Optional passing loop

[Gimmm]

Hi everybody,

I'm designing a railway network in simutrans with only one track connecting the various stops. In order to make trains be able to pass in both directions I'm building passing loops near the stations. However, each time a train enters a passing loop it loses some speed. My passing loop design is attached below (signals are basic signals, one way). I'd like to make trains use the passing loop as few times as possible in order to avoid speed loss, but with this design, trains are obliged to use the passing loop even if they don't need to (that's why I build them near stations).

Is there a way to achieve this?

Thanks a lot.

[Mariculous]

You can't achieve this. (in standard)

Using choose signals and two station platforms might be an option.

[Vladki]

If you want to avoid the slowdown you have to build the loops in places where the train would turn anyway. Or make the loop at the station, where the train stops anyway, so the slowdown does not matter.

[ASV62]

because there's no way to use platform choose signals for waypoints, building your loops in stations seems to be the reasonable option, however, only the first train reserve the main line platform would benefit from not losing speed, the opposing train must be diverted to use loop line platform.

and placing choose signals, end of choose signals in your intended system would be very confusing indeed.