Unlike modern railways today, trains back then only have a single track. How does the directions work, like how do they know if there’s an incoming train and what would they do? Does head on collisions happen?
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Timing, timing, timing. The first portable watches were made to be carried by train conductors so that they could accurately measure time while en route even when not in contact with their dispatch. Timetables were built and meticulously maintained so that multiple trains could utilize the same track going in different direction.
All over a railroad system you have sidings, which are basically turn-offs for trains where they can leave the main rail to allow another train to pass by.
Careful, coordinated use of sidings, parallel rails lines, and rail yards ensured relatively safe and efficient use of the railroad network. Today with GPS and radio, the system is a lot simpler.
Nonetheless, accidents can and do still happen. Normally caused by equipment failure that prevents a train from meeting its time slot and occupying the rail at the same time another train is.
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