Basic Rail / Train Signaling - Factorio Tutorial & Guide : Rail vs Chain Signals & How To Use Them

[@Xterminator]

Hope you all found this helpful! What other type of train tutorials would you like to see me do in the future?

[@Aaron-mp9sy]

I would like to see how you would create a vanilla logistic rail network with version 1.1

[@Aaron-mp9sy]

When should you stop relying on your robot logistic network for supplying ammunition and fix packs to your perimeter and use trains instead?

[@poseidondredd]

I guess roundabout also use similar approach like cross junction right

[@Xterminator]

@@poseidondredd yeah similar. Same principles should apply to a roundabout. Personally I don't like using them, so don't have as much experience signaling them but the general rules should work good.

[@Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un]

I've watched over 300 different videos trying to explain rail signals in 26 different languages including brail, sign language, SOS, dog, also 2 alien languages i learned after being abducted and probed at summer camp (fun times!) and this is by far the best one 👍

[@_codegreen]

This is a great tutorial for people who have no idea how trains work, especially the intersection part. Easy explanations for why to do things, not just how to do things. 👍

[@thesaurus664]

I have been so confused by train signals for the longest time, and no tutorial ever seemed to make things clear. This is by far the best explanation I have ever heard on the subject. Great job man!

[@Xterminator]

Thanks, I'm so glad it helped!

[@medrumsta722]

I've tried to learn trains a couple times and your video was finally the one that clicked. The simple rule of chain signal before cross, normal before merge gave me the foundation to UNDERSTAND it which I hadn't gotten before. Thank you so much

[@sagiott]

Now that I have the knowledge of the forbidden train signals I can finally become the Train Master, thank you Mr Xterminator

[@Novocane23]

You explained this way better than the in game tutorial. Literally, the fact that you explained how signals look ahead of the rail they are placed on until they encounter another signal just makes this so much easier to grasp.

[@benatssu]

finally a signal tutorial that makes sense

[@HomelessOnline]

"EXCELLENT, Smithers!" Very clear and simple, just like all the other tutorials said they would do but didn't. Thank you.

[@galekasuki]

These signals were really giving me trouble and basically stopping all my iron production cuz I couldn't quite figure out how they work, but this video cleared it all up, many thanks friendo!

[@TheHiram123]

As a new player bumping my way through trains, I found this extremely useful. Thank you.

[@mariomares6572]

Thank you so much for this. I was having a lot of trouble understanding trains and neither the in-game tutorial nor the Factorio Wiki were really helping. This video solved pretty much every question I had about how trains and signals work.

[@Xterminator]

Really glad to hear it helped! :) I'd agree that the in game tutorial for them and wiki are lacking and somewhat confusing. Thanks for watching!

[@Jojo-qt5yf]

thx this tutorial made me understand instead of copying a build online, i now made my rails system work without trains crashing into other ones

[@Aaron-mp9sy]

Thanks, I found the rotation tip useful where you have the option of associating the signal to more than 1 track. I’ve been avoiding placing signals in such places because I get confused about the signal behaviour at these locations.

[@primate6854]

I've watched several other youtubers explain this and I had no clue what to do, but with you, my brain just understood. Thank you so much

[@jo2k459]

I’m about to fix the mess of signals and rail crossings I have all over the place in my world. I’m using a combination of bi-directional and one-way tracks but it’s becoming cumbersome and difficult to manage with the increase in traffic as I add more trains. I’m confident that your video and explanation will help me get it all sorted out. Thanks!

[@AllieStrange]

I've had the hardest time understanding signaling and just the simple, normal signal for merges, and chain for crossings, explains it all and simply and now I finally get it. So thanks for explaining it so well :D heh.

[@sethharrington305]

Great video, I've watched a couple tutorials for trains already and this is a great explanation and demonstration. Very concise and helpful, thanks! I think it finally clicked this time 😃

[@Xterminator]

That's fantastic it finally clicked for you! That's how it worked for me too. :)

[@christophermcmurray9226]

Dude you're awesome! I did a full playthrough of Factorio a while ago just to say I did it, but I haven't wanted to touch the game again because of the trains and the circuit network. You're making me want to dive right back into this!

[@crazy_human2653]

I use chain signals at merges and then at the first possible signal location after I use a normal signal and that is to ensure that the train does not still have a chance to block the rail network

[@spartanwar1185]

I can't remember whether someone taught me the technique i use or if i somehow brute-forced some learning to discover it But the junction i like to use is a circular junction (Where a train can enter and keep turning left until they can reach the rail they want to travel) I think the principle i learned was to have a chain signal at a junction/split entrance, and a normal signal at the start of every exit to said junction/split It does have some upsides and some downsides (Notably obvious downside being having to wait for the junction to be empty for _any_ train to safely use it) But what i like most about it is just how visually appealing it is Still, really helpful video to reinforce my understanding!

[@nikore90]

When I was learning how to signal rails, everything was self-explanatory except one thing. When placing a signal, the rail is split into two sections for both sides, meaning you cannot have asymmetrical signaling on two-way rail.

[@FalcoGer]

Of course you can't. How would the signals behave in such a configuration? If they just look at the track in front of them as they always do (and should do) to which other signal would it look to to determine what is a block? The next signal on the same side or the next signal on any side? A block needs to be the same for both sides because the block is determined by the train, which can only be on the rails, of which there is only one, not the signalling, of which there are now two sets (forward and backwards traffic). So they enforce it by having signals symmetrical.

[@ghostdos02]

symmetry on the two-way track. this comment got my network running. thanks!

[@Shwoop]

Great video. Helped me to visualize and understand how they work like other videos just weren't doing. Back to the factory before the boss sees me.

[@sheppy951]

im 800h in Factorio and theres still plenty of things i need to learn properbly like train signals in a crossing :D i used to just put a chain signal at every input and a normal signal at every output which limits the thruput of the crossing thanks for the great Video, helped me alot

[@theothercreare]

Im glad I have a background in Open TTD signals when learning this surprisingly Open TTD is harder, more signal variants lol

[@corbanferguson8407]

Thanks you explained it better than anyone else I found. This tutorial really helped me

[@Xterminator]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@ilhameffendi2737]

I love it. I think this is the only tutorial that doesn't confuse me, lol.

[@SushiPizza42]

Thank you so much, I was really struggling to get my head around rail signals, this really helped!

[@Xterminator]

So glad to hear that! I had struggled for a long time as well and then it finally clicked when someone explained it to me like this. So I'm glad it's helping others too

[@cawley37]

Beautiful explanation and two easy-to-apply rules. Thank you!

[@revan1202]

It took 5 videos but you actually did a better job explaining this confusing thing!

[@theNimboo]

In your last example at 17:18 why did you not signal at the entrance to the merges??? Like say a train was going north on the vertical rail to the right. Then say one train was stopped at the first chain signal on that rail. Then imagine a second train was coming up behind that train intending to go right. Since the first signal is on the curve curving off to the right, it would hit the train stopped at the perpendicular crossing, right???

[@coryphillips7142]

This was my 5th video on train signaling...I finally understand. Well done X thank you.

[@Xterminator]

I'm so happy to hear that my video helped you make sense of them! :) That means a lot honestly. I also took quite a long time to understand how they work.

[@alexmorris4492]

Thank you, I have been watching other videos but I just couldn't understand them. You made this super clear for me and I'm ready to start scheduling trains! Great video!!

[@patrick47633]

Extremely helpful video on train signalling

[@theNimboo]

When you were signaling the crossing at 13:30, and the track actually extended out for a long time after that crossing, wouldn't the rail signals at the ends be looking into the entire block ahead even if it is like super long? Like wouldn't you want to put another rail signal to close it out???

[@Prizzadar]

One of the most needed tutorials :D thank you.

[@siralat]

Hello, thanks for the tutorial! I have one question - Isn't placing regular signals AFTER a merge makes more sense?

[@-o-1695]

Thanks a lot man. You’re a hero for factorio brainlet like me

[@Xterminator]

My pleasure, glad it helped!

[@Bert1986]

Thanks for explaining this like i'm 8 years... :P i needed this :D

[@voltflake]

Best video on topic I watched yet

[@squeeeb]

Excellently explained. I checked out some other signal tutorials and was completely lost - thanks!

[@Xterminator]

Thanks, really glad it helped! :)

[@rickdff62]

Thanks so much for this. I don't know why, but trains drive me crazy.

[@hugmonger]

Thank you omg! This is going to make the world me and my friend are running so much easier to get stuff from. I figure that T-Junction should help me put multiple trains into the same station.

[@oliveranderson7962]

amazing tutorial and very unconfusing! Thanks a lot Xterminator!

[@Kajthebest]

This was really helpful. Thanks for explaining so well!

[@Xterminator]

Happy to hear it helped! Thanks for watching. :)

[@terrysheedy6098]

Thank you so much for the info. I have always had trouble wrapping my head around how the signals worked with each other as well as a good best practice to using them. Are you planning to do more tutorials on the more advanced features of train management?

[@Xterminator]

My pleasure! I hope this helped make things a bit more clear. And yes I'd definitely like to. Any requests or suggestions for them would be great!

[@hornetdc]

@@Xterminator how to supply remote outposts.

[@terrysheedy6098]

@@Xterminator So far my trains have always been resource specific. Like I have an iron ore train or a copper plate train and they just run in a loop to the different stops that need them. But I have seen some KZbinrs have generic cargo trains that are called as needed. I know they use Circuit Networks but I have no how. But to be honest I would love to see a tutorial for the middle game. You now have trains and you are expanding your network, here are some good techniques to manage them. Just my thoughts anyway. Thank you!

[@ujot68]

thx for this tutorial ... now I know how to place signals in a correc way, which i did not understand sofar

[@GamerBugsTwitch]

this really helped me, im way too far into game to not have know chain signals

[@Xterminator]

Glad it helped! Took me a long time to figure out signaling as well, especially chain signals

[@orlandoygnaciogutierrezmen8627]

Excellent video Xterminator I was waiting for it. Saludos desde Colombia!

[@VasilyLementar]

Very helpful guide. The only question I have is whether I need to place signals along long piece of rail? In case one faster train is behind slower one? Can it catch up and hit slower train from behind?

[@Xterminator]

Glad it was helpful! And yes you should place normal signals along the mainline track so one train doesn't run into another. Placing them one or two train lengths apart is usually good. Hope that makes sense. :)

[@Koreyite]

So, how do I even use a 4 way junction properly? Do I have to send trains only in 1 direction on each individual rail? Normally I have trains going back and forth on the same rail but this 4 way junction doesn't seem to allow that, so I tried doing a loop to go the east rail but it keeps saying no path. In a nutshell, I'd like to see an example how to use this 4 way junction on a basic level.

[@odikosmatos6720]

This was clear and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@Junkboy888]

Oh man So I been trying to figure out why one of my intersection kept breaking. It was placed on the wrong rail. I did not notice the "R" for Rotation when doing the singles. Thanks for tjos video.

[@Phetsen]

Thanks I thought chain signals just looked at the state of the next signal or set of signals ahead of it rather than the the block ahead of that

[@luckyizzac]

My only question Please answer Can a chain signal turn red if a signal leading out of the block turns red... even if there is no way for the train to get to the path? Like an intersection

[@MemewVlogs]

does it can only accommodate 1 direction only what if I want my train to be back and forth to it?

[@steffhall3000]

dude this helped me so much thanks a lot

[@oliverpuczyk2]

That cleared up the whole chain signal thing for me. I thought it was checking the next signal state not the rail block state.

[@stelfer]

does this work for trains going back and forth through the same crossing?

[@catamaranman333]

Best video on the subject

[@Xterminator]

Thanks!

[@doktorblueman3588]

Thanks for the tutorial man, really helped me out!

[@hermishmer]

Thank you so much! This really helped!

[@Xterminator]

So glad to hear it!

[@jovica2]

This one, this is the one, thank you so much

[@scorpion.]

Can i wear a stop signal while roaming on the track. :P

[@blairwatson2746]

Hi i think u was going to do double headed train signaling at the end but maybe forgot. Ps thanks for showing it's possible to rotate signals I didn't know that

[@TheUltimoSniper]

You can do the same thing with Train Stops, too.

[@Khorvalar]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@aaronh678]

The annoying thing for me is once I set it up. I got no valid path. Does positioning matter? Seems its all just one way.

[@lextc]

Thanks! I have 700 hours in game but i never really used trains thinking it was top much of a hassle. Made a New factory which is going to include a railnetwork

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Did not know about the rotate on signals thanks :) Cheers,

[@manikandanu2317]

Great tutorial

[@filmfilm86]

Awesome video

[@pabloelia6615]

its so simple, many tutorials made it too hard to understand :p

[@hybridizer0001]

Great tutorial, well done.

[@Xterminator]

Thanks!

I wish (and maybe it exists as a mod) there was a way to find which station - of multiple identically named ones, that's the problem - a train has "No Path" to. Bonus if it could find/identify where the path (or *a* path) was broken ("attempt to find path and indicate likely gaps")

[@disc-attano]

I was watching this video while my trains crashed into eachother

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

I wish I knew the better spacing between rails on my 700 hour factory. I did 2 squares apart, and I can not make the T junction work properly because I can't fit the signals. But too late now

[@powerpc6037]

What about placing a normal signal right after the merging of 2 tracks like on your T-junction, and placing chain signals everywhere else? Otherwise trains entering the junction need to travel a long distance before meeting another normal signal to actually free the merge. So any trains coming after it need to wait a long time before they can even enter the junction as your normal signal (which is still inside the junction) stays red a long time. And you didn't place any signals at the entrance of the junction. It would not make a big difference but still, i wouldn't feel comfortable trains getting to a stop on top of a merge or split.

[@Xterminator]

Great suggestion! I do this sometimes, but often forget. Although my rail blueprints do have signals at every Big Power length, so worst case would be that distance from the end of the junction before a normal signal

[@roellemaire1979]

I think the simplest explanation is: rail signal makes a block, chain signal is exactly the same, but also looks at the next signal

[@SaiMoen]

A chain signal will also send a yellow signal forward, which means that It'll reserve every block a train needs to pass before the train fits between normal signals again.

[@FalcoGer]

actually chain signals treat yellow signaled blocks ahead as red (and consequently show red/blue and not yellow). They do however become yellow themselves when a train is about to enter their own block.

[@SaiMoen]

@@FalcoGer I was talking about when a train is about to pass that chain signal, not when a train is about to enter the same block from a different direction.

[@randompopcat9615]

Hey! can i contact you somewhere ? i've got a signal problem, and dont know how to solve it

[@Xterminator]

You can contact me on Discord, which should linked in the description of most my videos

[@randompopcat9615]

@@Xterminator alright, tell me when you got time to help. also is it possible to be in dms or something?

[@KerjavaFate]

is there any point to signals between junctions?

[@Xterminator]

Not if the junctions are only a train length or two apart. But if there is a long distance between junctions, then you'd probably still want signals between them to increase throughput

[@jonathanrichards593]

And to expand once more :) you should try to avoid rail blocks which are both (a) made with rail signals and (b) shorter than your longest train. A long train held in a short block at a red rail signal will "hang out the end" of the block. So, another rule of thumb is to have a chain signal before any block which is shorter than your train length. Big rail networks will always need double tracks (as Xterm showed here), and will be broken up into blocks suiting a "standard" train length, whatever that might be, say 1-4 (1 loco, 4 wagons), or 2-16-2 if you're thinking BIG!

[@underlordd]

Thank you for this, really....

[@manelmv97]

thank you thank you thousands thank you

[@gravitywell7650]

Thanks!

[@CraftingTableMC]

"It's just a video, it can't change your life!" The video:

[@dallashill23]

Chain in, Rail out. 😉

[@Xterminator]

That works too. I personally don't use that phrase for teaching purposes because I think it's a bit too vague for new players to fully understand the use case.

[@charksey]

TL;DR: Put a Train Signal whenever you can fit a whole train. Use a chaining signal to isolate tracks that cross and places you don't want a train to sit. -- IFF you want a train to sit there, use a Train signal. otherwise, use a chain signal to help get the train there without undue delays.

[@MarkyPaligs]

And I'm still here with no idea how to pass the "Repair the railway and set up an automated deliveries" in tutorial mode for about 5 hours now because the locomotive says "No Path", I still don't know what to do after watching this video.

[@yasielfranchi]

thank you

[@raistlinmajere4659]

thanks bro. until I watched this I believed that trains were a scam

[@quentindaniels7460]

I kept destroying trains because I didn’t realize the regular train signals weren’t meant to look ahead like the chain signals… now I see where I was messing up

[@Xterminator]

I definitely did the same thing too!

[@quentindaniels7460]

@@Xterminator It kept throwing me off. I was thinking that there was some recipe that I was missing or that there were several items that needed to be combined in their use in order to communicate what was going on further down the rail line. But now I got it. Appreciate the video 👍

[@razztorback]

next's is maby stations and the limits :)

[@Xterminator]

That is on my list for a future video!

[@stpbrccl2]

TYSM

[@DolanTheGreat]

bruh, chain before merge and rail after

[@poseidondredd]

After tutorial and few videos..this one looks like will stuck forever..chain upon intersect and normal.on merge...easy to remember

[@tomvalk2996]

I am missing 1 thing: the trainstacker 1 with only 1 station and 1 with multiple stations with the same name

[@FalcoGer]

There are a few errors and unclear points in your explanations. I also have some suggestions. A chain signal copies the signals in front of it might be a better way to describe this instead of the chain signal is looking at the next block until the next normal rail signal. Another difference between the two is that you can use the circuit network to read both, but you can only set rail signals' status. Your "crossing" vs "merging" rule doesn't work in all cases. For instance if your "crossing" happens as a series of rapid merges and splits (such as a circle junction for example, basically every time you split right after a merge within a train's length). The corners will always have the same space for signals, no matter how far you place the rails apart. And you can also make wider corners, no matter how far you place those rails apart. I don't like to put signals in the corner like that. It's error prone, harder to see and on the map you can't know which rail it actually belongs to. Also when exiting junctions you should place the signals as close to the junction as possible to clear the next train through as fast as possible. In practice that doesn't make much of a difference if all your trains are running, but if a train had stopped there, it could mean an extra second or two of starting time. Another super simple algorithm to make sense of signalling is (unless you do a single lane setup with bypasses, which is a whole different cattle of fish): - Place rail signals on regular intervals on straight tracks (unless you don't want multiple trains on that track, see below) Those signals need not be spaced in any particular way, they can be shorter than your train lengths. Personally I like to have them go with long range power poles just because it looks nice and gives consistent spacing. - Unless there is another intersection coming up before a full length train can fit, place rail signals on the exit of each intersection - Place a chain signal going into all intersections or merges (merges not necessary in all cases, but makes it easier to remember) (including at the point above where a full length train can not fit, which may be very short pieces) - Place the rail signals at the end of intersections as close to the intersection as possible to clear the next train as soon as possible. - Use chain signals on tracks where you only ever want one train (such as in front of a train stacker up to the stations or speedup tracks going back onto the main lane(s)) It might also be worth mentioning that if multiple trains are waiting on a block to become free (such as a stacker going into the track that goes into the stations), the trains will go in the order they arrived at the signals. Also your four way junction doesn't let trains turn left.

[@pepis_]

I love you

[@xander2853]

I use roundabouts

[@atnfn]

I hate trains. I havent watched the video yet but spent like an hour trying to get a simple railroad with more than one train to work. I put any signal anywhere and park another train in it's station and the other t rain just get's "no path". even if I put signals infront of the stations too. This system is dumb. Hmm... perhaps... can trains only travel in one direction on rails in this game after you put signals? if so that's dumb.

[@KG_Grandpa]

yep but if you put the signals on both sides they can go both directions