Trains - Semaphores

[MerfWorks]

When placing semaphores, the train track lights up in green, blue, orange or purple. Can someone tell me what each colour means?

[ryantheskinny]

Blues are track sections with only two connections, the other colors represent more connections on that track section. They alternate between colors in those ranges to seperate the blocks between signals.

[Chompster]

The colors don't specifically have a meaning to them, they just visualize how blocks/segments of tracks are seperated based on how you place your semaphores.

[goetz]

ryantheskinny is right. Orange means "normal junction", purple "weird junction" because several intersections are combined. Try to avoid purple junctions, your trains will stop less.

[Onbird]

Originally posted by Chompster:

The colors don't specifically have a meaning to them, they just visualize how blocks/segments of tracks are seperated based on how you place your semaphores.

This, basically. The basic function of semaphores is to divide the rail network into blocks, and to make sure there is only one train at a time in a block. It took me a while to understand this, the official semaphore guide is not written in the best possible English.

[Elessar_warrior]

Blue is the one that have a meaning, means that in your double track block is ok. The others colors are just to separate the blocks. You will want blue track outside the junctions.

[ryantheskinny]

Has no one else noticed that colors denote the amount of connections?

Blueish colors for straight sections. Orange for junctions and purple for those really complicated ones.

[Onbird]

ryan, looks like you are right. I had to load up my current game to check. Apparently blue sections alternate between darker and lighter blue if there are several consecutive ones

[MerfWorks]

Thank you for the responses. After playing Transport Fever 2 which has only 2 types of signals (one-way or two-way), the application of 3 types of signals in this game seems overly complicated.

[Onbird]

The chain semaphore might indeed first look like overkill, but it's really what allows you to make complex many-way lines without trains ever ending up gridlocking each other. If used correctly, that is. A skill I don't have any illusions of having mastered myself.

[WASP]

Originally posted by MerfWorks:

Thank you for the responses. After playing Transport Fever 2 which has only 2 types of signals (one-way or two-way), the application of 3 types of signals in this game seems overly complicated.

You still can use only simple signals. And then, one of your trains will be passing through intersection and at the very same moment the next section becomes busy. You'll resolve the gridlock and place the chain signal because it is much easier than spend your time and patience resolving gridlocks every time.

[Onbird]

Chain semaphores become essential if you have several trains sharing a single two-way track, with bits of double track to let them pass by each other. Then, chain semaphores make sure that trains can actually exit and clear the shared bits of track, not just enter them.

[MerfWorks]

Thank you. That's the clearest explanation of the function and purpose of a chain semaphore that I have heard so far.