I sometimes have stations with a few platforms (usually 3) where some trains stop and some trains pass through. I'm using platform choose signals to let the stopping trains find a free platform. Works great!
Is there also a way to make passing trains find a free route through the station? I frequently see a stopping train pulling in, loading/unloading and/or reversing while a passing train has to wait cause the stopping train blocks it's route. In most of these cases another route through the station via another platform would be free.
Thanks in advance.
No, there is no way how to let train to choose free track when it is only passing through the station.
So, if you really don't need to do it, don't do it - it means let train to stop there. Else way is building station out of main route - but this is only for very few cases.
Thanks, Vaclav.
No need to thank, but ... few additional tips:
1. Build central depots - it is not so expensive and replacing of vehicles (mostly trains) is easier
2. Build rail depots distant from stations; it is good to insert short corridor between station and depot - it will ease replacing of vehicles because old ones may arrive to depot meanwhile new ones may leave depot - at the same time
3. In station may be reserved two tracks (one for each direction) where trains cannot stop; it may be done with combination of choose signals and end of choose signals - but this way may have uncertain results because these tracks must be in straight line with access tracks from those you want to have trains that will not stop
For example
/-----xxxxx-----\
/------xxxxx------\
->-C-/-E-/-C-xxxxx-C-\-E-\--->-
-<---\-E-\-C-xxxxx-C-/-E-/-C-<-
\------xxxxx------/
\-----xxxxx-----/
green colour means tracks and platforms where will go those trains you want to they would not stop
red colour means platforms where will go those trains you want to they stop
there are missing yellow signals that should be between platform and choose signals
but as I said, it is needed to combine signals and so station will have much larger gridiron
In my opinion, choose signals have no place on a through station. Trains should not wait at these stations. Any platform at which trains wait should be a siding. That siding may be part of the same station as the straight-through platforms, though.