Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Signals - I'm a dunce or they're not logical (Read 15461 times) previous topic - next topic

Signals - I'm a dunce or they're not logical

I'm trying to understand how signals work with a very simple setup but can't get them to work.

I hope you'll forgive the bad graphics

   S1        x       a                       b       m      S2
=======----------------------------------======
                  /                                  \
              y /                                     \  n
=======--/                                        \--======

Trains should load at S1 and for the time being unload (only) at S2

According to what I've read on various postings and guides, IF I'm understanding the rules correctly trains only obey signals on the right as they approach them.

However this does not appear to be the case.

For example putting a one way choice signal at (a) inbound only to S1 (ie on the right as you approach S1) allows entry to S1 but "No Route" when trying to leave.
Similarly a one way choice signal at (b) inbound to S2 allows entry to S2 but not exit

Putting outbound only signals (ie on the right as seen when leaving the stations) at (x), (y), (m), (n) in theory should allow two trains to run but it doesn't, even if you use 2 lines, which if the choice signals worked logically you should be able to do with a single line.

Would someone please explain either a) how signals should work or b) why signals don't work logically or c) what the correct signalling is to run 2 trains on the above setup.

Re: Signals - I'm a dunce or they're not logical

Reply #1 –
some signals, mainly road, will work with the single direction only, while still allowing opposite traffic to travel through. Like a road choose platform signal will only apply to vehicles arriving to the signal it is facing.

For trains, all signals are either single directional or bi-directional. If you make a single direction signal on a train track, the trains will also treat the signal as one-way only.
This is done so that when you have a busy line with double tracks, that a train won't enter the wrong way and cause a jam.

to keep two or more trains on that track, you will need to setup two lanes, each with the single direction signals in opposite directions. You don't need signals in front of stations. If you want signals in front of the stations, you should use a pre-signal at each end of the last signal before the end of the double tracked section.

http://simutrans-germany.com/wiki/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=en_RailwaySignals

Re: Signals - I'm a dunce or they're not logical

Reply #2 –
Right, in the Real World, railway engineers ignore a signal facing the other way.

Contrariwise, in the game, if 'a' is a one-way signal facing 'west' (left), a train will not permitted to travel east through that square at all; one-way signals act as if there were a Do Not Enter street-sign facing the alternate direction.
 

Re: Signals - I'm a dunce or they're not logical

Reply #3 –
In the other hand, in France, if a raliway engineer see a signal facing the other way, without seeing a proper signal his own way (we called them ICS, Installation de Contre-Sens, standing for Reverse Signalling), he may know that his train has a little problem, like... being the wrong way. So I don't feel so disturbed by the Simutrans Signals.  :)