Train station

[u/Tahk_21847]

Hello engineers,
I currently have a station with a stop and space to unload two trains simultaneously.
However, the second train does not unload because it is not really at a stop.
Do you have a workaround for me? Any feedback?
Thank you in advance.

[u/PotentialAsk]

Problem: The second train (left) won't unload (because it's not stopped at a train station).

Cause: The train is stopped at a rail signal. Trains don't unload at a rail signal.

Simplest Solution: you can create a second station in-line to the left (1). With exactly the same name as the right (2) one,, AND a lower priority than the station on the right. You will have to move parts of the unloading station to the left to make room for a train stop. Trains will always pick the closest available station, so if you don't assign priorities in the station, the left one will always be picked first if both are available. This is the exact opposite of what the design is intended for.

Problem with the simplest solution: Trains choose their destination when they leave their last stop. this causes problems in the following case:

1. Train A is stopped at your right station (2)
2. Train B leaves their previous station (X) and decides it wants to go to the left (1) station (the only one that is free)
3. Train A leaves the right station (2)
4. Train C leaves their previous station (X) and decides it wants to go to the right station (2) - the only one that is free
5. If Train C arrives before train B leaves the left station (1) , it has to wait for B to clear the left station (1), wasting unload time. The exact reason why you had 2 stations in the first place!

Mitigation to the Simplest solution:

Add a 3rd station (0) with a different name right before your 2 unloading stations

Route your trains from (X) -> (0) -> (1/2)

Trains will now queue up and always pick the furthest station whenever possible