TrainCarts/Signs/Launcher
Introduction
The launcher sign, similar to the station sign, can launch trains and make them reach a certain speed. The distance over which the train slows down/speeds up and the direction to launch can all be specified. Launching at a speed of 0 will slowly put the train to a complete halt, similar to how stations stop trains. Note that the speed is not locked after launching is completed: you can still push the train around or stop it entirely.
Syntax
First line
There is no difference between using [cart] or [train]. Remote control can also be used in combination with this sign.
Second line
launch or launcher, followed up by the launch configuration. Launching can be done over a set distance, a set time, or at a constant acceleration. The launch function can be configured as linear or bezier. A bezier curve will accelerate slower towards the beginning and end of the launch.
| Syntax | Meaning |
|---|---|
| launch | Automatically computes a suitable distance to launch at, by looking for the first bend in the rails up ahead.
The maximum distance calculated this way is 100 blocks. |
| launch 20.0 | Launches the train to the target speed over 20 blocks (meters) |
| launch 20.0s | Launches the train to the target speed in 20 seconds |
| launch 1m | Launches the train to the target speed in 1 minute |
| launch 500ms | Launches the train to the target speed in 500 milliseconds |
| launch 100t | Launches the train to the target speed in 100 ticks (5 seconds) |
| launch 2.2G | Launches the train to the target speed at a constant acceleration based on a G-force of 2.2 (0.2406m/t2) |
| launch 10km/h/s | Launches the train to the target speed at a constant acceleration. See the TrainCarts/Acceleration page for more information.
Must have a slash somewhere to be considered an acceleration expression. |
| launch 20l launch 20sl launch 10km/h/sl |
By appending a l at the end of the expression, the launch follows a linear curve. |
| launch 20b launch 20sb launch 10km/h/sb |
By appending a b at the end of the expression, the launch follows a bezier curve. |
Third line
The speed to launch at. If left empty, it will launch at the speed specified in the configuration (launchForce). To put the train to a complete halt, use 0.
Absolute speeds use a positive or zero number with no sign; to launch the train to a speed of 1.25 blocks per tick (25 blocks per second, or 90 km/h), use "1.25". Relative speeds require a sign even when positive; to launch the train to a speed 0.5 higher than it was before, write "+0.5"; to decrease the speed by 0.5, write "-0.5".
When only a value is specified, the unit is blocks/tick. For all other supported units, see TrainCarts/Velocity
Speed limit
Normally trains will never speed up beyond what the speed limit property is set to. To overcome this, you will need to set a new speed limit, but setting the speed limit property may result in an instant speed-up. To fix this, it is possible to specify two numbers on the launcher sign to update both. It will smoothly launch to a new speed limit speed, and set the remainder as 'energy' that will slowly go down.
Speed limit syntax
Set a new speed limit of 2.0 and launch the train to this speed over a distance of 20 blocks. Once reached, give the train 10 'energy'.
Fourth line
Optionally you can specify the direction to launch here. The default parameter, if blank, is "continue" – it will launch the train in the same direction from which it came.