🚂 Train Guide
Train Basics
Trains unlock at Tier 6 — Railway and transport items across the map with massive throughput.
When to Use Trains
| Distance | Best Method |
|---|---|
| < 200m | Conveyor belt |
| 200-500m | Truck (rough) or belt (flat) |
| 500-2000m | Single train line |
| 2000m+ | Dual-track main line |
Train Specs
| Type | Top Speed | Cargo | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Loco | 120 km/h | 48 stacks (4×12) | 1,600 m³ |
| Electric Loco | 150 km/h | Same | Same |
Power: A 4-car + 2-loco train draws ~100 MW. Add locos for uphill hauling.
Track Building
Foundation Alignment
Build on foundations for perfect alignment. Float tracks 2m above foundations for clean curves.
| Parameter | Spec |
|---|---|
| Min turn radius | 8 foundations |
| Max grade | 20° (~1:3 slope) |
| Recommended grade | 10° max for heavy freight |
| Support spacing | Every 6-8 foundations |
Track Architecture
Dual-track main line for all long-distance routes — keep 2 foundation gaps between opposing rails for signal clearance.
Single-track branches are fine for low-traffic outposts. Add a passing siding if two trains share the same single track.
Grade management: Curves + steep grades = massive speed loss. Flat routes need fewer locomotives.
Stations
Platform Types
| Platform | Function |
|---|---|
| Freight Platform | Load/unload items (set Load/Unload mode) |
| Fluid Platform | Load/unload fluids |
| Empty Platform | Pass-through for dock connections |
| Train Station | Defines name + docking location |
Optimal Design
3-4 platforms per station is optimal. Place on straight, flat track — curved approaches cause docking failures.
Cargo handling at outpost: Miner → Industrial Container → Freight Platform (Load). Use two containers per resource for buffering.
Cargo handling at factory: Freight Platform (Unload) → Industrial Container → Production. Use smart splitters for mixed loads. Overflow to AWESOME Sink.
Train Timetable
- Open Locomotive UI → Add station (Load: Wait until fully loaded)
- Add second station (Unload: Wait until fully unloaded)
- Repeat for multi-drop routes
Signaling
Signal Types
| Signal | Function |
|---|---|
| Block Signal | Divides track into blocks. One train per block. |
| Path Signal | Reserves path through an intersection. |
| Chain Signal | Forwarding signal — shows status of next signal. |
Signaling Rules
- Path Signal at every intersection entrance
- Chain Signal 2-3 car lengths before the Path Signal
- Block Signal at every intersection exit
- Block Signals every 8-10 foundations on main lines
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Train stops at green signal | Path can't find clear route | Extend exit block for train length |
| Deadlock at T-junction | Missing Block at exit | Add Block Signal on every outgoing track |
| Station approach jam | No Chain Signal before station | Add Chain Signal before station block |
| Trains wait forever | Block too short for train | Enlarge block to fit longest train |
Advanced — Multi-Train Networks
Train stacker (waiting bay): 4-6 parallel bays before high-traffic stations. Chain Signal at stacker exit, Path Signal at main-line merge.
Throughput estimates:
| Setup | Items/min | Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Single train, 1 platform | ~240 (Mk.3 belt) | 1 |
| Dual train, 2 platforms | ~960 (2× Mk.4) | 2-3 |
| Multi-train, 4 platforms | ~2,400 (4× Mk.5) | 4-6 |
Actual throughput depends on route length and station wait times. Buffer containers smooth out intermittent supply.