Did you do the following
Create train length blocks / make each block into a section / create a layout panel without any switches / create the blocks physically by isolating the ends of each block and add detection to each block / physically on the actual layout ?include the switches you have at the end of a block / create sml virtual signals at the ends of every block on the layout panel-no real signals are needed / create transits /run trains.
That will enable you to run trains automatically from one point to an end point or continuously in loops including trains chasing each other.
If you want to use switching then create a second layout panel. ?Without changing your wiring physically now create a second layout panel with every switch in its own block.
Create ghost blocks for the switches-need latest test version of jmri software.
Or use logix to tell the virtual blocks you put switches in when to occupy them.
Tony
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On Mar 24, 2025, at 10:25?PM, sontrak via groups.io <sontrak@...> wrote:
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I've tried several different ways to get trains to run automatically, but I keep running into ( maybe I should say "creating my own") roadblocks.? At 83, I'm not sure how many more wrong ways to do it I can afford to try.
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I've set signal heads all around the layout.? I try to set Blocks, Sections and a Transit to run a train and I get it set to go through several Sections, but then I get to a turnout and it will allow me to set the diverging route out, but the continuing route isn't available.? I can't find what's different between the Block on he diverging leg and the one on the continuing leg of the turnout.
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So, I read some of the JMRI documentation and decided to try using Signal Masts and letting JMRI set up Sections and Transits on the fly.? I took a portion of the Panel and deleted the signal heads around a turnout to use the Set Signal Masts menu.? It sets the Masts for both routes entering the frog end of the turnout, but there's no option to set a Mast with signals for the points end of the same turnout.
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Before I waste any more time on rabbit holes, can someone steer me to the easiest way to set up my goals?? Or point me at the page in the JMRI documents where I can read the proper steps to take and the order to build it?
I'd like to:
1.? Be able to send a train autonomously from the modeled layout into a specific staging track.
2.? Be able to have trains scheduled to come out of staging into the modeled area at preprogrammed clock times or upon specified events.
3.? Be able to manually trigger a train in staging? by selecting either the train or the track it's on and select where it needs to go.
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This forum has been so great thanks to the helpful folks here who have been so willing to share their time and experience.
