How to Use Track Markers

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The yellow dot beneath the '''Track Mark''', labelled as [[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|20px|link=]] in the image, is the '''Attachment Point''' for the Track Mark. This is where it is attached to the track and is its '''Active Point''', the target of '''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate to Trackmark''' commands.
 
The yellow dot beneath the '''Track Mark''', labelled as [[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|20px|link=]] in the image, is the '''Attachment Point''' for the Track Mark. This is where it is attached to the track and is its '''Active Point''', the target of '''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate to Trackmark''' commands.
 
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The attachment point is always on the track but the '''Track Mark''' object itself, the visible 3D arrow head, does not have to be physically on the track.
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The attachment point is always on the track but the '''Track Mark''' object itself, the visible 3D arrow head, does not have to be physically on the track.<br>
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<td width=975><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
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If you drag the object itself and not its attachment point then it will stay at its original height as it is moved along the track. If the track is on a grade then the object will rise above or fall below the track as it is moved.<br>
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Dragging it by the attachment point will force it to stay at the height of the track as it is moved.</td>
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===Move the Track Mark Vertically (S20)===
 
===Move the Track Mark Vertically (S20)===
  

Latest revision as of 06:39, 31 January 2026

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

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Contents
BlueDot10x10.png Track Marks are red coloured track objects that are invisible in Driver but visible in Surveyor
BlueDot10x10.png They are used as destinations or waypoints for AI driver commands
BlueDot10x10.png They only work on AI controlled trains and have no effect on manually controlled trains
BlueDot10x10.png The direction that the markers point has absolutely NO EFFECT on their operation


[edit] What are Track Marks?

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BlueDot10x10.png The Trainz AI relies heavily on Track Marks to direct trains around a layout. They are only visible in Surveyor


Track Marks are the targets for:-
DotPoint.JPG destinations using Drive To Trackmark and Navigate To Trackmark driver commands
DotPoint.JPG waypoints using Drive Via Trackmark and Navigate Via Trackmark driver commands
They can also be used to:-
DotPoint.JPG hold Navigation Points
DotPoint.JPG set locations for Coupling operations
TrackMarkImage.png


[edit] Route or Session?

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BlueDot10x10.png 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) will save them with the Route and they will be available in all Sessions created using that particular Route
DotPoint.JPG Placing Track Marks in a Session layer will save them with the Session and they will only be available in that particular 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:-


[edit] Adding a Track Mark

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NotePad.PNG Notes:

A Track Mark has two important properties:-

DotPoint.JPG its name which is needed for all commands and rules that use the Track Mark, and
DotPoint.JPG its Trigger Effect 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 (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark)
PencilTips.PNG The direction that a Track Mark is pointing has NO EFFECT on its operation


[edit] In Surveyor Classic (S10)

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[edit] Adding a Track Mark (S10)

TrackMarkTools.png
Steps: To add a trackmark:-
DotPoint1.JPG Open the Tracks Tool Flyout or press the  F4  key
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click on the Trackmark button or press the  V  key
DotPoint3.JPG Left Click the item named Track Marker in the asset list
DotPoint4.JPG Left Click the  +  Add button - it may already be selected - or press the  A  key
DotPoint5.JPG 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


PencilTips.PNG Avoid placing a Track Marker on a junction. You could accidentally place the marker on the wrong junction branch which could result in AI trains being directed along the wrong path


Immediately after the Track Mark has been placed its properties window will appear. You can:-
DotPoint.JPG Enter a Name for the Track Mark, and
DotPoint.JPG if needed, select a Layer and a Bound Layer - see the Trainz Wiki Page WikiLink.PNG How to Use layers for the details
TrackMarkProperties.png
PencilTips.PNG Enter a useful name for each Track Mark - the name will be needed for driver commands and session rules. Many creators base the name on the location (e.g. "Maintown Track 1 North")


[edit] Set the Track Mark Effect Radius (S10)

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

The Effect Radius is the size of red "effect wings" attached to both ends of the marker. This sets how close a consist has to approach the marker to complete certain driver commands such as "Drive To Trackmark". The smaller the radius the closer it must approach.


TrackMarkRadiusTools.png


NotePad.PNG Other track objects that have a Trigger Effect Radius include Track Direction Markers, Track Priority Markers, Track Triggers and Whistle Signs. In some cases the visible "effect wings" are green instead of red.
Steps: To set a Track Mark Effect Radius:-
DotPoint1.JPG In the Track Tools flyout, Left Click on the Advanced button to open the Radius tools and properties. You will have a choice of 4 methods to set and adjust the Effect Radius
Options: Choose one of:-
Ablue.png To copy the Effect Radius of an existing Track Mark
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Get Effect Radius icon
DotPoint3.JPG Left Click on the Track Mark whose radius you want to copy - the radius will be copied into the Effect Radius Value text box (the default value is 20.00 metres)
DotPoint4.JPG To apply the new value see option Cblue.png below
Bblue.png To manually alter the Effect Radius value
DotPoint2.JPG Type the new value (in metres) into the Effect Radius Value text box
DotPoint3.JPG To apply the new value see option Cblue.png below
Cblue.png To apply a value in the Effect Radius Value text box (from methods Ablue.png, Bblue.png or Dblue.png) to another Track Mark
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Copy Radius Value icon
DotPoint3.JPG 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 Effect Radius value up or down
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Adjust Effect Radius button
DotPoint3.JPG Select the Track Mark
DotPoint4.JPG Left Click and Drag Forward (to increase the value) or Backward (to reduce the value)
DotPoint5.JPG The new value will be immediately applied to the selected Track Mark as the mouse moves (but only one Track Mark at a time)


PencilTips.PNG Once you have an Effect Radius entered in the value box, you can apply it to any number of Track Marks by using method Cblue.png shown above


[edit] In Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

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Surveyor 2.0 is only available in Trainz Plus and TRS22 Platinum


[edit] Adding a Track Mark (S20)

DotPoint1.JPG In the Filter Palette either:-

Ablue.png Left Click on the Track Objects icon

FilterPaletteTrackObjectsSelected S20.png

OR
Bblue.png Left Click on the Content Drop Down Box

FilterPaletteNoIconSelected S20.png
Then select Track Objects
FilterSelectTrackObjects S20.png

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.
NotePad.PNG Notes:

If the Filter Palette and the Assets Palette are not shown on the screen, then:-

Windows Menu
Steps: To display palettes:-
DotPoint1.JPG open the SurveyorWindowIcon.png Window Menu from the menu icons at the top of the screen
 
BulletTick.png visible palettes have ticks next to their names
BulletNoTick.png invisible (hidden) palettes have no ticks next to their names
DotPoint2.JPG if any required palette does not have a tick next to its name then Left Click on the name of the palette or on the empty BulletNoTick.png box next to its name. This will add a BulletTick.png and make the palette visible

There is a Trainz Wiki Page specifically covering the S20 Palettes at
WikiLink.PNG How to Use the Surveyor 2.0 Palettes


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

FilterPaletteSearchMark S20.png
Both pallets shown docked


DotPoint3.JPG This will list all the Track Objects containing the text "mark" in their names or descriptions.
DotPoint4.JPG Left Click on the item name Track Mark - you may have to scroll down the list to find the asset.

AssetPaletteSearchMarkScrolled S20.png
If you are not sure about an asset then Double Left Click on the name to bring up its image and description.

NotePad.PNG When you select any asset in the Assets Palette list it will automatically select the Placement Tool so the next Left Click in your Trainz World will add that asset to your Trainz World

DotPoint5.JPG Place the Track Mark on the track.

Add trackmark
Steps: To add a Track Mark:-
DotPoint1Blue.png If, for some reason, the Placement Tool has not been selected then Left Click on the Placement Tool or press the  E  key
DotPoint2Blue.png Left Click on the track at the position where you want to place the Track Mark
Once placed a Track Mark can be easily moved if needed.


NotePad.PNG Notes:

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

Steps:
DotPoint1.JPG select either the:-
Ablue.png Free Move Tool (or press  S ) OR
Bblue.png Fine Adjustment Tool (or press  D )
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click on the Track Mark
DotPoint3.JPG press the  Delete  key


PencilTips.PNG If you need to rotate the Track Mark to face the opposite direction then:-
Steps:
DotPoint1.JPG select the Track Mark then Left Click on its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
DotPoint2.JPG from the popup menu select the  Rotate Trackside  option
Note: the direction it faces has no effect on its operation
 
PencilTips.PNG Avoid placing a Track Marker on a junction. You could accidentally place the marker on the wrong junction branch which could result in AI trains being directed along the wrong path


[edit] Change the Track Mark Name (S20)

The Track Mark name is used to identify it for Drive and other commands.

TrackmarkName S20.png
Steps: To change the name of a Track Mark:-
DotPoint3Blue.png using either the Free Move Tool or the Fine Adjustment Tool select (Left Click on) the Track Mark to be renamed
DotPoint4Blue.png in the Info Palette (you may need to make this palette visible - see the Notes: for Adding a Track Mark - Step  1  above) Left Click in the Name: entry box. Enter a name for the Track Mark and press the  Enter  key


[edit] Set its Effect Radius (S20)

The Effect Radius is the size of red "effect wings" attached to both ends of the marker. This sets how close a consist has to approach the marker to complete certain driver commands such as "Drive To Trackmark". The smaller the radius the closer it must approach.
TrackmarkRadius S20.png
Steps: To adjust the effect radius of a Track Mark:-
DotPoint5Blue.png Left Click and Drag on the Green Dot next to the Track Mark
DotPoint.JPG Left or Right (at 90° to the direction of the track) to change its Trigger Radius by larger amounts
DotPoint.JPG Forward or Backward (in the direction of the track) to change its Trigger Radius by smaller amounts
PencilTips.PNG For the best results when adjusting the Effect Radius of any track object, move your camera POV (point of view) to directly above the object


NotePad.PNG Other track objects that have a Trigger Effect Radius include Track Direction Markers, Track Priority Markers, Track Triggers and Whistle Signs. In some cases the visible "effect wings" are green instead of red.
Once you have set the Name and Effect Radius of a track mark it can be quickly duplicated (cloned) in Surveyor 2.0 with those settings and moved to a new location. You can easily edit the name and properties of the clone at the new location. See WikiLink.PNG How to Use S20 Tools - Cloning Objects for the details


[edit] Move the Track Mark Along the Track (S20)

Track Marks can be moved along the track or to other tracks.

TrackmarkMove S20.png
Steps: To move the Track Mark:-
DotPoint6Blue.png Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the Yellow Dot next to the Track Mark to move it along the track or to another track


The yellow dot beneath the Track Mark, labelled as DotPoint6Blue.png in the image, is the Attachment Point for the Track Mark. This is where it is attached to the track and is its Active Point, the target of Drive To Trackmark and Navigate to Trackmark commands.

The attachment point is always on the track but the Track Mark object itself, the visible 3D arrow head, does not have to be physically on the track.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

If you drag the object itself and not its attachment point then it will stay at its original height as it is moved along the track. If the track is on a grade then the object will rise above or fall below the track as it is moved.

Dragging it by the attachment point will force it to stay at the height of the track as it is moved.


[edit] Move the Track Mark Vertically (S20)

Track Marks can be physically placed above (or below) the track. This feature allows them to be placed, for example, above the track so that they will not be hidden in Surveyor if a consist is parked on a marker.
TrackmarkFineAdjustVertical S20.png
Steps: To move a Track Mark vertically:-
NotePad.PNG This option is only available with the Fine Adjustment Tool - the  D  key
DotPoint7Blue.png Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Blue  Vertical Axis Line above the Track Mark to it up or down
PencilTips.PNG If you need to return the Track Mark to its original position then:-
Steps: To correctly reattach the Track Mark to the track:-
DotPoint1.JPG select the object and open (Left Click on) its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
DotPoint2.JPG from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


Because the Attachment Point of the Track Mark, the yellow dot, remains on the track, moving the track mark object vertically does not affect its operation.


[edit] Move the Track Mark Horizontally (S20)

Track Marks can be physically placed left or right alongside the track. This feature allows them to be placed, for example, beside the track so that they will not be hidden in Surveyor if a consist is parked on a marker.
TrackmarkFineAdjustHorizontal S20.png
Steps: To move a Track Mark horizontally:-
NotePad.PNG This option is only available with the Fine Adjustment Tool - the  D  key
DotPoint8Blue.png Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Red  Horizontal Axis Line attached to the Track Mark to move it left or right
DotPoint9Blue.png Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Green  Horizontal Axis Line attached to the Track Mark to move it forward or back
PencilTips.PNG If you need to return the Track Mark to its original position then:-
Steps: To correctly reattach the Track Mark to the track:-
DotPoint1.JPG select the object and open (Left Click on) its Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
DotPoint2.JPG from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


Because the Attachment Point of the Track Mark, the yellow dot, remains on the track, moving the track mark object horizontally does not affect its operation.


NotePad.PNG Notes:
The  Green  Horizontal Axis Line shown as DotPoint9Blue.png in the image pointing forward from the Track Mark will move it forward/backward regardless of whether it is on the track or not. It has the same effect as DotPoint6Blue.png Move a Track Mark Along the Track without moving its attachment point. Using this tool makes it possible to move the Track Mark visible object beyond the end of the track if that is ever required. This will have no effect on its operation.


[edit] Assign a Track Mark to Another Layer (S20)

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

Layer control
Steps: To assign a Track Mark to a layer:-
In the Info Palette:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click the small arrowhead next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Layer drop down box to select a new layer for the object
DotPoint3.JPG if required, Left Click the Binding drop down box to select a new binding layer for the object. It cannot be bound to its own layer
DotPoint4.JPG 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:
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG Moving an object from one layer group to another (e.g. from the Route Layer Group to the Session Layer Group) will change where the object is saved (in the Route or in the Session)


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

[edit] Track Mark Operation

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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.

[edit] Driver Navigation Commands

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


NotePad.PNG Notes:
DotPoint.JPG Drive To Trackmark and Drive Via Trackmark commands will NOT force the AI to find an alternative 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 an alternative 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

[edit] 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:-


[edit] 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:-


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[edit] Trainz Wiki

TrainzWiki.png

More Tutorials and Guides to Using Trainz
LinkWiki.PNG

Related Links

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

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