Controlling trains by script using dummy?

[Melfish]

Hey guys, I am currently in the process of making a mod in which I need to control trains by script instead of a schedule.
The API does mention it is possible to control a train by script, and using the player I can use its riding_state to make it work. (Even though it is marked as read-only, but I could not find any other way and tried it anyway.)

To not have to use the player, I have to use some kind of in-game dummy player, but is this even possible?

[Sirenfal]

Use the LuaTrain object, not the entity. This can be accessed by the train property on any of the entities composing the train (cargo wagons or locomotives).

http://lua-api.factorio.com/latest/LuaE ... tity.train

http://lua-api.factorio.com/latest/LuaTrain.html

[Adil]

You don't have to use dummy characters, `riding_state` is available in the vehicle itself.

And yes, it is possible to define a dummy entity of type "character" to use for your own needs.

[Melfish]

The LuaTrain does not seem to have the riding_state, as I get an error that it does not contain the key... (adding it doesn't work)
I have also tried to use it on the train entity (just to try everything) , nothing happens. Trying to read the state gives an error that it can only be used on player and car entities.

[Adil]

The LuaTrain does not seem to have the riding_state, as I get an error that it does not contain the key... (adding it doesn't work)
I have also tried to use it on the train entity (just to try everything) , nothing happens. Trying to read the state gives an error that it can only be used on player and car entities.

Oww. I guess it means that it can only be used on cars and players then . I've never tried to control trains.
However, "player" is actually a type of entities that usually represents player's character. (And there also happens to be an entity of type "player" named "player")
So you could try to do something like:

Code: Select all

driver = locomotive.surface.nauvis.create_entity{name='player',position={0,0},force=locomotive.force}
locomotive.passenger=driver
driver.riding_state=...---and so on

Maybe this will even work.

[Nexela]

You can take a peek at the current version of the FARL mod to see how this is handled. My guess is very similar to the Adil's example