How to Build and Fuel a Steam Locomotive

Assembling the locomotive

Craft a Steam Locomotive and place it on a line of rails. It runs on Steam, so you need a Steam source before it will move. Craft a Solid Fuel Engine and a Booster Engine from the Rail Worker's Bench, then attach them to the locomotive using the Module Configurator. The Solid Fuel Engine burns fuel to produce the Steam the locomotive consumes.

Supplying steam and fuel

Place a Fluid Loader beside the track and feed it Steam Buckets, or pipe Steam into it directly. The Fluid Loader transfers Steam into the locomotive when it stops alongside. For solid fuel, use an Item Loader loaded with coal or other burnables; it feeds the Solid Fuel Engine automatically. A Booster Engine adds extra pulling power for heavy trains.

Running the line

Lay Iron Rail or Gold Rail for the main route. Gold Rail is faster; Iron Rail is cheaper for long stretches. Use Switch Rail, Wye Switch Rail, and Diamond Crossing Rail to branch and cross tracks. Place a Bumper Rail at the end of a siding so the train stops instead of running off. Use the Navigation Chart to plan stops, and the Rail Worker's Bench to craft the rail and module parts you still need.