So post some four way junctions up, based on the three criteria, with a bit of explanation on why thy're good.
If you got them from another source then do tell.
I'll start the ball rolling with a design I invented a couple of days ago. I called it the "Spin Junction" because the shape it creates resembles that of one of a saw blade (with 4 teeth
). I made three versions of it, a combo version, a tunnel only version and a compact version.The main feature of the design is the four tunnels in the middle, rotated around the axis. This gives equal preference to both directions and ensures that trains can pass straight through the junction in all directions without interference. Another advantage (of the larger junctions) is that the tunnels are only three tiles long, decreasing the gap without a signal (so there is less chance of following trains having to stop).
In the combo junction, the straight routes go through tunnels, and therefore have no speed limit, but trains turning right have to cross the girder bridge, which could be bad if running maglevs. Alternatively the space could be windened to allow for a tubular bridge, at the cost of space.
The tunnel version is slightly larger, but has the advantage of trains being able to go faster on the right hand turns, lowering the risk of slowing the main line. The shallower turn after the centre tunnel increases the signal gap though, which may negate the bonus gained from the extra tunnels.
The compact version is IMHO one of the best possible space to efficiency junctions. The cloverleaf in comparison is 10*10, whereas this is 12*12 and way more efficient. It uses the same principles as the larger junction, but the right hand turn is made over the top of the central tunnel, saving several extra tiles. The turn also merges onto the left hand turn from the opposite direction, another space saver. I have tested this junction with 30 trains going between 4 stations, and the only jammage was when the stations got backed up to the junction. I also tested the combo junction, and the compact is only slightly slower for a given amount of trains.
Main advantages of Spin Junction:
-Direct line for trains (Trains turn left to go left, right to go right).
-Minimal sharp corners (trains can maintain a high speed).
-Equal preference to all lines.
-Saves on signal gap, allows heavier line usage.
-Very efficient given the amount of space used.
Main Disadvantages:
Lots of slope climbing for some paths.
Trains going straight can be disrupted by trains turning right (For longer trains).
Requires potentially expensive terrain modification.
Complex to remember.
Also it has to be mirrored for people who run their trains on the right, I haven't tested it for right hand though, so it might actually work better, who knows?
I look forward to seeing some impressive junctions.
Tenpoints
not that there would be much reason to
