How to Use Track Direction Markers

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

What are Track Direction Markers?

In Summary:
	Track Direction Markers are yellow coloured track markers that are invisible in Driver Mode but visible in Surveyor Mode. They 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
	Track Direction Markers only work on AI controlled trains. They have no effect on manually controlled trains
	Track direction markers are NOT a substitute for Driver Commands or Interlocking Towers

Adding a Track Direction Marker

Notes: A Track 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.

In Surveyor Classic (S10)

Steps: Open the Track Tool Select the Trackmark button Select the Track Direction Marker Select the + (add) button - it may already be selected Click on the track location where the direction marker is to be placed If it is not facing the correct direction, rotate the marker to point in the opposite direction

In Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

 Setting the Direction Marker 

In the Asset Palette either:-

Left mouse click the Track Mesh Filter icon

OR

Left mouse click the Content Drop-down Box Then select Track Objects

Shortcut  If you already have a Direction Marker in your route then select the Eyedropper Tool in the Tools Palette (or press the  R  key). Then Left click on the existing Direction Marker object. This will instantly select the Direction Marker in the filter list. Then jump straight down to Step below.

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

This will list all the Track Objects containing the text "mark" in the filter list. Select the item AI Routing Direction Marker. If you are not sure if this is the asset you want, then double-click on its name to bring up its image and description.

Place the Direction Marker on the track.

If you need to rotate the Direction Marker to face the opposite direction then:- click on its Context Tool (see below - or press the  T  key) from the popup menu select Rotate Trackside

Steps: Select the Placement Tool (or press the  E  key) from the Tools Palette Left mouse click on the track at the position where you want to place the Direction Marker The Direction Marker can be easily moved if needed - see below.

 Set the Direction Marker Properties 

Name the Direction Marker Steps: Left mouse click on the Context Tool ( in the image on the left or press the  T  key) to open up the object property and control menu Left mouse click on Edit Properties Enter a name for the Direction Marker A name for the Direction Marker is not necessary for the operation of Sessions

Move the Track Mark Along the Track

	Steps: Left mouse click and hold down the mouse button on the Yellow Dot next to the Direction Marker ( in the image above) While holding down the Left mouse button, move the mouse Forward or Backward to drag the Direction Marker along the track

Direction Marker Operation

Main Points:
	Track Direction Markers only work on AI controlled trains. They have no effect on manually controlled trains
	If the set path is blocked, then the AI will NOT attempt to find another path
	A set path will be ignored if a shorter path is available

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 Track 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.

In Figure 1 below, The train approaches the junction at the start of the one way section.

Figure 1

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In Figure 2 below, the train has been forced to take the loop line to avoid the section controlled by the direction marker.

Figure 2

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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.

Figure 3

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Direction Markers can be ignored by the AI
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.

Figure 4

Related Links

How to Use Track Markers How to Use Track Priority Markers How to Use Track Triggers

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Trainz Wiki

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