Factorios transport system scales from a single locomotive to continent-spanning rail networks carrying thousands of items per minute.
Design principle: Build your rail network before you need it. Retrofitting rails into a built-out base is painful.
Rail Signal Basics
| Signal | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rail signal | Marks end of a block (placed after intersections) |
| Chain signal | Extends block (placed before intersections) |
| Train stop | Destination for a train schedule |
Golden rule: A train can only enter a block if the exit is also clear. Chain signals propagate this check through intersections.
Deadlock Prevention
Deadlocks happen when two trains each occupy a block the other needs.
Rule 1: Never have two trains share the same single-track segment in opposite directions.
Rule 2: Use chain signals at all intersection entrances.
Rule 3: Keep train station lanes separate (dedicated in/out tracks).
Logistics Robots vs Belts
| Task | Belts | Logistics robots |
|---|---|---|
| High volume | Best | Warning limited by roboport coverage |
| Long distance | Warning Complex | Excellent (via roboport network) |
| Setup cost | Low | High (roboports plus robots) |
| UPS cost | Low | High (late-game impact) |
Rule of thumb: Belts for bulk production (iron, copper, plates). Robots for low-volume, high-flexibility tasks (modules, blueprints, repair packs).