Path track

Entity Description

An entity used to build paths for other entities to follow. Each path_track is a node on the path, each holding the name of the next path_track in the path.

Automated track creation

Cloning (<Shift>-dragging) this entity will activate a feature used to automatically and quickly create a track. This feature will alter both the Name keyvalue, and the Next Stop Target keyvalue, so that a track is created between the source and the clone. More specifically, Hammer will add a counter after the Name keyvalue of the clone, or increment this counter if it already exists, creating a unique name in a series. If a name is completely omitted, it will simply name the clone "path". If a Next Stop Target keyvalue has been specified, it will also alter this keyvalue of the source, to the name of the clone, resulting in a track being drawn between them.

Keyvalues

• Template:Kv targetname
• Template:Kv parentname
• Template:Kv angles

• target

<target_destination> The next path_track in the path.

• altpath

<target_destination> An alternative path_track to be the next node in the path. Useful for making branching paths. Use the ToggleAlternatePath / EnableAlternatePath inputs to make the alternative path active.

• speed

<float> When the train reaches this path_track, it will set its speed to this speed. This speed must be a positive value that is less than the train's max speed. A value of 0 will cause no change in the train's speed.

Important Note If this value is set to 0, the func_tracktrain may fail to reverse properly in a path involving this path_track. If the train stops in place or moves in the wrong direction, it is necessary to change this value to a nonzero number.

• radius

<float> Used by NPCs who follow track paths (attack chopper/gunship). This tells them the maximum distance they're allowed to be from the path at this node.

• orientationtype

<choices> The way that the path follower faces as it moves through this path track. Does not seem to work (with func_tracktrains at least). (Always follows the direction of motion, rendering the angles keyvalue obsolete.)

Literal value	Description
0	No change
1	Face direction of motion
2	Face this path_track's angles

Flags

• 1 : Disabled
• 2 : Fire once
• 4 : Branch Reverse
• 8 : Disable train
• 16 : Teleport to THIS path track

Inputs

• Template:I targetname

• Template:I parentname

• ToggleAlternatePath

Cause the track to toggle to/from its alternate path.

• EnableAlternatePath

Enable the alternate path of the track.

• DisableAlternatePath

Disable the alternate path of the track.

• TogglePath

Cause the track to toggle on/off

• EnablePath

Enable the track.

• DisablePath

Disable the track.

Outputs

• Template:O targetname
• OnPass

Fired when any entity following this path passes this path_track node. (!activator is the train)

See also

• func_tracktrain - The entity that moves between these paths.
• Trains

External links

The following SDKNuts tutorials all includes the use of path_tracks:

• Player Controllable Trains
• HL2 Automated Trains
• HL2 Synchronized Trains
• HL2 Trains and Complex paths
• Alternate Paths
• HL2 Elevator
• Moving Laser