Building an Automated Train Line with Locomotives and Docking Rails

Laying Track and Junctions

Run your rails, then place a Locomotive Docking Rail at each station where the locomotive should stop. Use Switch Rail and T-Junction Rail for manual branching, or Automatic Switch Rail and Automatic T-Junction Rail to let passing trains trigger the branch themselves. A Junction Rail handles simple merges. Place a Vehicle Detector beside the track to emit a signal when a train passes, which you can wire to the automatic rails.

Powering and Routing

Choose a Steam Locomotive for fuel-based hauling or an Energy Locomotive for powered rail networks. Attach Train Car, Chest Train Car, Barrel Train Car, and Fluid Tank Train Car behind the locomotive, linking each with Vehicle Chain. Set a Locomotive Route by right-clicking the locomotive with the route item, then right-click each docking rail in the order the train should visit. Place Train Car Docking Rail where individual cars should stop for loading. Use a Vehicle Charger to recharge an Energy Locomotive between runs. The Conductor's Wrench adjusts docking and route settings on placed rails.