Hi all! While building routes, I often spend more time than I should agonizing over signal type selection and location. In Trainz, we seem to have 2 "options" in nomenclature - the 4/5/6/8, or random naming based on prototype means.
Now, I understand the basics of the numbered series: 4 is stop/go; 5 is just a preview of 4 ahead; 6 is for switches/sidings/diverging; and 8 is for larger junctions. When it comes to the real deals though, things get more confusing. Whatever the signal type may be, one would place signals based on what is needed. But to those of us who don't railroad for real, what exactly does an "approach", "limited clear", or "restricting" signal mean? How do I know if I should be placing a 1, 2, or 3 head signal? Even then, if you look at modern safetran signals, how do I know if I need each head to have 1, 2, or 3 lights? Unless I'm modeling a real line and have pictures of each signal and can place them exactly as they appear, how do "I", just a trainzer/model railroader, know which signals/types I should be placing?
If anyone knows of a good dummies/how too guide on signaling, especially when not using the 4/5/6/8 series signals, a link or explanation or any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Now, I understand the basics of the numbered series: 4 is stop/go; 5 is just a preview of 4 ahead; 6 is for switches/sidings/diverging; and 8 is for larger junctions. When it comes to the real deals though, things get more confusing. Whatever the signal type may be, one would place signals based on what is needed. But to those of us who don't railroad for real, what exactly does an "approach", "limited clear", or "restricting" signal mean? How do I know if I should be placing a 1, 2, or 3 head signal? Even then, if you look at modern safetran signals, how do I know if I need each head to have 1, 2, or 3 lights? Unless I'm modeling a real line and have pictures of each signal and can place them exactly as they appear, how do "I", just a trainzer/model railroader, know which signals/types I should be placing?
If anyone knows of a good dummies/how too guide on signaling, especially when not using the 4/5/6/8 series signals, a link or explanation or any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!