What is the best way to deal with this? (Single Track and Passing Sidings)

[2stepsteve]

I've got a stretch of single track with two stations. I'd like to run two trains on this single stretch of track and using passing sidings at each end of the stretch of track.

Heres a crude pic of what I mean

How do I get the trains to obey and use the sidings when needed? If I lay down multiple signals one of the trains will still go through them signals (yellow or double yellow) up until the block of track where the other train is, and of course will be a red for stop.

I'm not sure how to go about doing it.

Many thanks

 

[OMG_internet]

You can place trackmarks and tell the trains to go via them, or go to them and wait.

You can also use triggers, but you'll have to get someone else to explain them as i cant remember.

 

[TheStoon]

Is one train following the other, or are they going in opposite directions? Or will it vary?

Anyway, this should do the business in most cases

Where the green dots are signals, and track direction markers are the yellow arrows.

Make sure you have enough space for the longest train that will run before the first signal in the loop, this will stop a train being held at that signal from blocking the exit from the opposite track...

Edit; if this is for overtaking then you will have to use triggers, i'd suggest...

Where T1, T2, T3, T4 are triggers (oops, T3 and T4 should be at the entrance to the loop, not the exit..)

Set the triggers to trigger the Set Junctions rule, locking the junction behind it to the opposite route, this will cause following trains to take the other route. Make sure the longest train will be over the junction before it activates the trigger, else the junction will change under it and most likely derail the train...

 

[2stepsteve]

Both trains will vary in their positions, but mostly both trains will leave station A and station B at the exact time. Would giving one a higher priority also help if fights start taking place over the path?

I have never used track direction markers before. So do they force the train to only take the route that is in the same direction the marker is facing and the direction of the train?

edit: i see its interesting that there is quite a few ways to do this. I don't think it will be for over taking, i think the 'worst' issue is when theres a train at a station and the other approaches. Would I have to use two state signals? Just red and green signals?

 

[TheStoon]

No, just have a signal at the exit of the loop, this will hold the train until the other leaves the station and passes down the other track. Have a starter signal for the train in the platform. Its not "really" necessary, but its prototypical. As for what signals to use, it really depends on the setting you are going for. I'm building a metro system at the moment, so its mainly 2 aspect red/green signalling, but you could maybe have a look for images of the kind of setting you are modelling and see whats in use there. As far as the game is concerned, you can really use any type of signal in this situation. For BR you'd most likely use 3 or 4 aspect colour lights.

And yes, track direction markers cause trains to only travel in the direction they are facing. In the UK trains travel on the same side of the "road" as cars, passing on the right hand side.

 

[2stepsteve]

Thanks for your help stoon will give this a try tomorow and let you know how I get on.