Joining in a resrevd block

Hi fellas - I have been working on solving these few problems for the past three hours…

Situation

• Loco with two carriages pulls into terminus platform
• Loco performs the kadee shuffle to uncouple from front carriage

problem 1 -  can't seem to get a sequence of operations  that will then move the loco forward once it has uncoupled - is there a way of getting the loco to move forward without setting up a new block? i.e  uncouple and then move forward in the same block?

• Next schedule starts - another loco comes in from a siding to couple up to the two carriages to commence an outward journey

Problem 2  - even though I have set the rules to permit the loco to enter reserved blocks for joining the schedule refuses to start - what have I forgotten?:oops:  - I keep getting "options of schedule do not allow engine may reserve occupied block

Problem 1     Dave, you can move the loco forward and back in a shuffle in the End List.  Are you able to write an End List with enough commands, e.g. Stop > Reverse for 10 seconds > Stop > Forward for 15 seconds, etc  and then go on for a short distance?

Problem 2      I usually find if a Schedule won't start, I've missed something.  Usually something simple like I haven't put the end cap on the last Block, or one of the Block links didn't take.  Would either of my check lists help?

I hope that might have helped.

After the shuffle Dave as what Max said

Forward
Speed 10kph
Delay 2 secs
Speed

Speed with no time or speed setting acts like a stop

Problem 2

Like max said check the blocks are linked by routes which are highlighted other than that it will be something missing in the rules tab, try entering occupied block as well you can break it,

I would post some screen shots but I am not on my laptop so can't on holiday in France so have limited resources.

Thanks guys,

The schedule works if the destination block is unoccupied, but won't work if it is,  despite me ticking the rule  that allows the loco to enter an occupied block for joining. 

 Its definitely the set up of the shedule that needs something I'm not doing as the message I'm getting is "options of schedule do not allow engine may reserve occupied block"

:???:



 

Probably a dumb question, Dave.  Are you using a Switch/Flagman (two contiguous Blocks), or a Virtual Contact (three or more Blocks)?

I have to go soon, Dave.  Here is a check list for the Schedule Rules:

Only Select Trains in Start Bolcks
Start delay            5

Enter Occupied Routes
Reserve Occupied Blocks
Reserve Occupied Routes
Select Route with the least turnouts

Time of Release
At Stop Marker

No enforced release of Blocks or Routes upon termination

Train Sets
Enter reserved destination block for joining

No luck with either problem as yet - but have discovered a wiring problem so will fix that first - maybe that will resolve the problem(s):roll:

Hi Dave,
I think Max's check list ought to cover it. In my attempts the key item in the rules was Reserve occupied blocks.
Without that the engine would not enter. Putting a check against enter… for joining is not enough.

If I can go back to an earlier question - sorry for being thick.  :oops:   I've found that the Flagman/Switch or the Virtual Contact set up will only work if the Block is actually occupied as the Schedule is Ending.  If the Block is unoccupied and I put in either the FM/SW or VC option on the Brake/Stop Markers, the loco won't move past the penultimate Block.

Does that help, Dave?

HiDave i have done screen shot of the rules i use for getting a loco into a blocl for joining very much what Max and Brian have been saying. I hope a picture speaks a thousand words.

Also makesure the block is restricted by train lengths.

Oh by the way here is my shuffle Macro which also includes a routine to allow the loco to move forward away from the carriages.

thanks guys - haven't had time to get to the layout since Thursady night p hopefully I'll have some time tomorrow

Just so you know I haven't been sloping off, Dave.  I've written 45 Schedules for my shunting nightmare.  Each one has join/separate commands in one list and coupler commands in the the other.  Plus various Flagpersons, Virtuous Contactors, Switches and Brake/Stop Markers.

I've been running it and finding all the stupid keying mistakes I've made, so expect the unexpected.

The basic thrust is that each boxcar has to be shunted at least once and they all have to be back where they started at the end.  It takes over half an hour to run, so I can't do it more than once or twice before I need a rest.

Once it runs without errors, I'll put Schedule 1 as the last command in the End List of Schedule 45 and it should run ad nauseum.

It could be a while yet. 

 

I shall be off line for a week or so, I have no doubt it will all be sorted by the time I get back.

Thanks Brian -  not sure about the time-frame though - I will sort it - not sure it will be all done by the time you get back:pedal

Managed to get some time on the layout this evening and can report that I have now solved problem 1 -  the problem appeared to be in the loco - its a Heljan class 33 and it needed a far bit of speed to get up momentum so I have managed to get it to move forward after doing the "shuffle"  - just have to finesse it so that it doesn't go crashing into the buffers.

Now to apply the good advice received to problem 2  … not sure if I will have time tonight but I will report back when sorted.

Sorted the problem of the loco not entering the occupied block - had forgotten to tick the box "reserve occupied blocks" in the schedule rules - fixed.  ( Ihave used the John /Max virtual contact approach to trigger the stop)

Have just spent about an hour getting the distances and speed setting right sp that the seond loco doesn't go crashing into the carriages and physically recoupling them to the loco that has uncoupled and moved further down the platform.

ALL GOING WELL on the physical layout - but on RR&Co screen I noticed something strange - and worrying RR&Co had joined not only the arriving loco to the carriages but also the original loco that was physically sitting about three inches further down the track !!!! 
Problem solved by adding the "separate the leftmost loco command"  to the end of the schedule rules list.  Only took me a few minutes to work it out   :doublethumb
(I think I have just moved off my L plates on to my P plates  - at this rate I could be on  a full license in say 5 years
 )


 Methinks I am finally getting to grips with RR&Co  - well except that I still have to work out brake compensation  and if I'm honest the braking and stopping distances are still a hit & miss affair but I think that may be down to the dynamics of the various locos ( or am I kidding myself) quest:

Well done Dave, another satisfied customer. I have a theory with software related problems both in work and leisure. Just check the bloody boxes you can't break anything.

The machinery we have at work that is controlled by plc's i can be heard just shove the settings in and try it! you break it. These things are self protected and will error.

The only damage we can do is slam a loco into the buffers.

Thanks Pete,

Its a great sense of satisfaction once you actually manage to get something working and to know why

:cheers