Rail chain signal - Factorio Wiki (2024)

FAQs

What do rail chain signals do in Factorio? ›

Both normal signals and chain signals prevent a train from entering the next block if it is obstructed. However, a chain signal also looks ahead to the next signal, and turns red if the next signal is red. In effect, this prevents a train from entering a block if it won't be able to leave.

Regular signals and blocks

Signals split the tracks into different parts called blocks. The signals then ensure that only one train can be in each block. Any signal leading into an already occupied block will display the red color and trains that would enter will wait at the signal instead.

Note: All signals need to be put on the RIGHT side of the rails, when facing the direction of movement. Afterward it should look like this: Now for a more complicated example. If trains are allowed to move in ALL directions through the junction, you follow the same rule: chain signals going in, rail signal going out.

In simple terms, railway signalling is a system of traffic lights for trains. Safety rules permit only one train on a specific section of track at any one time to keep the trains from colliding. Most major railway systems, the UK one included, operate multiple trains per hour, with numerous intersected routes.

Signals may be of the searchlight, color light, position light, or color position light types, each displaying a variety of aspects which inform the locomotive operator of track conditions so that they may keep their train under control and able to stop short of any obstruction or dangerous condition.

Trains can only drive forwards automatically. An automatic train can drive forwards and backwards when two locomotives facing different directions are connected to the train.

Alternate blinking – A train is approaching or passing the train stop. Simultaneous blinking – A train is stopped/occupying the train stop. No lights – The train stop is invalid. Blinking red – The train stop is disabled via circuit network.

A yellow signal means that a train is approaching and already has the approval to enter the following block. The block is reserved for a train and all other entrance signals of that block turn red. Red - The monitored block is not empty or another signal monitoring it is yellow.

The easiest way is to turn off steam consumer stations (wire the train stop to a storage tank, and enable the station when steam < 10000 or whatever). Full trains will wait at the steam production station until a consumer becomes active, and then return to the production station where the train will wait in a stacker.

Green indicates clear, the train can proceed. Yellow indicates approach, but at a restricted speed. Be prepared to stop at the next signal. Red indicates stop, the block is currently occupied.

Who controls train signals? ›

The signals may also be controlled by a signalman, so that they only provide a proceed indication if the signalman sets the signal accordingly and the block is clear.

The Shanghai Maglev in China, boasting a staggering speed of 460 kilometers per hour (286 mph), stands as the fastest train globally.

Rail signals are used to employ multiple trains automatically without the danger of trains crashing into each other. Rail signals split the network into blocks and ensure that only one train can be in every block at any time.

* OpenTTD is more "purely" about transportation. While Factorio has very good train-logic (block-signals vs chain-signals), OpenTTD has bridges, tunnels, terrain modifications, basic signals, path-based signals, entry/exit signals and more.

The chains in our coaches are attached with the main brake pipe of the train. “Absolute Pressure” is maintained within these pipes. When the chain is pulled, the valve in the brake air pipe is opened and air is released. As a result, air pressure in the brakes starts decreasing, causing the train to slow down.

Past a couple screens of distance trains are both cheaper, faster and raising the throughput requires only a fraction of the setup cost unlike pipes or belts that need brand new lines every time. A yellow belt only transports 15 items per second, at a speed of 1.875 tiles per second.