Example of large train station with a balloon loop?

[TyCobb]

I couldn't find any good examples with a balloon loop. Right now I am staring at this mixed passenger and cargo train station with 6 tracks that will connect to a two track main line. Every time I start doing the balloon loop so the train can go back the way they came, everything starts looking really bad and bloated.

So I am really just looking for some tips or a clean example, and maybe finding a "holy crap, why didn't I think of that" moment.

[larry_roberts]

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1963442014

[TyCobb]

Thanks, I have something similar at one of my edge facilities. I guess I should have been clearer that the trains can go in any direction to their next destination.

Hopefully this shows correctly, but this is what I came up with last night for a 4 track station.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2252133431

It just seems like a lot of space and the number of tracks would make the loops get even larger. Hoping there might be some trick to keeping the size down as I grow my network.

[TyCobb]

lol I am devoid of creativity. Best I could come up with after thinking the loop should be on the other side.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2252167760

[joeball123]

Have you considered doing something like this?
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2252200954

[TyCobb]

LOL I literally just finished a similar one about 20 minutes ago. Not nearly as clean as yours, but man, thanks a lot for the confirmation that I am not coming up with oddball designs.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2252208696

[El Presidente]

I would join this group and post your question there. If anyone can help they can.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TransportFeverNation

[TyCobb]

Thanks El Presidente, I think I am fine now. (Plus no FB lol)

I guess I will roll with these for now until the cash starts building up here shortly and then play with more elaborate systems and clean up my current stations.

Thank you all for the help.

[larry_roberts]

I never do 'loops' personally, just let the trains reverse, doing 'loops' will slow your trains down and make them less cost effective.In a large town or city they would also be impractical!.

[Bauer33333]

joaball123s version is used in reality, too. It gets efficient if you have a lot of thru traffic that can avoid the station with that configuration. https://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/link13.jpg?itok=ZrsFCHo5

[TyCobb]

Originally posted by larry_roberts:

I never do 'loops' personally, just let the trains reverse, doing 'loops' will slow your trains down and make them less cost effective.In a large town or city they would also be impractical!.

Eh, I don't really care about the cost effectiveness as long as there is still profit. I hate when trains magically flip so I am trying to make realistic stations and junctions.

Originally posted by Bauer33333:

joaball123s version is used in reality, too. It gets efficient if you have a lot of thru traffic that can avoid the station with that configuration. https://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/link13.jpg?itok=ZrsFCHo5

Nice! I may try this one out in the middle of the city and see if it will build around it. Although I don't think my cities will grow big enough to make it look good on this map. lol

[Huperspace]

Originally posted by joeball123:

Have you considered doing something like this?
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2252200954

looks like any Tile base Transport Tycoon game you end your stations with for highest train throuthput.

[canophone]

Originally posted by larry_roberts:

I never do 'loops' personally, just let the trains reverse, doing 'loops' will slow your trains down and make them less cost effective.In a large town or city they would also be impractical!.

Generally, I only do loops for automated control of a train that becomes disabled because its cycle path gets interrupted.