Train Stations

There are many kinds of train stations you can use to keep your train lines running smoothly. These stations are some ideas, and you can change it to fit your lines.

Basic/Easy Stations
These stations are recommended for beginners, and are very useful on secondary lines or smaller main lines. Typically, they can't hold a large number of trains, but they are easy to construct.

Terminus Station


The Terminus station is a two way station that can be used at end of lines. Note the crossover just outside the station. This allows trains to cross to the other side if the spot is taken. Due to the fact that this is a two way station, accidents and gridlocks can happen if there are too many trains. If you zoom in on the gif, you may see the one way path signal on the right, which is used to prevent collisions and blockage.

Pros

 * Easy to build, not time consuming
 * Cheap and adaptable
 * Trains don't have to go into the same side in the station if it's taken

Cons

 * Can cause gridlocks if overwhelmed (e.g. transporting goods from the same platform that is used to deliver raw materials or many trains on the line)
 * Can be a disaster if signals are placed incorrectly, or if there are too many trains in the station
 * Can't handle long trains if built like in image



Ro-Ro Stations
Ro-ro stations (also called Roll in, Roll out or Roll on, Roll off) are usually in the middle of train lines, especially passenger lines. They allow for a queue line behind the station. Unlike the terminus station, you can only have one way trains unless you want to have a collision or a stuck train.

Simple
Simple Ro-Ro stations allow for a few trains to be near the station.

Pros

 * One way allows for smoother entries and exits
 * Cheap and simple to build
 * Small, requiring less space

Cons

 * Can cause nasty accidents without proper signal usage, especially from the waiting line
 * Can handle more trains than Terminus stations, but may cause congestion with multiple trains waiting
 * Unintentional blockage from block signals ahead of the station are a sure way to mess up the flow of the station



Complex
This kind of Ro-Ro station can handle more trains, and can work in incorporating different lines together, even ones going in the opposite way! Just make sure you don't actually follow the set up in the picture if you're going to do that, or you'll have collisions. With this type, you can handle lines going in different directions, but not on the same platforms (turns into a two way line). You'll notice these are actually 2 simple stations put together.

Pros

 * Can load/unload a lot of more trains than previous
 * Can merge/incorporate multiple lines
 * Versatile with all kinds of lines and different uses.

Cons

 * May cause big accidents and revenue loss if an accident occurs, due to blockage if there is only one line being split up like shown
 * May be complex to manage if merging lines, and then splitting them after
 * May take up a large space if merging/splitting lines

Drive-thru Station
These large stations can allow multiple trains drop off, or pass through the station. This can allow for merging of lines, or connecting smaller lines to the main line. Any trains that don't need to unload/load anything can use the middle tracks and pass through, without waiting in a queue and slowing things down. Note the placement of the one way path signals, they are important so trains don't accidently go into the station the wrong way. Best when in medium to high traffic to maximize efficiency and usefulness.

Pros

 * Allows for many trains to pass through, without blocking platforms for those that need it
 * Can streamline process of getting to/from places, without going through unnecessary stations and waste time
 * Somewhat easier to fix during stalemates (depends)

Cons

 * Will not work with 15-20+ trains in the station at once. Will slow down or even stop movement, especially with misplaced signals
 * Takes up a considerable amount of space, may be hard to put near a town or on hilly terrain
 * Accident prone without any or misplaced signals

Bag Station
Bag stations are typically used when you can't build on either end of the station, for whatever reason. This station can connect with the main line, and is useful if you don't want to terraform the land too much. However, the station can not be an end station, due to the fact the train will move in the opposite direction it came in from. Note the one way path signals, to make sure you don't reverse into the wrong direction, and crash.

Pros

 * Cheap to build, saves money from terraforming
 * Small, can fit in most spots
 * Doesn't involve complicated building/signal placing

Cons

 * Can only fit 1 train at a time, or will crash at connecting point
 * Can't be under heavy traffic, or will cause collisions and messes
 * Needs to reverse in station, and may be disabled. Check settings if this happens

Combined Terminus and Ro-Ro Station
This station works as both a Terminus and Ro-Ro station. It can let trains turn around, like a Terminus station, or let them move on to another destination, like a Ro-Ro station. This is like a two way Ro-Ro station, with them able to turn around and not enter the station, if necessary, but it may slow down others. Trains can also reverse inside the station as well, like the Terminus station.

Pros

 * Can handle trains going in two directions
 * Mostly efficient in moving order, and directions in arrival/departure
 * Relatively cheap, small, and easy to build

Cons

 * May or may not cause a gridlock, depending on the amount of trains, size, and waiting time
 * Signals must be place correctly or collisions will happen and block routes and causing loss of profits
 * May take a long time to get through station; Highly recommended that trains should not pass through to reduce traffic

Add-ons
The next section will give examples of some parts to add to stations to make them have a higher capacity in the waiting area. This is one step closer to an advanced station.

Pre-Signals
This simple trick may be seen in the images above, and makes trains wait until there is a platform free to use.

Pros

 * Very cheap and easy to build
 * Allows for easier management with multiple platforms
 * Can be used in many stations (versatile)

Cons

 * May need additional signals behind to keep a line for more trains
 * Can't work in two way stations
 * Signal placement important; can cause accidents.

Waiting Bays
Waiting bays are a good add-on for stations that endure medium-high traffic. They sit in front of the station and let the trains wait until a platform is available. There are some nuances with the bay, but it will work out if you get it right.

Pros

 * Small for add-on
 * Allows for more trains to wait for a station, in a more consolidated area (compared to a line)
 * Simple to build

Cons

 * May be a pain to fix when a jam occurs
 * Can only be attached to specific kinds of stations
 * Can get clogged with many trains

Loop Around
Loop Arounds are a small add-on to a station that lets one train circle around until a station is free. This will only work for one train at a time.

Pros

 * Small and cheap
 * Not that big of a hassle to clean
 * Can add a depot in the middle

Cons

 * Only one train actually allowed in the loop at a time
 * Other trains may take spot if in the middle of loop
 * Causes more gridlocks than some add-ons.

Long Exits
Long Exits are used when you want to have smoother movement throughout your station. It can let trains pull out of the station, and have another come in. They can be as long as you need them to be.

Pros

 * Easy to build
 * Cheap, minimal infrastructure
 * Allows for more trains to enter/leave the station

Cons

 * May need to be adjusted to fit all lengths (longer), and can cause some traffic
 * If made longer, may be hard to fit in certain spots
 * Can cause traffic if funneling into a singe track

Long Entrances
Similar to Long Exits, They allow for longer trains when using realistic acceleration to slow down and not hold the line up. It's built like the long exit, but in reverse. Pros and cons are also same.

Feeder Stations
Feeder stations can help you get more money. The farther something is delivered, the more income you will get our of it. So, trains will drop off coal at the top two platforms, and will be taken farther away to a power plant later on from the bottom station. Because all three platforms make up one station, it makes it easier to move material around without using road vehicles.

Pros

 * Easy and cheap to build
 * Requires minimal infrastructure
 * Does not require extra services to transport goods from platform to platform (e.g. using road vehicles)

Cons

 * May take up extra space if near many industries
 * May increase traffic in nearby lines
 * Accidents may lower income temporarily due to blockage

Advanced Stations
These stations take longer to build, as well as more space. But they can handle many trains, more than basic stations. Just note that signal placement is very important!

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