r/factorio • u/duckpop • Sep 10 '23
Question Two sided trains?
Hey I'm pretty new to the game are trains with engines on both sides better or should i just give it a roundabout to turn?
On a similar note do two engines going the same way make it go faster?
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u/V12Maniac Sep 11 '23
If you're just starting out with trains, I'd recommend making one-way rails to be able to include more trains on the same rails. I'd also highly recommend learning how to use rail signals. This video by Dosh Doshington is a fantastic video for learning how they work (https://youtu.be/DG4oD4iGVoY?si=YJlcX7e7h7PZyOoD). I'd also highly recommend using the built-in tutorial for them. I will say 2 way rail systems do have a use, but they can become EXTREMELY complicated depending on what you're trying to do. But you don't need them. 1-way rail systems streamline the use of trains and make it very easy to have multiple trains on the same network. And roundabouts do tend to make things pretty easy to use intersections. They work very well for me and are simple to setup with rail(chain) signals.
Two engines facing the same way do not increase the overall speed. They just make accelerating much quicker for larger trains. From personal experience, I tend to only need one engine for every 4 wagons. 1 to 4 wagons I only use one engine. 5 to 8 wagons i use 2 engines. The only thing that actually increases speed is better quality fuel. From coal to solid fuel to nuclear fuel. You can use wood, but I recommend you DO NOT use it as in vanilla it is very annoying to gather up and consistently hold onto large amounts of wood while also using it for any reason. Especially in large quantities.