Junction Criteria

This is a list to clarify the usefulness of a junction. Every item is should be listed in all junctions as a pro or con. Use this template.

Definition of a Junction

a junction where two or more railway lines meet or cross

Attributes

Sharpest turn

• Minimum distance between double bends
• See Corners, Game Mechanics#trains (speed tables)

Cost (aprox)

• Approximate cost in dollars ($)

Construction difficulty

• Ease of memorizing
• How much time it will take

Backup

• Backup is when trains are waiting to enter the junction

Deadlock (Gridlock or Jamming)

• Deadlock is when a train can NOT exit the junction therefor causing a backup

Elevation (Hills)

• Trains go up or down hills while in the junction

Tunnels

• Junction uses tunnels.

Bridges

• Junction uses bridges.

Natural Turns

• Trains turn left for left.
• (opposite) Trains must turn right to turn left. This could lead (although very rare) to trains getting lost. (Can be fixed by using Waypoints)

Split before merge

• Whether or not tracks split before they merge. (This leads to less backup if they do.)

Train Length (max or min)

• Maximum or minimum length of a train

Area

• Width and Height represented as WxH

Direct

• A lane that goes straight through without any turns
• (Opposite) Indirect path

Symmetrical

• In neither, one, or two axes

U-turn and Loops

• U-turns are fine as long as they do NOT loop around to them selves
• Roundabout is an exception due to its design style.

Signal type

• Original, Pre-Signal, or PBS.

Breakdowns

• How any one broken down train will effect the junction
• From total shutdown to blocking one lane.

Classification

• Single Line
  • One track
• Single Mainline
  • One track each direction
• Dual Mainline
  • Two tracks each direction
• Dual Isolated Mainline
  • Two tracks each direction
  • The inner and outer tracks do not merge at any point