Multiple trains on single track

[tomkuehne]

Hello,

I connected two cities by a single track which is used in both directions by several trains. There are two side tracks in front of each station. The track is divided in sections by using the stop signals in both directions.

https://ibb.co/jWnyVHP

The issue is as follows: Trains wait at their respective side track until the train ahead has passed the directional signal of the next side track. This leads to very long waiting times.

https://ibb.co/prRfFPm

Instead I would like that trains would follow each other whenever a track section is free. Does anyone know if this is possible with a single track?

Thanks very much for your help!

[chaney]

A screen shot would help resolve this. The words seem right so more detail may reveal the issue. A shot of the whole thing in Signal Mode would be best so we can easily see the direction cones and locations of all signals.

[tomkuehne]

Originally posted by chaney:

A screen shot would help resolve this. The words seem right so more detail may reveal the issue. A shot of the whole thing in Signal Mode would be best so we can easily see the direction cones and locations of all signals.

Thanks for your reply!

I wasn't sure how to add print screens to the discussion. But now they should be available via the link in the initial post.

I hope it helps to identify the issue!

[coenvijge]

No, there is no good way to resolve this in RE because trains 'look ahead' to see if the destination-track is free. A better (and cheaper) lay out in this case is to make one passing track in the middle (where you have the filling station). Remember that (as IRL) a passing track is used to make is possible to 'cross' (or overtake) a train on a long single tracked railway. Situating the passing tracks near the beginning or end of the line doesn't make much sense (and could only be used to free the station tracks or make it possible for a train to wait outside the station).

Normally I use the following lay out:

1. one train: single track;
2. two or three trains on a somewhat longer line: single track with a passing siding
3. more trains: double track.



(note: your second link points to a non existing page)

[Thineboot]

1.2.3. nails it.

Since I'm still typing there comes the but: passing tracks near Stations make sense as trains being un/loaded don't block any segments. The closer to a station a train can wait the faster it'll get served.
And here's the but to the but: the longer the route the more in-between sidings are necessary to avoid extended waiting.
And since I'm butting around, use them during the very early game when money is sparse. Avoid them on city-to-city connections unless you haven't even the money to run enough trains as express goods profit from faster delivery while freight has a fixed price.

And now back to 1.2.3. :)

[tomkuehne]

Okay, thank you both for your clear answer! I will adopt your recommendations.

[BFM]

When Stop-Signals on a two way track aren´t working, and you can separate track segments with Directional-Signals just fine, why are Stop Signals in the game at all?

[chaney]

You may want to break up a piece if single track into blocks that apply both ways.

[Mudfog]

With the arrival of Railway Emipire 2 very soon, it might be possible, by using the cooperative play feature, to actually join a player with an issue like this in game and show them how to solve a problem.

Probably will depend on if you can invite players to a game that you have already started.

Just a thought.

[Lunareiya]

Originally posted by Mudfog:

With the arrival of Railway Emipire 2 very soon, it might be possible, by using the cooperative play feature, to actually join a player with an issue like this in game and show them how to solve a problem.

Probably will depend on if you can invite players to a game that you have already started.

Just a thought.

Hey Mudfog,
It will be possible to join players in already started games in Railway Empire 2! The hosting player can decide if and how many players can join. They can also decide if the player will be able to participate actively, or will be set to "As Spectator".
Have a good one

[Mudfog]

Originally posted by Lunareiya:

Originally posted by Mudfog:

With the arrival of Railway Emipire 2 very soon, it might be possible, by using the cooperative play feature, to actually join a player with an issue like this in game and show them how to solve a problem.

Probably will depend on if you can invite players to a game that you have already started.

Just a thought.

Hey Mudfog,
It will be possible to join players in already started games in Railway Empire 2! The hosting player can decide if and how many players can join. They can also decide if the player will be able to participate actively, or will be set to "As Spectator".
Have a good one

Good news. Thanks for the feedback.

[Dray Prescot]

If you have that many trains, you can afford to double track (with tracks in opposite directions) those tracks that have several (or lots more) trains trying to use that connection between two Stations.

It will help you a lot more than buying a few more engines.

In fact for really busy routes have 4 tracks connecting between two Stations, i.e. two doubletracks running next to each other.

Followed by having 2 Stations in each City, each of which is linked by 4 tracks. The second set of Stations I would reserve for Express (Mail and Passengers) Trains ONLY since you want them to move fast and not get in long wait lines which kills your income payoffs for Express Trains. The freight trains would ONLY use the first set of Stations with NO Express Trains on their tracks.

That is how to unclog your rail network and trains.