Railway - Revision history

HeliGungir: /* History */ Tall entity visibility

2026-09-30T18:25:13Z

History: Tall entity visibility

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:25, 30 September 2026
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	== History ==		== History ==
	{{history\|2.1.7\|		{{history\|2.1.7\|
	* {{SA}} Allowed placement of elevated rails over [[cargo bay]]s and blocked them from receiving cargo pods in this state.}}		* {{SA}} Allowed placement of elevated rails over [[cargo bay]]s and blocked them from receiving cargo pods in this state.
			* {{SA}} Added "Toggle visibility of tall entities" shortcut which makes elevated rails translucent and unselectable.}}

	{{history\|2.0.7\|		{{history\|2.0.7\|

HeliGungir: /* History */ Added section (cloned from rail planner, for now)

2026-09-30T18:12:33Z

History: Added section (cloned from rail planner, for now)

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 {{Achievement|watch-your-step}}
 {{Achievement|getting-on-track-like-a-pro}}
 == See also ==

Khaylain: Fixed obsolete reference to trains skipping a train stop if it is disabled or doesn't exist. Removed mention of trains repathing if target station was disabled by circuit, as per FFF 395 the train should still go to it

2026-06-24T21:11:47Z

Fixed obsolete reference to trains skipping a train stop if it is disabled or doesn't exist. Removed mention of trains repathing if target station was disabled by circuit, as per FFF 395 the train should still go to it

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:11, 24 June 2026
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	[[File:locomotive_gui.png\|thumb\|300px\|The wait condition tab in the locomotive's GUI.]]		[[File:locomotive_gui.png\|thumb\|300px\|The wait condition tab in the locomotive's GUI.]]

	Trains set on "Automatic" choose their destination stop and route on departure, and after waiting at a chain signal for five seconds~~, and when their destination stop disables itself by circuit condition~~. They choose the shortest route using a [[Railway/Train_path_finding\|path finding algorithm]] that will get them to an enabled train stop with the right name, taking penalties for any apparent-at-the-time delays into account. If no such train stop exists they will ~~skip the stop and go on to the next~~.		Trains set on "Automatic" choose their destination stop and route on departure, and after waiting at a chain signal for five seconds. They choose the shortest route using a [[Railway/Train_path_finding\|path finding algorithm]] that will get them to an enabled train stop with the right name, taking penalties for any apparent-at-the-time delays into account. If no such train stop exists they will start an alert for "No path"([https://factorio.com/blog/post/fff-395 FFF-395]).

	This section covers items used to make trains automatically transport items between stations. The player should be familiar with creating a rail system.		This section covers items used to make trains automatically transport items between stations. The player should be familiar with creating a rail system.

Joeykins: /* Wildcard Interrupts */ Rewrote the train stop section to clarify that the wildcard icon does not need to be the first icon in the train stop name

2026-06-01T21:05:14Z

Wildcard Interrupts: Rewrote the train stop section to clarify that the wildcard icon does not need to be the first icon in the train stop name

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 1 June 2026
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	When used solely as a condition, wildcards act otherwise identically to the [[circuit network#Anything\|anything]] logic signal. What makes them special is their function when used in both the condition and the target.		When used solely as a condition, wildcards act otherwise identically to the [[circuit network#Anything\|anything]] logic signal. What makes them special is their function when used in both the condition and the target.

	Wildcards will also replace themselves with any [[rich text]] icons within the names of [[train stop]]s. Instead of selecting a target stop from the list, ~~instead click on~~ the "icon" ~~button next~~ to the ~~green confirm button and select the same type of~~ wildcard ~~as used~~ in the ~~condition. Then, type~~ the name of the ~~station~~. If the stop has a matching icon in its name, then the train will match the item it contains with that icon, and select that stop as the destination.		Wildcards will also replace themselves with any [[rich text]] icons within the names of [[train stop]]s. Instead of selecting a target stop from the list, type the name of the station and use the "icon" to insert the appropriate wildcard symbol in to the correct place within the train stop name, replacing the target rich text icon. If the stop has a matching icon in its name, then the train will match the item it contains with that icon, and select that stop as the destination.

	The final wildcard, Signal parameter, checks against any signals passed to the train while parked at a train stop. When combined with a signal parameter for a target station, this can make the train go to a stop which has an icon in its name matching the signal it received from the station. When combined with matching the target station based on its contents, this can be utilized to create a generic train system which can select its destination based on the item it receives.		The final wildcard, Signal parameter, checks against any signals passed to the train while parked at a train stop. When combined with a signal parameter for a target station, this can make the train go to a stop which has an icon in its name matching the signal it received from the station. When combined with matching the target station based on its contents, this can be utilized to create a generic train system which can select its destination based on the item it receives.

Cardinal: SA sign

2026-05-25T05:34:08Z

SA sign

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:34, 25 May 2026
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	:''For the research see [[Railway (research)]]''		:''For the research see [[Railway (research)]]''

	'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. ~~{{SA}}~~ With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.		'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. With the [[Space Age]] {{SA}} expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.

	Rail is faster and provides higher throughput than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]].		Rail is faster and provides higher throughput than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]].

Gotube: Replaced undefined "more efficient" with clearer "higher throughput"

2026-05-13T18:47:52Z

Replaced undefined "more efficient" with clearer "higher throughput"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 13 May 2026
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	'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. {{SA}} With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.		'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. {{SA}} With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.

	Rail is faster and ~~more efficient~~ than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]]~~, especially over large distances~~.		Rail is faster and provides higher throughput than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]].

	== Infrastructure ==		== Infrastructure ==

Gotube: Removed editorializing about the difficulty and complexity of the rail system

2026-05-13T18:41:30Z

Removed editorializing about the difficulty and complexity of the rail system

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:41, 13 May 2026
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	'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. {{SA}} With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.		'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. {{SA}} With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.

	~~Although the installation of such a network can be complicated and requires a large amount of resources and space, it~~ is faster and more efficient than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]], especially over large distances.		Rail is faster and more efficient than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]], especially over large distances.

	Railway construction, however, is not understood instantly. It takes some time to learn the basics, such as automating transportation. Learning how to manage and maintain the upkeep of a larger train network takes time and experience.

	== Infrastructure ==		== Infrastructure ==

Gotube: Rewrote top section to introduce the railway system with basic facts

2026-05-13T18:38:41Z

Rewrote top section to introduce the railway system with basic facts

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 13 May 2026
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	:''For the research see [[Railway (research)]]''		:''For the research see [[Railway (research)]]''

	'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. ~~Although the installation~~ of ~~such a network can be complicated~~ and ~~requires a large amount of resources and space~~, ~~it is faster and more efficient than~~ [[~~Belt transport system~~\|~~belts~~]] and [[~~Logistic network~~\|~~robot logistics~~]], ~~especially over large distances~~.		'''The Railway''' is one of the main transport methods in Factorio. The rail system is composed of [[rail]]s (tracks), [[locomotive]]s, rail cars for [[cargo wagon\|cargo]] and [[fluid wagon\|fluid]], [[train stop]]s, as well as [[rail signal\|regular]] and [[rail chain signal\|chain]] rail signals. Automatic [[gate]]s also integrate with the rail system to block trains. {{SA}} With the [[Space Age]] expansion, rails can also be elevated using [[rail ramp]]s and [[rail support]]s.

	Railway construction, however, is not understood instantly. It takes some time to learn the basics, such as automating transportation. Learning how to manage and maintain the upkeep of a larger train network takes time and experience~~. Rails can be built on the ground, or can be - with the [[Space Age]] expansion - elevated with the help of a [[rail ramp]] and [[rail support]]s so that trains can travel over obstacles~~.		Although the installation of such a network can be complicated and requires a large amount of resources and space, it is faster and more efficient than [[Belt transport system\|belts]] and [[Logistic network\|robot logistics]], especially over large distances.

			Railway construction, however, is not understood instantly. It takes some time to learn the basics, such as automating transportation. Learning how to manage and maintain the upkeep of a larger train network takes time and experience.

	== Infrastructure ==		== Infrastructure ==

Gotube: /* Switches */ Removed anything not about switches; reordered parts by priority; some readability edits

2026-05-13T17:07:48Z

Switches: Removed anything not about switches; reordered parts by priority; some readability edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 13 May 2026
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	=== Switches ===		=== Switches ===
	* ~~There is no visual representation of~~ a ~~working switch, however, the rails will appear~~ to ~~merge~~. Using the rail planner, the player must place a [[rail]] overlapping an existing rail to form a switch. ~~Switches are forks in tracks that allow~~ a ~~train~~ to ~~pick between two directional options~~.		* Switches are forks in tracks that allow a train to pick between two directional options.
	* The crossing of two straight tracks is not usable as a switch~~, as~~ trains have a limited turning radius~~. They do, however, connect [[Rail signal\| signal blocks]] which helps prevent collisions.~~		* Using the rail planner, the player must place a [[rail]] overlapping an existing rail to form a switch.
	* Parallel tracks do not interact with each other.		* There is no visual representation of a working switch, but the rails will appear to merge.
			* The crossing of two straight tracks is not usable as a switch because trains have a limited turning radius.

	[[File:fff-140-controlled-gates_sm.gif\|frame\|An example of a safe railway crossing.<br />[https://wiki.factorio.com/images/Fff-140-controlled-gates.gif Click here] for the full-sized version of the image.]]		[[File:fff-140-controlled-gates_sm.gif\|frame\|An example of a safe railway crossing.<br />[https://wiki.factorio.com/images/Fff-140-controlled-gates.gif Click here] for the full-sized version of the image.]]

Thrawcheld: /* No path */ better way of finding broken paths (NB I can't review the imgur link because it's blocked in the UK)

2026-02-18T04:31:06Z

No path: better way of finding broken paths (NB I can't review the imgur link because it's blocked in the UK)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:31, 18 February 2026
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	* Are the train stops standing in the right direction? Train stops must be on the right-hand side of the track (from the forward-facing locomotive's perspective). If the train is traveling south, the stop must be on the west side of the track.		* Are the train stops standing in the right direction? Train stops must be on the right-hand side of the track (from the forward-facing locomotive's perspective). If the train is traveling south, the stop must be on the west side of the track.
	* If you use rail signals, check that the signals are all allowing traffic in the correct direction.		* If you use rail signals, check that the signals are all allowing traffic in the correct direction.
	* Check for interruptions in the train tracks~~, drive to the station manually to check there are no rail parts missing~~. Especially near junctions, ~~these~~ can be hard to spot ~~if missing~~.		* Check for interruptions in the train tracks. Especially near junctions, missing rail sections can be hard to spot.

	If you are still having problems, consider:		If you are still having problems, consider these troubleshooting techniques:
	* ~~Driving~~ the train manually, ~~and~~ as you pass each switch, try switching to automatic. When it works, you will know the rough area of the problem.		* Holding {{key\|ctrl}} and hovering the cursor over the tracks in map view will show the path the train would take to get there. Move the cursor along the tracks where you expect the path to go until the path disappears. If there is no missing section of rail at that point, there is likely a signalling problem.
			* Try driving the train manually. If the train abruptly stops, there is a gap in the track (or possibly a redundant spur that should be removed). Otherwise, as you pass each switch, try switching to automatic. When it works, you will know the rough area of the problem.
	[http://imgur.com/a/Nq2Yk A pictorial summary of typical problems].		[http://imgur.com/a/Nq2Yk A pictorial summary of typical problems].