How to use signals
Updated: 04/2006
If you would like to use more than one train on a rail, you have to place signals.
Some important signal types
Signal | Description |
![]() | Two-Way-Signal You should not use two-way signals, because the will increase the risk of jams. |
![]() | One-Way-Signal (left direction) |
![]() | One-Way-Signal (right direction) |
... | ... |
You can place a signal as following:
- activate the signal-building mode (you can do this with the signal-icon in the rail-tools menu)
- click on a rail
If click on an existing signal (and the signal building mode is active) the signal will be replaced with another signal. This happens in the following order:
An example station which has some one-way-signals
Image: A station and a crossing
You can build signals on bridges.
Image: A signal on a bridge
You can build a signal between two switches.
Image: A signal between two switches
Choose signals
Links (Simutrans-Forum archive, english):
- Choose signal station layouts
- Choose signals hints
- Simutrans release notes
- Choose-signals for waiting area
Links (german Simutrans forum):
- Simutrans release notes
- Choose Signale im 88.06.2
Presignals
What is a presignal?
A train will cross a pre-signal only if the pre-signal and the following signal is green. That means that in the following example no train will enter the block in front of the station if there is a train on the destination plattform. Because of this no arriving train will block leaving trains.
When should I use presignals?
As example in front of big stations and big crossings.
I use them only in front of very big stations with a much traffic.
Example 1 (Head station)
Image: Head station with presignals (scaled image from the 128x128 imageset)
Notes:
- There is a crossing at the front of the station.
- At this crossing three signal types are used:
- Two-Way-Signals! (in front of the station)
- Pre-Signal (rail for arriving trains)
- One-Way-Signal (rail for leaving trains) - See "(Railway stations|How to use stations-Tutorial))" to learn more about head-stations
Example 2 (cross-station)
Image: cross-station with presignals (scaled image from the 128x128 imageset)
Notes:
- In front of the stations one-way-signals are used (because the trains are driving throught the station)
Alternatives to presignals (Choosesignals):
- English: Simutrans forum archive (external link)
- German: Simutrans forum (external link)