Signals..Easiest/simplest

[BRClass66]

For me Trainz downfall is signalling.

One day all runs great ....next day all goes pear shape

Signalling for AI trains can be a nightmare,Unless only ONE is running.

I've read many threads about signals,And also tried many different types,
02's 04's 05's 06's 08's

But i still find myself altering signals and tracks.

I don't understand it (Nor does the train)

So my question's are what in your opinion is -

1) The formula with 02's 04's 05's 06's 08's ?
2) The Easiest/simplest signals you use ?

Thanks
Brad

 

[Kennilworth]

Hi Brad

Can you give us a bit more information please. Which country are you modelling and which signals have you been using? Are you signalling single track lines or double track lines?

I model the UK railways and use both semaphore and colour light signals. The colour light signals are the ones made by bloodnock and are available on the DLS or from his website

http://www.vsr.org.uk/

When signalling a route I always start by signalling the junctions and, once I am happy with them, I add other intermediate signals along the track spaced between 600 and 1200 metres apart depending on the line speed and use.
I have had very little trouble with signalling when doing it this way.

Regards

Brian

 

[tension69]

Brad,

I use the same technique as Brian, and from helping you the other day I assume you're modelling a UK line.

For the overhead gantry's I use Gantry3A and Gantry 4A signals, and for the lineside I use Signal BR 4 and Signal BR 5 lights.

As Brian states in his post, realistic speed limits on track sections are essential to enable trains to stop in time, and my signals are like his, 1/2 to 1 miles apart (ish) between junctions.

Another technique I've started to employ is using 4 tracks on mainlines where possible, like a dual carriageway. This enables me to keep slower freight trains away from passenger services that can motor on past. I appreciate if you're doing a prototypical line this isn't always possible, but bear it in mind.

If yer really stuck you can always chat to me in Trainz (I've noticed you online and tried to say hi)

Regards,

Rich.

 

[Euphod]

Trying to add signals to mirror the prototype will cause trouble. I only signal a line if it is Converging, and then only one line, and I don't place intermediate signals. It's the simplest way to prevent head on meets.

 

[pfx]

I'll guess you're working on UK signallins as tension states. If so, I'm not sure why you're encountering problems. I use bloodnok's signals and they work perfectly well and with complicated trackwork. I think it's just a case of ensuring you don't over signal.

 

[BRClass66]

Guys,
Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou and Thankyou..
Very much appreciated.

As a test,what i did was merge the British Midland 1 and 2 together
and took advice from each and everyone one of you.

@Brian and Rich,Spot on with, Realistic speed limits on track sections and the spacing of your signals ,also in most parts ive done a daul track but laid single tracks side by side...
Where trouble occurred on a part of a track i laid a third

@Innis(PFX) and Euphod ..(OVER SIGNALLING) I would never have thought of that...I always thought if in doubt ,Stick some more in ..WRONG
On a converting line ive took signals AWAY and left just the one line signaled....Does it work? LIKE A DREAMMMMM.

I've been running 4 AI trains that all converge on each other ,sometimes twice.......Six times now.''''(because i couldnt believe it worked)
Each session lasts 45 minutes Without a single hitch everytime.

I also have 10 crossover sections on the daul tracks in the route
Which the only holdup is 13 to 18 seconds for 2 of them to divert the switch from the mainline route (which is nothing) but i will keep trying to get it better.

All direction markers gone (from 6 i had),With only 3 priority markers for all trains on the whole route.

This may not sound like much of an achievement to many of you,But for 8 months since i joined (and not opening the manual) i never got a route to run so smooth.

So to Brain,Rich,Innis and Euphod

a much appreciated thankyou to you guys

All the best
Brad