WCML AI traffic

[DescendingSadly]

Sorry for yet another WCML thread...

I'm currently creating a freight scenario driving from Kingmoor - somewhere near Glasgow Central. I drove it last night and realised how big this route is. It took me two hours to drive!!

So my question is what's the best plan for getting accurate AI? I want to use the current WTT's really but it's so hard to work out where my train will be at certain points, and if i'm a little bit out then it's exaggerated because of the size of the route.

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts....

[Darpor]

It takes time, but if I am unsure, I drive the scenario in a normal fashion, writing down timings at landmarks along the route. This enables me to place traffic down that start will not long before the player train is due to pass.

[alanch]

It takes time, but if I am unsure, I drive the scenario in a normal fashion, writing down timings at landmarks along the route. This enables me to place traffic down that start will not long before the player train is due to pass.

And then run the traffic into a portal after the player train has passed, if you can.

[msey0002]

Basically, I do the same as Darren has just said. Drive at whatever speed you wish (for example: linespeed if it's an Express Passenger service) and jot down the times you arrive here and there. At each point you wish to put AI calculate around 500-800yards before your the place train is due to arrives so as to leave a margin of error, and in it the time it is supposed to leave, just use the same time your train is supposed to arrive. Unfortunately I have never used WTTs before, but this is the method I use.

[msey0002]

It takes time, but if I am unsure, I drive the scenario in a normal fashion, writing down timings at landmarks along the route. This enables me to place traffic down that start will not long before the player train is due to pass.

And then run the traffic into a portal after the player train has passed, if you can.

Aye, saves on resources

[Darpor]

It takes time, but if I am unsure, I drive the scenario in a normal fashion, writing down timings at landmarks along the route. This enables me to place traffic down that start will not long before the player train is due to pass.

And then run the traffic into a portal after the player train has passed, if you can.

Yes, get rid of everything as quick as possible to preserve resources.

[keithmross]

Hi,
It is a big route, so it does take a while to put together scenarios for a full length journey.
Two things to note;

Use the intermediate markers as waypoints, there are markers at most places of interest. These will give you timing references on your scenario timetable to assist with placement of AI traffic. The default setting assumes that the player train will be operating at 75% capacity unless you specify otherwise - this means the timings represent a reasonable average. Place the AI trains at a point beyond the waypoint and set it running at a suitable time relative to the player train.
Critically, some of the passing loops have been set up as mainline priority to allow more versatility and not limit them to freight only - not ideal, but a limitation of RW. This can result in odd pathing choices by the dispatcher - so, use the markers on the mainline just to make sure of your path.

There are plenty of intermediate portals along the route. The idea is that you position your AI trains in such a way as to start up just before the player train approaches (using the timetable as a guide) and then instruct the AI service to exit via a suitable portal shortly after the location where it passes the player service. This should help with demand on system resources.

I hope this helps.
I'll try to upload a couple of scenarios later on - busy busy busy

All the best,
Keith

[bigvern]

The only disadvantage with that, is if you run early or late you risk seeing parked trains everywhere. For example on Carstairs split scenario, which has other issues but these are discussed elsewhere, I was running about 7' late at Motherwell where I encountered a parked and shut down HST on the "outer" Hamilton line and a Class 86 hauled passenger consist parked up as well.

[Traveller54]

This may be relvant at some point when arranging AI traffic?
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 5&t=109548
Any help appreciated.
MTIA

[pilot37]

I start of by populating with stationary wagons etc to give the place life. I put drivers on some trains ( on sidings ) with a start 20 hours away so that steam is rising or engines run but they dont interfere. I put one or two trains running in the opposite direction so I am bound to see them at some point. I then play and enjoy my scenario. I then make a copy of the scenario, make that player train an AI one and make a new player train. The initial aim is to make the place not seem deserted....I find you dont need too much moving traffic to create an atmosphere

So I gradually build up a working network, each time adding some more stationary stock and adding a new player train. I prefer not to know when I will meet other trains, but to be able to recognise what they are when I do.

Then eventually it all gets too complicated and trains get stuck...anoying when on a 2 hour run

[Kromaatikse]

I take the opposite approach - first I put in the player's train, then any traffic which is supposed to interfere or otherwise interact with it directly, then I set the timetable by driving it and making notes (since I don't have a WTT, which would be a better source of timings). After that I can add moving and static "scenery" which doesn't interfere with the primary trains.

[FoggyMorning]

I also find it's best to add static consists after all the moving trains in any one area have been placed - on more than one occasion I've ended up routing AI into occupied sidings or loops causing the scenario to fail, since static consists do not register in the timetable viewer

[ightenhill]

Is there a useful link as to what traffic uses this route.. This routes so good I feel dirty putting the wrong stock on it as Im writing scenarios

[USRailFan]

Virgin Class 390s
Cross-Country Voyagers (possibly HSTs as well?)
EWS Class 90 (in Scotrail livery)+Mk3 sleepers+Mk2 daycoaches (Caledonian Sleeper)
NXEC Class 91s+Mk4+DVTs (East Coast Trains from London to Glasgow via Newcastle)
Scotrail Class 334s (Glasgow area commuter trains)
Scotrail Class 158s (Edinburgh - Glasgow services)
Northern Rail Class 158s (Settle Carlisle)
Northern Rail Class 156s (Cumbrian Coast)
Transpennine Class 185s
Freightliner Class 86s/Class 90s on liner trains
EWS/Freightliner Class 66s on coal
EWS Class 60s on other heavy haul
EWS Class 66s (and possibly Class 90s?) on general freight
DRS Class 37s on nuclear flask trains

[FoggyMorning]

Pretty much anything will look at home on the WCML to be honest, as long as it's not Southern or Western region. Deltics and LNER steam locos would probably be a bit out of place also