Railway signal guide (official)

Finally after implementation of chain signals (or also called pre-signals) I providing to you a detailed guide how to use semaphores, and how they actually work.

Basic

Understanding the signal block mechanics

Signal block is area of the railway which ends with railtrack dead-end or another signal. If any train entire or it's part is on the block, all signals at enry of the block will become red.

Check out those scenarios for better understanding where exactly are the signal blocks:

Also you should avoid following scenarios - signal block ends with same signal as it start

Single directions signals can be passed only single direction!

If you have signal placed in one direction, train will never able to pass it vice-versa direction

To place single-direction semaphore, just after placing semaphore click once again to change direction, and again to change to vice-versa direction, and once again to revert back to double direction type

Understanding chain signals (or pre-signals)

Chain signal work like normal signal

If no train, it's green

If train in the block, it's red

It works different way in those scenarios:

Chain signal is red also when there is no free exit from the block - chain signal will not allow to pass the train, if the train is not able to exit the block.

If some of the exits from the block are engaged, and some free, chain signal will light up with a blue color. In case train can use the free exit, chain signal allows train to pass, in case train need to access the engaged exit, chain signal not allow train to pass.

Double track

Partial double track

Useful when you intend run like 2 trains on single track, you may make short double track where the trains can get around each other

Double track

Robust system for your railway network

Double track junctions

Legend

T Junction

Simple - at access to junction place the single direction chain signal, at exit from junction place the normal signal

X Junction

Follow same rules as T junction just you have 4 directions
Do not place the signals inside the junction

X Junction Advanced

With higher throughput (more trains can pass same time), but bigger place needed.
This time place signals also inside junction.. but you need maintan following rule.. between every crossing or juction need to be at least one signal.. when there will be any two crossing or junction without signals in between.. then it may not works and deadlock with train may occur

Stations on double track

Double track end-station (without turnabout)

Double track ended with 3-track custom house

Double track end-station (with turnabout)

Double track through-station (fixed direction)

Only one train per each direction same time
Train can't turn and return from same direction as he came from

Double track through-station (variable direction)

Two trains can enter same direction
Train CAN turn and return from same direction as he came from

Double track through-station (variable direction - with bypass)

Trains which not intend to stop on this station can bypass it

Understanding the limitations

While designing track you should always take into acount an maximum lenght of the train you will run on it, check following fails - trains too long for the track:


Also remember, when you will use robust two track system, there is limit how much train can be present on the track!

[Zizo]

@GeeBee "This guide either needs unpinned or updated as it is really going to confuse new players" What is actually different?

Yes there are new options like mixed signals, but overall is still valid :) At least it helps me with basics.

[Alpenländer]

I really don't understand those signals. I feel its something that you can explain to someone in five minutes if you know how it works but every guide confuses me at some point.

[GeeBee]

This guide either needs unpinned or updated as it is really going to confuse new players

[whiteg1971]

It's a complicated system. Why is it not possible to model the signaling system of the railways in reality? With entrance, exit, front and space markers on one side of the tracks?
(similir than: Transport Fever)
It would be time to rework the railway signals.

[Chappie]

Came back to this game after a whole year and still the train semiphores are broken, wtf does yellow mean? and white? I want a train to simply go into the border station, deposit goods, and then cross into the correct track, why does a random train on the other side of the map mean it can't fucking move forward, why is it always yellow??? so annoying just fix the trains

[Adil3tr]

Can you make it so trains do signalling automatically? It seems impossible to understand how trains work compared to trucks, ships, and trains. Or at least add barges and a ship distribution center.

[MaHuJa]

This guide is seriously out of date.
- Block signals are now behaving more like 'path signals'. As such, chain signals are largely pointless except path signals sometimes malfunction.
- Yellow and white/grey signals exist. The game gives rather few clues what they mean, and this is supposed to be the official guide. I think I have figured out the yellow signal (conflict with train in opposite direction, but sometimes overly conservative, sometimes letting trains meet), but what does grey mean?

[Dickens Cider]

The "double track through customs" does not work for me. The trains just become confused and cant leave the border.

[Basil Peace]

I believe "Double track through-station" scheme should use mixed signals

[pawelkrzyzak]

New mixed signals - added but not explained here - combination of block and chain signal: should be placed before two way terminals following rules from the guid