How to Use Track Markers

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Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 The information in this Wiki Page describes how to install, configure and use Track Markers in T:ANE, TRS19, TRS22 and Trainz Plus.


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


What are Track Markers?

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


Track Markers are the targets for:-
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 destinations using Drive To Trackmark and Navigate To Trackmark driver commands
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 waypoints using Drive Via Trackmark and Navigate Via Trackmark driver commands
They can also be used to:-
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 hold Navigation Points
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 set locations for Coupling operations
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127


Route or Session?

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Track Markers can be placed in a Route Layer or in a Session Layer


Notes:
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Placing Track Markers 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
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Placing Track Markers in a Session layer will save them with the current 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 Markers (destinations and waypoints) in each Session.


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


Adding a Track Marker

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Notes:

A Track Marker has two important properties:-

Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 its name which is needed for all commands and rules that use the Track Marker, and
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 its Effect Radius (the red "wings" shown in the image below, the radius value is shown below the Track Marker name). This controls how closely a consist (AI or manually controlled) has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the marker)
The direction that a Track Marker is pointing has NO EFFECT on its operation


In Surveyor Classic (S10)

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Surveyor Classic (or S10) is the original Surveyor interface supplied with every version of Trainz and is available as an option in TRS22PE and Trainz Plus.


Adding a Track Marker (S10)

Track Markers are Track Objects and have to be attached to a track segment. They can be moved along the track and to other tracks.


Steps: To add a Track Marker:-
Open the Tracks Tool Flyout (the  F4  key) and Left Click on the Trackmark Mode button (the  V  key)
Left Click on the Track Marker object shown in the asset list
Left Click the  +  Add Object button - it may already be selected - or press the  A  key
Left Click on the track location where the Track Marker is to be placed
Avoid placing a Track Marker on a junction. You could accidentally place the Track Marker on the wrong junction branch which means that it will cause problems if the targetted train is directed to the other branch
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 This will place the Track Marker on the track and open its Properties Window (shown below). It will be given a default name and assigned to the currently active Layer. That data will be shown in the Properties Window where you can edit the Name and/or Layers. See the section  Set its Name and Layers (S10) below for the details.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 You can adjust its position on the track by dragging it along the track or to another track. See the section  Move it Along the Track (S10) below.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 You can also adjust its Effect Radius. See the section  Set its Effect Radius (S10) below.


Set its Name and Layers (S10)

The name of a Track Marker is important. It is used to identify the marker for Session Rules and Driver Commands
The Layer it is assigned to will decide if will be saved in a Route or in a Session


The Name and Layer Settings for a Track Marker are in its Properties Window.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 The Properties Window will open as soon as a new Track Marker has been added to a track segment.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 To open the Properties Window for an existing Track Marker:-
Steps: To Open the Properties Window for an existing Track Marker:-
In the Track Tools Flyout (the  F4  key) select Trackmark Mode (the  V  key)
 
Left Click on the  ?  icon.
Left Click on the Track Marker.


Use a descriptive name for each Track Marker - the name will be needed for Session Rules and Driver Commands. Many creators base the name on its location (e.g. "Maintown Approach North")


To change the Track Marker name Left Click on the name text entry box, delete the current name and enter a new name
To change its Assigned Layer and/or its Bound Layer Left Click on the approprite layer text entry box (or use its scroll arrowheads) and select a new layer - see the Trainz Wiki Page  How to Use layers for more details on layers
To confirm the changes Left Click on the icon or the  Save Changes  button (depending on your Trainz version) at the bottom of the window OR click on the icon or  Cancel  button to cancel the changes.


Change its Direction (S10)

The direction the marker is pointing has no effect on its operation.


If you need to change the direction of a Track Marker then:-
Steps: To Reverse the Direction of a Track Marker:-
In the Track Tools Flyout (the  F4  key) select Trackmark Mode (the  V  key)
Then select the Rotate Trackmark Tool (the  R  key)
 Left Click  on the Track Marker
 


Move it Along the Track (S10)

Track Markers can be dragged along the track and to other tracks.


If you need to move a Track Marker then:-
Steps: To move a Track Marker to a new position or to another track:-
In the Track Tools Flyout (the  F4  key) select Trackmark Mode (the  V  key)
Then select the Move Trackmark Tool (the  M  key)
 Left Click and Drag  on the Track Marker to its new position.
It will follow track curves and height changes as it moves.
 


Set its Effect Radius (S10)

The Effect Radius sets how close a consist has to approach the marker to activate or complete its operation. The default value is 20m.


The Effect Radius controls for a Track Marker are in the Tools Menu Advanced Window.

Steps: To Open the Advanced Tools Window:-
In the Track Tools Flyout (the  F4  key) select Trackmark Mode (the  V  key)
Left Click on the  Advanced  label at the bottom of the Track Tools Flyout.
This will open the Advanced Tools Window (shown below).


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 or to activate any Navigation Point attached to the marker. The smaller the radius the closer it must approach.



Other Track Objects that have an Effect Radius include:-
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Triggers
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Direction Markers
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Priority Markers
Steps: To set a Track Marker Effect Radius:-
In the Advanced Tools popout (see Steps above) you will have a choice of 4 methods to set and adjust the Effect Radius
Options: Choose one of:-
To copy the Effect Radius of an existing Track Marker
Left Click the Get Effect Radius icon
Left Click on the Track Marker 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)
To apply the new value see option below
To manually alter the Effect Radius value
Type the new value (in metres) into the Effect Radius Value text box
To apply the new value see option below
To apply a value in the Effect Radius Value text box (from methods , or ) to another Track Marker
Left Click the Copy Radius Value icon
Left Click on the Track Marker that is to receive the new value (you can click on more than one)
To adjust the Effect Radius value up or down
Left Click the Adjust Effect Radius button
Select the Track Marker
Left Click and Drag Forward (to increase the value) or Backward (to reduce the value)
The new value will be immediately applied to the selected Track Marker as the mouse moves (but only one Track Marker at a time)


Once you have an Effect Radius entered in the value box, you can apply it to any number of Track Markers by using method shown above


In Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

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Surveyor 2.0 (or S20) is the latest Surveyor interface and is supplied with TRS22PE and Trainz Plus.


Adding a Track Marker (S20)

Track Markers are Track Objects and have to be attached to a track segment. The Track Marker object can be moved along the track and off the track (left, right, above, below) but its attachment point is always connected to a track segment.


Steps: To add a Track Marker:-
In the Filter Palette either:-
Left Click on the Track Objects icon
OR
Left Click on the Content Drop Down Box


Then select Track Objects
 Shortcut  If you already have a Track Marker placed in your route then:-
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
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 below.
Notes:

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

Windows Menu
Steps: To display palettes:-
open the Window Menu from the menu icons at the top of the screen
 
visible palettes have ticks next to their names
invisible (hidden) palettes have no ticks next to their names
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 box next to its name. This will add a and make the palette visible

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


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


Both pallets shown docked


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


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

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

Place the Track Marker on the track.

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


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


Notes:

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

Steps:
select either the:-
Free Move Tool (or press  S ) OR
Fine Adjustment Tool (or press  D )
Left Click on the Track Marker
press the  Delete  key


Once you have added a Track Marker and set any of its properties (Name and Effect Radius - see the following sections) it can be quickly duplicated (Cloned) in Surveyor 2.0 with those settings and moved to a new location. You can then easily edit the name and properties of the clone at the new location. See  How to Use S20 Tools - Cloning Objects for the details


Change its Direction (S20)

The direction a Track Marker is pointing has no effect on its operation.


If you need to rotate a Track Marker to face the opposite direction then:-
Steps: to reverse the direction of a Track Marker:-
select the Track Marker then Left Click on its  Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
from the popup menu select the  Rotate Trackside  option


Change its Name (S20)

The name of a Track Marker is used to identify it for Driver Commands (Drive To Trackmark, Navigate To Trackmark, etc) and other operations (e.g. Navigation Points).


Track Markers can be renamed to give them a more recognisable identity (e.g. ""East Branch Down" instead of "Trackmark 4606").

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


Track Markers used for Driver Commands, Navigation Points or other session operations MUST be given unique names.


Set its Effect Radius (S20)

The Effect Radius sets how close a consist has to approach the marker to activate or complete its operation. The default value is 20m.


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 or to activate any Navigation Point attached to the marker. The smaller the radius the closer it must approach.


In the image shown below, the approaching vehicle will "reach" the Track Marker when it is 20m away from it.
Steps: To adjust the effect radius of a Track Marker:-
Left Click and Drag on the Green Dot next to the Track Marker.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Drag it Left or Right (at 90° to the direction of the track) to change its Effect Radius.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 The speed at which you drag it will set the speed at which the radius value will change - faster movements will give larger value changes.
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


Other Track Objects that have an Effect Radius include:-
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Triggers
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Direction Markers
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127  Track Priority Markers


Move it Along the Track (S20)

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


Steps: To move the Track Marker:-
Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the Yellow Dot, its Attachment Point, next to the Track Marker or drag the object itself (see Notes: below), to move it along the track or to another track


Notes:
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 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. To return the object to its correct height on the track see the next section  Move the Track Marker Vertically below.
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Dragging it by the attachment point will force it to stay at the height of the track as it is moved.


Move it Vertically (S20)

Track Markers can be physically placed above or below the track.
This feature allow a marker to be placed, for example, above the track so that it will not be hidden in Surveyor if a consist is parked on the marker. A change in height will have no effect on its operation.
Steps: To move a Track Marker vertically choose option OR :-
Using the Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Fine Adjustment Tool (press the  D  key) Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Blue  Vertical Axis Line (labelled as in the image) to move it up or down OR
In the  Info Palette  enter a value in the  Height  setting and press the  Enter  key.
 NOTE: the height is measured from the absolute 0m level and not from the current height of the object or the track. 


If you need to return the Track Marker to its original height then:-
Steps: To correctly reattach the Track Marker to the track:-
select the object and open (Left Click on) its  Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


Move it Horizontally (S20)

Track Markers can be physically placed left or right of the track.
This feature allow a marker to be placed so that it will not be hidden in Surveyor if a consist is parked on the marker. A change in position left or right will have no effect on its operation.
Steps: To move a Track Marker horizontally:-
Track Objects can be moved along the track using the methods shown in the section  Move the Track Marker Along the Track above.
The two methods described below only work if the Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Fine Adjustment Tool - the  D  key - is selected.
Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Red  Horizontal Axis Line attached to the Track Marker to move it left or right of the track
Left Click and Drag Forward or Backward on the  Green  Horizontal Axis Line attached to the Track Marker to move it forward or back in a straight line that will ignore any curves in the track


If you need to return the Track Marker to its original position then:-
Steps: To correctly reattach the Track Marker to the track:-
select the object and open (Left Click on) its  Context Menu Icon (or press the  T  key)
from the popup menu select  Reattach to Track 


Assign it 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 Marker to a layer:-
In the Info Palette:-
Left Click the small arrowhead next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
Left Click the Layer drop down box to select a new layer for the object
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
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


WARNING:
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 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
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 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)


Information on layers can be found at:-

Track Marker Operation

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The most common use for Track Markers 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

Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-


Notes:
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Drive To Trackmark and Drive Via Trackmark commands will NOT force the AI to find an alternative clear path to the Track Marker if the shortest path is blocked
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Navigate To Trackmark and Navigate Via Trackmark commands will force the AI to find an alternative clear path to the Track Marker if the shortest path is blocked. The path chosen may not be prototypical


Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Drive To Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Marker. 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 Marker. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Drive Via Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and through the designated Track Marker. 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 Marker to the next Track Marker 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 Marker. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Navigate To Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Marker. 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 Marker. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 Navigate Via Trackmark

Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and through the designated Track Marker. 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 Marker to the next Track Marker 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 Marker. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.

This command is built in to Trainz
Navigation Points can be attached to Track Markers to provide users with session instructions.


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 Marker.


Error creating thumbnail: /bin/bash: line 1: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127 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 Track Marker. More information on this command can be found at Couple At Trackmark

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


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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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