Track Switches and Semaphore Railway Signals in Create Steam 'n' Rails
Track switches and mechanical semaphores regulate branch-line diversions and train movements in Create Steam 'n' Rails. Deploying automated switches prevents derailments at junctions, while multi-aspect semaphores visually broadcast downstream track availability to oncoming drivers.
Using Track Switches
A track switch directs locomotives onto diverging track forks without requiring manual track reconstruction. The mod offers two tiers of switch mechanisms to accommodate various signaling layouts.
- The
Andesite Track Switch requires one 
Lever, one 
Andesite Casing, and one 
Cogwheel in a vertical crafting column. - The
Brass Track Switch requires one Lever, one 
Brass Casing, and one 
Precision Mechanism in a vertical crafting column.
Placing a switch requires selecting a track piece and placing the switch mechanism alongside the junction. The switch directs any trains passing over its marker according to its current mechanical setting.
Switch alignment can be cycled through several direct interactions:
- Using the switch advances the diversion setting to the right.
- Sneaking while using the switch reverses the setting to the left.
- Firing an arrow or projectile at the switch housing toggles its state on impact, enabling remote switching from moving locomotives.
- Supplying redstone power to the base of the switch locks its current direction, preventing unwanted adjustments by passing crew or automated signals.
Track switches also emit varying comparator signals depending on their active alignment: a signal strength of 0 indicates straight, 1 indicates left, and 2 indicates right.
Visualizing Signal states using Semaphores
Mechanical semaphores provide tall, highly readable signaling arms mounted directly onto signal posts. Fabricating 4 
Semaphore units requires two iron plates, one wooden fence, one Andesite Casing, and one 
Electron Tube in a crafting table.
Mounting semaphores on poles above standard train signals translates electronic signal states into physical signal blades:
- A single semaphore mounted above a train signal indicates whether the immediate track block ahead is clear or occupied.
- When placed over brass train signals possessing multiple valid exit branches, a second semaphore can be stacked directly above the first.
- In a dual-semaphore configuration, the lower semaphore blade drops to closed if any of the diverging exit paths are blocked, warning oncoming traffic of partial congestion.
- The upper semaphore blade drops to closed only when all possible exit paths are occupied, indicating complete route obstruction.
- When a pair of semaphores is mounted above a standard non-brass signal, both blades drop simultaneously when the block is occupied.
Covers the mod’s in-game guide topics: Visualizing Signal states using Semaphores Using Track Switches