Direction Marker to a New Layer&#160;</span>===
+
===<span style="color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Assign a Track Mark to a New Layer&#160;</span>===
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=1000>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
Line 570: Line 674:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
−
='''Direction Marker Operation'''=
 
  
−
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
='''Track Mark Operation'''=
 +
 
 +
The most common use for Track Marks is as destinations for driver commands or as "way points" to direct a train to a destination via one or more intermediate places. They can also be used as the targets for Navigation Points and coupling operations.<br>
 +
 
 +
=='''Driver Navigation Commands'''==
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Main Points:</span></td>
+
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-<br>
 +
* '''[[How_to_Use_Driver_Setup_Rule|How to Use the Driver Setup Rule]]'''
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>'''Track Direction Markers only work on AI controlled trains.''' They have no effect on manually controlled trains</td>
+
<td>'''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Drive Via Trackmark''' commands will '''NOT''' force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
−
<td>If the set path is blocked, then the AI will '''NOT''' attempt to find another path</td>
+
<td>'''Navigate To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate Via Trackmark''' commands will force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked. '''The path chosen may not be ''prototypical'''''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
−
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px|link=]]</td>
−
<td>A set path will be ignored if a shorter path is available</td>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Drive To Trackmark</span><br>
 +
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. '''The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark'''. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will '''NOT''' attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
 +
 
 +
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
−
</table>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Drive Via Trackmark</span><br>
 +
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and '''through''' the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. '''Drive To''', etc) then the AI '''will halt the train after passing the Track Mark'''. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will '''NOT''' attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
  
−
Consider the situation represented in the diagrams below. An AI controlled train is moving left to right towards a junction and a loop line. A '''Direction Marker''' (yellow triangle) has been set on the main line which only allows AI trains traveling right-to-left to pass along that section of track.<br>
+
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Navigate To Trackmark</span><br>
 +
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. '''The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark'''. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
  
−
In '''Figure 1''' below, The train approaches the junction at the start of the one way section.<br>
+
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Navigate Via Trackmark</span><br>
 +
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and '''through''' the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. '''Navigate To''', etc) then the AI '''will halt the train after passing the Track Mark'''. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
  
−
[[file:DirectionMap1.png|link=|alt=Direction Map - approach]]<br>
+
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
−
<span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 700;">Figure 1</span><br>
+
</tr>
−
----
+
</table>
−
In '''Figure 2''' below, the train has been forced to take the loop line to avoid the section controlled by the '''Direction Marker'''.<br>
+
  
−
[[file:DirectionMap2.png|link=|alt=Direction Map - bypass]]<br>
+
=='''Navigation Points'''==
−
<span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 700;">Figure 2</span><br>
+
Navigation Points can be attached to Track Marks to provide users with session instructions.<br>
−
----
+
−
In '''Figure 3''' below, the loop line has been blocked by another train. The moving train will attempt to use the loop line but it will be halted and will not attempt to find another path.<br>
+
  
−
[[file:DirectionMap3.png|link=|alt=Direction Map - blocked]]<br>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
−
<span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 700;">Figure 3</span><br>
+
<tr valign="top">
−
----
+
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
−
'''Direction Markers can be ignored by the AI'''<br>
+
<td>Information on navigation points can be found at:-<br>
−
In '''Figure 4''' below, the marker has been placed on the loop line and is pointing in the same direction as the moving train. However, the mainline path represents the shorter route for the consist so the "preferred" direction, as indicated by the '''Direction Marker''', is ignored. Placing a '''Direction Marker''' is no guarantee that the path will be followed if more suitable paths are available.<br>
+
* '''[[How_to_Use_Navigation_Point_Rules|How to Use Navigation Points]]
−
 
+
</td>
−
[[file:DirectionMap4.png|link=|alt=Direction Map - path ignored]]<br>
+
</tr>
−
<span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 700;">Figure 4</span><br>
+
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
 +
=='''Coupling Operations'''==
 +
An AI controlled train can be issued with a driver command to couple with the consist located at a specified Track Mark.<br>
 +
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:CMD_Couple_At_Trackmark.png|50px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The AI driver moves the train (or just the locomotive if it is by itself) to couple with the wagon that is closest to a specified trackmark. More information on this command can be found at [[file:PageLink2.PNG|link=]] '''[[Driver_Commands_List#Couple_At_Trackmark|Couple At Trackmark]]'''<br><br>
 +
 +
This command must be downloaded from the DLS and installed in '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-<br>
 +
* '''[[How_to_Use_Driver_Setup_Rule|How to Use the Driver Setup Rule]]'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
='''Related Links'''=
 
='''Related Links'''=
  
Line 620: Line 770:
 
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
−
* '''[[How to Use Track Markers]]'''
+
* '''[[How to Use Track Direction Markers]]'''
 
* '''[[How to Use Track Priority Markers]]'''
 
* '''[[How to Use Track Priority Markers]]'''
 
* '''[[How to Use Track Triggers]]'''
 
* '''[[How to Use Track Triggers]]'''
Line 652: Line 802:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
−
 
+
----
 +
This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in September 2019 and was last updated as shown below.
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[[Category:How-to guides]]
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]

Revision as of 18:19, 23 April 2023

The information in this Wiki Page applies to TANE, TRS19, Trainz Plus and TRS22.

Contents
In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Track Marks are red coloured track objects that are invisible in Driver Mode but visible in Surveyor Mode
DotPoint.JPG Track Marks are used as destinations or waypoints for AI driver commands
DotPoint.JPG Track Marks only work on AI controlled trains. They have no effect on manually controlled trains
DotPoint.JPG The direction that the marker is pointing has absolutely NO EFFECT on its operation


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What are Track Marks?

The Trainz AI relies heavily on Track Marks to direct trains around a layout. They are only visible in Surveyor Mode.

Track Marks are the targets for:-
DotPoint.JPG Drive To Trackmark and Navigate To Trackmark driver commands
DotPoint.JPG Drive Via Trackmark and Navigate Via Trackmark driver commands
They can also be used as:-
DotPoint.JPG attachments for Navigation Points
DotPoint.JPG locations for Coupling operations


Route or Session?

DotPoint.JPG Track Marks can be placed in a Route layer or in a Session layer


NotePad.PNG Notes:
DotPoint.JPG Placing Track Marks in a Route layer (e.g. in the same layer as the track) means that they will be available in all Sessions created using that particular Route.
DotPoint.JPG Placing Track Marks in a Session layer means that they will only be available in that Session. This can be useful if two or more Sessions are being created and you want to use different Track Marks (destinations and waypoints) in each Session.


LinkWiki.PNG Information on Route and Session layers can be found at:-


  Top Next Up Next Down Bottom

Adding a Track Mark

NotePad.PNG Notes:

A Track Mark has two important properties:-

  • its name which is needed for all commands and rules that use the Track Mark, and
  • its Trigger Radius (the red "wings" shown in the image below, the radius value is shown below the Track Mark name). This controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark)
PencilTips.PNG The direction that a Track Mark is pointing has NO EFFECT on its operation


 In Surveyor Classic (S10) 

 Setting the Track Mark 

TrackMarkTools.png
Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Open the Track Tool
  2. Left Click the Trackmark button
  3. Left Click the item named Track Marker
  4. Left Click the + (add) button - it may already be selected
  5. Left Click on the track location where the Track Mark is to be placed

If necessary, you can adjust the position of the Track Mark by dragging it along the track using the Move tool

When placed, the properties window for the Track Mark will appear.
TrackMarkProperties.png

Enter a name for the Track Mark and, if needed, select a layer.


PencilTips.PNG Enter a useful name for each Track Mark - the name will be needed for driver commands. Most creators base the name on the location (e.g. "Maintown Track 1 North")


 Set the Trigger Radius 

At the bottom of the Track Tools flyout menu is an Advanced button. Left Click this button to open the Track Mark advanced tool set.

TrackMarkRadiusTools.png
Steps.PNG Steps:
  • Left Click the Advanced button

You then have a choice of methods to set and adjust the Trigger Radius of Track Marks

Ablue.png To copy the current Trigger Radius of an existing Track Mark

  1. Left Click the Get Trigger Radius icon
  2. Left Click the Track Mark whose radius you want to copy - the radius will be copied into the Trigger Radius value box (the default value is 20.00 metres)

Bblue.png To manually alter the Trigger Radius

  • Type the new value (in metres) into the Trigger Radius value box

Cblue.png To apply a value in the Trigger Radius value box (from methods Ablue.png, Bblue.png or Dblue.png) to another Track Mark

  1. Left Click the Set Trigger Radius icon
  2. Left Click on the Track Mark that is to receive the new value (you can click on more than one)

Dblue.png To adjust the value up or down

  1. Left Click the Adjust Trigger Radius button
  2. Select the Track Mark
  3. Left Click and Drag forward (to increase the value) or backwards (to reduce the value)
  4. The new value will be immediately applied to the selected Track Mark as the mouse moves (but only one marker at a time)
PencilTips.PNG Once you have a Trigger Radius entered in the value box, you can apply it to any number of Track Marks by using method Cblue.png shown above


 In Surveyor 2.0 (S20) 

Surveyor 2.0 is currently only available for Trainz Plus Standard and Trainz Plus Gold subscription members.

 Adding a Track Mark 

DotPoint1.JPG In the Asset Palette either:-

Ablue.png Left Click on the Track Mesh Filter icon

Track mesh

OR
Bblue.png Left Click on the Content Drop-down Box

Filter List
Then select Track Objects
Track Objects

NotePad.PNG Notes:

If the Assets Palette is not shown on the screen, then:-

Windows Menu
1. open the Window Menu from the menu icons at the top of the screen
2. Left Click on the Assets Palette name
to add a tick and make it visible.
PencilTips.PNG  Shortcut 
If you already have a Track Marker placed in your route then:-
DotPoint1Blue.png move the tool pointer over the existing track marker object and hold down the  Alt  key. The object name will appear in a ToolTip attached to the pointer
DotPoint2Blue.png while holding down the  Alt  key Left Click on the track marker to identify it in the Assets Palette and to select the Placement Tool. Release the key.
Jump to Step DotPoint5.JPG below.


DotPoint2.JPG To narrow down the filter list, type "mark" (UPPER/lower case does not matter) in the Search Text Box

Text search
DotPoint3.JPG This will list all the Track Objects containing the text "mark" in the filter list.
Filtered list DotPoint4.JPG Left Click on the item name Track Mark.

If you are not sure about an asset then Double Left Click on the name to bring up its image and description.

DotPoint5.JPG Place the Track Mark on the track.

Add trackmark


NotePad.PNG Notes:

To delete a Track Mark (or any asset):-

  1. select either the:-
    • Free Move Tool (or press  S ) or
    • Fine Adjustment Tool (or press  D )
  2. Left Click on the Track Mark
  3. press the  Delete  key


PencilTips.PNG If you need to rotate the Track Mark to face the opposite direction then:-
  1. Left Click on its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key if the asset has already been selected)
  2. from the popup menu select  Rotate Trackside 
Note: the direction it faces has no effect on its operation.
Steps.PNG Steps:
DotPoint1Blue.png Select the Placement Tool (or press the  E  key) from the Tools Palette
DotPoint2Blue.png Left Click on the track at the position where you want to place the Track Mark

The Track Mark can be easily moved if needed - see below.


Tools and keymap for S20


 Set the Track Mark Properties 

TrackmarkAdjust S20.png DotPoint3Blue.png Change Its Name
Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Left Click on the Context Menu Icon (DotPoint3Blue.png in the image on the left or press the  T  key if the asset has already been selected) to open up the object property and control menu
  2. Left Click on the  Edit Properties  option in the popup menu
  3. enter a name for the Track Mark
  4. Left Click on the Tick.PNG to accept the change or on the Cross.PNG to reject it


DotPoint4Blue.png Set its Trigger Radius
The Trigger Radius controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark).
Steps.PNG Steps:

DotPoint.JPG Left Click and Drag forward or backward on the Green Dot next to the Track Mark (DotPoint4Blue.png in the images above and below) to increase or reduce its Trigger Radius


 Move the Track Mark 

DotPoint5Blue.png Move it Along the Track
Steps.PNG Steps:

DotPoint.JPG Left Click and Drag forward or backward on the Yellow Dot next to the Track Mark (DotPoint5Blue.png in the images above and below) to move the Track Mark along the track


TrackmarkFineAdjust S20.png DotPoint6Blue.png Reposition it Up/Down

This feature allows a Track Mark to be physically placed above the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the Track Mark.
Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the Fine Adjustment Tool (or press the  D  key)
  2. Left Click and Drag forward or backward on the Blue Vertical Axis Line above the Track Mark (DotPoint6Blue.png in the image on the left) to move the Track Mark up or down
PencilTips.PNG If you need to return the Track Mark to its original position then:-
  1. Left Click on its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key if the asset has already been selected)
  2. from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


DotPoint7Blue.png Reposition the it Left/Right
This feature allows a Track Mark to be physically placed left or right alongside the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the Track Mark.
Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the Fine Adjustment Tool (or press the  D  key)
  2. Left Click and Drag left or right on the Red Horizontal Axis Line above the Track Mark (DotPoint6Blue.png in the image on the left) to move the Track Mark left or right of the track
NotePad.PNG Notes:

The Green Horizontal Axis Line shown as DotPoint8Blue.png in the image above pointing forward from the Track Mark will move the Track Mark forward/backward regardless of whether it is on the track or not. It has the same effect as DotPoint5Blue.png Move it Along the Track. However, by using this tool it is possible to move the Track Mark beyond the end of the track if that is ever required.

PencilTips.PNG If you need to return the Track Mark to its original position then:-
  1. Left Click on its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key if the asset has already been selected)
  2. from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


 Assign a Track Mark to a New Layer 

The Info Palette will show the layer assigned to the currently selected object. To the left of the layer name is a small arrow object.

Info palette

Layer control

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Left Click the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
  2. Left Click the Layer drop down box to select a new layer for the object
  3. if required, Left Click the Binding drop down box to select a new binding layer for the object
  4. if required, Left Click the  Lock Layer  button to lock the selected layer. If the layer is already locked then this will be shown as an  Unlock Layer  button


Stop.PNG WARNING:

You will not be allowed to place a track object in a layer that is higher up the list than the layer containing the track.

LinkWiki.PNG Information on layers can be found at:-
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Track Mark Operation

The most common use for Track Marks is as destinations for driver commands or as "way points" to direct a train to a destination via one or more intermediate places. They can also be used as the targets for Navigation Points and coupling operations.

Driver Navigation Commands

LinkWiki.PNG Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-


DotPoint.JPG Drive To Trackmark and Drive Via Trackmark commands will NOT force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked
DotPoint.JPG Navigate To Trackmark and Navigate Via Trackmark commands will force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked. The path chosen may not be prototypical


CMD NavigateTo.png Drive To Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will NOT attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
CMD NavigateTo.png Drive Via Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and through the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. Drive To, etc) then the AI will halt the train after passing the Track Mark. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will NOT attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
CMD NavigateTo.png Navigate To Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
CMD NavigateTo.png Navigate Via Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and through the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. Navigate To, etc) then the AI will halt the train after passing the Track Mark. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz

Navigation Points

Navigation Points can be attached to Track Marks to provide users with session instructions.

LinkWiki.PNG Information on navigation points can be found at:-


Coupling Operations

An AI controlled train can be issued with a driver command to couple with the consist located at a specified Track Mark.

CMD Couple At Trackmark.png The AI driver moves the train (or just the locomotive if it is by itself) to couple with the wagon that is closest to a specified trackmark. More information on this command can be found at PageLink2.PNG Couple At Trackmark

This command must be downloaded from the DLS and installed in Trainz
LinkWiki.PNG Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-

Related Links

LinkWiki.PNG


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This page was created by Trainz user pware in September 2019 and was last updated as shown below.

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