Having trouble with train pathing

[Zimposity]

Hi,

I'm currently having some trouble getting these trains to run to my mining fields. Currently I have a coal train and an iron train that both stop at my main base to unload. The track leading off to the west is for the coal train and the one leading to the south-west is for the iron train. At the mining fields I just have a simple loop to send the trains in the other direction. The trains manage fine by themselves to get to the main base however the second they've finished unloading they both can't find a path back to their respective mining fields. Could someone help me understand the issue I'm having here? Thanks!

Factorio 2016-03-12 14-03-12-51.png (4.45 MiB) Viewed 3196 times

Factorio 2016-03-12 14-03-46-93.png (3.94 MiB) Viewed 3196 times

Factorio 2016-03-12 14-05-36-82.png (3.49 MiB) Viewed 3196 times

[daniel34]

From the description and screenshots you provided it should work. Can you post the save game please? If possible, at the moment where the trains say 'no path'.

[Smarty]

you need to place a signal there i think


http://prntscr.com/aeb1ff

EDIT:it seems using prntscr and is not working neatly together
EDIT2: Ty daniel

[daniel34]

you need to place a signal there i think

I think that signals only stop the train when the signal tells them to in order to avoid collisions. In my last few games I only started to place down signals when I had two or more trains on the same train/rail network.

Not having signals only makes it possible for two trains to collide, but doesn't prevent trains from moving at all.

tl;dr you shouldn't get a 'No path' just because you forgot a signal.

[orzelek]

The diverging crossing (after the main base walls) has only 2 signals total. Both are on the direction to base - this makes them 1 direction rail to base only.
Add another signal to each of those to let trains go to outposts and they should start going there. It should work until you have only 1 train on each line without problems, might get blocked if you add more trains.

[Smarty]

orzelek and daniel are right. I was too quick without looking properly



This is what orzelek is talking about

[Zimposity]

That worked, thanks very much!

So am I right in thinking that the rail signals limit the direction of travel on a track to one way if you only place one of them?

[orzelek]

That worked, thanks very much!

So am I right in thinking that the rail signals limit the direction of travel on a track to one way if you only place one of them?

Thats correct. It's the way that you build 2 way rails - one in each direction. You simply place signals on each of them on different side.
It ofc works only for automated trains - when driving one you can go as you wish.