The Train Must Grow! - Scrapyard #20

Welcome to the Scrapyard. Space Engineers where what you can't build, you must find.
Curious about the audio? We've been utilising Remaarn's Teamspeak plugin for Space Engineers to communicate with each other while getting positional audio without the glitching that is common with the inbuilt system :)
You can find it here github.com/mmusu3/SE-TS-Bridge
For the mod list head over here: steamcommunity.com/sharedfile...
You can find the videos on the making and testing of this set of mods over on / flipsie
For those of you kind enough to want to support me in making more videos: / splitsie
Discord: / discord
Steam Workshop: steamcommunity.com/id/Splitsie...
Space Engineers is used pursuant to the terms laid out in their video policy, found at www.keenswh.com/press.html
Music and Sound Effects by:
Space Engineers
Artlist.io

[@giorgosdim9845]

This should have been called "The Sandpiercer". Missed opportunity there

[@Watchers_Puppet]

Was thinking the same thing lol, instead of Wilford its Dilford (The opposite of W is D)

[@pedropimenta896]

All its missing is a pair of sound blocks, one for the moving parts sounds ("gatan gatan") and one for the chuu chuu!

[@awolgamming7793]

capac can do the sound effects for the sound blocks

[@Telowin]

A single gyro on each train car set to a 0,0,0 override will help prevent roll overs.

[@GremlinSciences]

it would, but that would require a lot of gyros, and probably use lot of power. Also, since the cars are linked using rotors and hinges, he would really only need a gyro every third or fourth car as long as he has limits set.

[@ivanheffner2587]

I’m quite happy to see the brake caboose concept being implemented. Evidently I was not the only one to suggest it. I certainly didn’t give it the explanation; I just knew it’s what was needed. I’m even happier to see that someone actually built an old-style caboose for this. And the perfectly anachronistic water tower charging station is the icing on the cake.

[@Frosty-1098]

Hope you found the gifts we left on the shelves for you, The fed wagon is intended to be close to front of the train as its carrying enough supplies to rebuild the loco if necessary also a bunch of pistons in case of a roll over

[@tidmouthmilk12]

I got super happy when I saw the Pannier tank and the two 08s as Splitsie was looking around. You're a legend 💜

[@MichaelArlt]

Giving me Mad Max vibes. Its truly remarkable what a community can build together. All those engineers on this server rock.

[@UthacalthingTymbrimi]

That train is one of the coolest things I've ever seen in Space Engineers.

[@UfoLBeerSeeker]

You should have just keep the solar panel that was powering the DOG ;) Btw, you should be able to simply raise the arm a bit and then bend the second segment more and it would fit without extending. We just left it in presentable pose. Kinda liked how the light worked when you saw it the first time ;) It does have more lights and exhaust block of its own that were all off to save power. Oh, and in case you modify the carriage - the ladder in front is essential to get on top of the car. Without it it is often hard to reach the cockpit. I loved the side shot at the top of a dune - looked almost like some 2d sidescroller game at that point ;P I hope people won't mass visit the gps from the letter. They might as well set up entire town there knowing the server xD

[@roadtrain_]

I will say it looked a bit weird to have the excavator still sitting on it's tracks: I wonder if sinking the rotor into the actual car would've looked nicer. It'd probably help with the top-heavy nature...

[@thorramalani1877]

This is ultimate space engineers for me, is it efficient? No it's ridiculous, completely inefficient and has clang potential, but why not? It looks extremely cool and it's fun, so it's the only way to play😂❤

[@VoidCrafterYT]

Always nice to know that I can wake up at 6am and know that Splitsie will surprise me with another incredible episode!

[@grilnam9945]

I have reached Peak Irony. I can’t stop watching this but still have the desire to shout NERD, every few minutes 31:39

[@LazyDude915]

22:40 i love this train car, after seeing an actual train car like this i wish more folks did this too lol also after seeing the amazing bases so far splitsie you should do a base show off episode eventually i think it’d be neat to see what everyone has done

[@chriswoodend2036]

The moment I saw the train cars I envisioned a land train as the option I would go with in the scrapyard scenario. This is greater than I even imagined it could be. This is glorious.

[@kennenite2092]

The land train would be amazing to just have as a mobile base while scrapping!

[@chriswoodend2036]

@@kennenite2092 Right? And some cargo cars to drive from place to place trading parts and stuff.

[@jajwarehouse1]

That second engine jiggling reminds me of the Soul Train dancing.

[@roadtrain_]

Extension braking is the correct term and I absolutely adore that it's an actual thing even in SE. I'm definitely stealing that trick. Another thing that might help is adding a DP unit: Distributed power. Basically, a locomotive in the middle of your train, which could probably help with the wobble (so basically, just setting a small amount of override on the wheels). Also, for ease of use of your water tower I suggest adding a second hinge that will give you left/right movement, because it will drastically increase the tolerance on it.

[@ArrowDynamicsX]

As soon as I saw the trike designed like a Reliant Robin, I knew it would tip. Try the two wheels in front, one in back instead.

[@Its_just_Dave.]

Absolutely love it! The train is way better than I had imagined. The water tower refilling station just adds more awesomeness. I would think it pretty funny if one of your decoys could be a “jet pack”. Since your personal jet packs can’t be used, it would be interesting if you had to build one that could be “worn” with a seat on the front and all the stuff behind the seat so it looks like the engineer is wearing it.

[@kylebennett7518]

Loving how each carriage is totally different. looks like a lot of fun.

[@geoffsutton78]

"Steampunk" Locomotive describes this layout perfectly. I love it!

[@89Phish]

for your trike you should have 2 wheels at the front and one in the rear, its a far more stable platform for cornering. lowering the saddle cockpit would also help the CG

[@89Phish]

Also thinking: what's wrong with 1x1s?

[@mandyspence1599]

Yep, that train is amazing - needs a whistle though. For your distraction, perhaps you could make mini Absconders? I mean, that bike was awesome and intended to draw your enemies away from your more important buildings and vehicles.

[@Splitsie]

Absconders would be pretty cool, though quite expensive to make and each one would be bigger than a rail car, even if I tried to shrink it a bit from the original design :D

[@jinxshaddix]

Watching the train as a SE veteran, how far it has come. I remember when planets and Wheels was introduced and how clipy it was! 😅

[@jackprice6599]

I can’t thank you enough to want to use a water tower for recharging! The train is powered by Guzzoline!

[@Player-lk1pm]

thank you, splitsie, for that survival maybe flashback! lovely memories!

[@slopes09]

To go full in on the old train concept, you should add a button on the top of each car that activates the parking brake. Then have your crew jump across the roofs to brake the train!

[@tinytexasfarm]

For the hitch settings, try changing your max angles. I have had success with 38 degrees yaw, 25 degrees pitch, and 10 degrees roll. Turn the hitches "off," and ensure everything is "share inertia tensor." These settings should mitigate the "floppies." Add in extensive braking, and the subgrid wheel control script. Only power the front two locomotives. Too many powered cars will give you other issues when turning. Your wheel and friction setting are on point. Love the series, keep it up!

[@Splitsie]

I'm glad I have at least learnt how to set up the wheel friction for this stuff, took me far too long in previous builds to work out the whole 'don't have lots of friction on the front wheels' thing :D

[@tinytexasfarm]

@@Splitsie SE physics has its own learning curve. 😄

[@zzzires5045]

Water tower needs a small platform by the ladder possibly a helm visually Organise 2 trains, one dedicated with the heaviest guns to lead and cause chaos whilst the trailing mines/carrys decoy runners. Starting with 2 seperate targets should give the best chance first attempt

[@jameswiley7438]

There should be a platform with the classic pitched roof and benches under for passengers. Old U.S, wild west style.

[@TVT.v1entetain]

Operation Sandstinger is going smoothly

[@fredpryde8555]

the water tank looks awesome the whole train is amazing

[@TomPrickVixen]

My idea was to place 2 drills at the back of the last car, facing down in a fixed position, and the train can just go over the ice patches while "harvesting" some as it moves. Also a decoy idea: U know those "unknown signal" crates that one that looks like a large ball, and when u get close it start rolling like crazy do to a overwritten gyro; how about something similar?

[@Dagonius.]

Great work on the Doom-Train! Looks so cool!

[@tuftyindigo]

Thoughts on the train: 1. If your limit on train size is the power in the loco, could you weld a second loco to it, so that the loco is about twice the length, weight, and wheels of the wagons? That way you wouldn't need Whip's SWCS and the problems that come with running it on a server. 2. I wonder if there's some way to sense the orientation of the train to automatically disable the extension braking when you're going uphill and increase it when you're going downhill. Ideas for the water tower: 1. Use corner LCDs to put some train-themed text on the sides. 2. If you have access to projectors, project an alignment guide on the floor to help you line up the train when parking; or if not, coloured small-grid plates (like the ZM stickers) might be safe enough to run over. I hope you find any of these ideas helpful! Even if you don't use them directly, I'll be happy if they inspire other new ideas to develop the build(s).

[@TheWoofus]

I like how splitsie uploads while I sleep. It gives me something to watch while eating breakfast!

[@HoundRogerson]

@Splitsie When you were speaking of the silliness of the powering of the Road Train, I was reminded of Back To The Future 3... If Doc Brown can turn a steam locomotive into a flying time machine, I don't think using a water tower for a steam engine to hook up a jet-reinforced, diesel-form train engine is all THAT goofy :) :P I'm really enjoying this series, and I've gone back and started to rewatch your old Survival, Maybe series as well.

[@AkimboOrphans]

I'm not done with the video, but in case you haven't done it and/or nobody else suggests it; I think that if you add just a *touch* of braking override (maybe 10-20%?) to the rear car (or a gradient to all past the first/first few, e.g. 2% on say the 4th, then 4% on the 5th or 6th, 6% on the 6th or 8th, etc. or whatever % actually works for however long it ends up without removing too much power). It will increase stability and remove that wobble. Same idea as having rear braking while going downhill, but it will keep it "taut" and give you greater control. you could even set it on only the rear pair of wheels on each car (other than the first few) have it so that you can still get propulsion from the rest of them.

[@KaedysKor]

I think what the water tower needs is a pipe leading up into it, right in the center, between the pillars. Would give it a bit more weight, and make it look like it's fed from somewhere, too. A pair of flanged round conveyor pipes would work pretty well, though I'm sure there are other options.

[@AndresaLiorcoiloin]

For reversing the train, the caboose should have a helm too

[@arcticfox9795]

I love the train. It awesome to see something so massive come together and work (in spite of SE's finicky nature)!

[@waveclaw]

If you replace the head of the drill on the Dog Excavator from 18:31 with a grip assembly, you might be able to pick and place the turret. Might, as I expect it could just tip over the cars trying to pull that off and drop it down without outriggers.

[@ralphsexton8531]

@Splitsie - if you add one of your small flatmo's to the nose of your engine with slight override, that may help out. Also, if you add a flatbed in front of and behind the Dog excavator car for clearance, that gives you somewhere to put your hover bikes!

[@erthwermmusic]

The recharge point for the train could be built like a commuter station! Everyone could board the train from the station, where the train charges :)

[@BGP369]

add a small bit of resistance to rolling on the end cab wheels. it will help to keep the entire train from wobbling.

[@chadp6307]

I had thought the fuel depot's rotor was put there not only to convert to small grid but to also give lateral movement to the spout, but then you covered it up. Adding a lateral facing hinge at the beginning of the spout would make up for it. Using a piston to compensate for distance parked from the depot would save from having to drive around and trying to line up again, possibly several times. Either that, or build "guide walls" so you are lining up at the same distance every time. Old water tower depots were open at the top to collect rain, so having a roof on yours looks out of place. The ladder was a nice touch and the truss beams for depot legs do look the part better than the bulky beams. The hover bikes might not work for what you were thinking, but building a few of them to use for a hover bike race in a future competition like the block-stacking event you held would be fun.

[@deadbeatlegionnaire47]

For the water tower, a pipe endcap somewhere, maybe the bottom, would give the illusion of an access point\drain.

[@faithlessone4694]

If you want more stability with 3 wheels, put the 2 in front and 1 in the rear for less tipping. Love the vids and the creativity!

[@HOMadsen]

I love this train ! It look totaly like a Mad Max vehicle 😂 Sooo cool !!!

[@shaneedwards596]

Train 'S' for Spectacular Splitsie Service for all those railway needs 😀

[@murrayboyton8779]

32:30 - Tuskan Raiders travel in single file to hide their numbers....

[@Mad_Hat_was_taken]

Might check the batteries on extra train cars. I had a series of battery packs connected together with connectors and I had to enable Override Power Transfer on the connectors to get the batteries to charge.

[@TheArtlessBodger]

If you put a breaking thruster on the final car in a train and enable the dampeners, it'll reduce the chance of the train swaying and bouncing around at speed and make going down hills a lot safer.

[@zysis]

It's called a trailer brake mate. Our country has the largest road trains in the world. Also, the largest trucks in the world. Our Zinc truck, which a mate drives is nine trailers or bogies long. It takes 2km to come to a stop and sometimes the last bogie spins and the driver just keeps going. It's a custom truck on a custom road that does 4 trips a day (The 3B centipede). Yep. It's trailer brakes and every truck and 4+ wheeled trailer has them. On a train, that's what the caboose is; a braking system for the entire train. An old train didn't stop via the engine, it was the caboose that did it. Never heard the term "extension brake" and even a shunter mate in WA says he's never heard the term either. Any truckie worth a pinch will tell you speed wobbles are caused by the weight trying to overtake the prime mover. The same rules would apply in your rig, as it's not locomotion on rails. The way to combat that is either speed up to 'chase the weight' or simply apply the trailer brake. Trucks use an exhaust brake on the prime mover with air brakes on the rear two of three wheels in Australia. By braking the rear, you 'pull' the bogies back in line. Only one bogie is the caboose, which does braking but not always. There is generally a rod system to allow each bogie to brake. The Oriental Express had a mid-braking system at one point but generally there's just one caboose and the rest are carriages. When you change speed, you'll get wobbles mostly going downhill. I've seen first hand a trailer next to the prime mover, terrifying but not uncommon esp. in Canada where roads are ice, the brake doesn't work so the bogie can't slow down. One method I'd use is when you decelerate is to have brakes apply, that or drag two wheels at the back that are fully locked. It's not like you are burning rubber or wearing down tyres.

[@BadgerBishop]

It's a nice train, even looks the part!

[@gum__]

You could make the area surrounding the water tower more interesting as to draw less attention to the tower itself. Make it a proper train station, with a platform so passengers can get on / off more easily. Optionally have more platforms where several trains can stop and refuel at once. Create a paths for the passengers to get to the bar (so they can easily offload their plushies 🙂).

[@n0bl3hunt3r]

It is seriously awesome that SE models real train physics emergently. Since I assume the devs never imagined this madness. Almost as awesome as the train itself.

[@n0bl3hunt3r]

Also, there’s a reason nothing in the real world is that long without being on rails or water.

[@tuftyindigo]

Real-world train physics is also emergent. God also never imagined this madness!

[@Meyoni]

For a ‘stable’ hovercraft take a look at wheel setup on the snowmobile in the Frostbite scenario

[@ultmateragnarok8376]

11:55 If the drones target center of mass, could you technically build a turret that always faces one which is basically a big ring, so its center of mass is in the open space, and the drones would just shoot through it indefinitely? What would absolutely improve the water tower is a pipe on the center block beneath it. Maybe not the conveyor pipeline ones, as they're really big, but something just for the decoration aspect. I think the tower would also simply look better alongside a full station for the train - if you made it like a proper boarding platform, perhaps with two tracks due to its length so you can leave the reserve cars in a separate dock rather than taking up your recharge point. Some spiky cranes for both the visual of unloading and construction, and it'll be perfect. You could make a flatbed car or three into a refueling and perhaps fuel processing dock for the rocket, too.

[@Bubbarain717]

For the water tower, you could add conveyors down from the center of the tower. A little more hight on the tank might be good as well.

[@Arctisian]

It's definitely too late to suggest this now but I think it could've been really cool to have two entrances to the compound. The idea would be to have the train station run the length of the compound with a rail bridge over both sides. That way the train could pull inside the compound and continue driving straight to pull out. Additionally, you could have a bit of detail in building a train station to the side of the water tower which I think would add a small bit of context I feel the tower is currently missing

[@filips.6482]

Well now you need a train station!

[@AchingScaphoid]

A shiny and chrome road train. The only way this could get more aussie is if you somehow added a shrine to Steve Irwin and some vegemite.

[@BobTheTrollKing]

Splitsie's on a train/trailer kick lately and I'm all for it.

[@Muave-t7m]

For you hover bike I have built similar things I found the angling the wheels using a rotor was very good it added stability and lowered the center of mass the only downside might be some weird server interaction with wheels on a rotor or hinges

[@user-ve5ei2xe8h]

Maybe a few downward thrusters in some of the cars might improve stability. Also: making every second coupling a fixed one (Basically merging the cars in pairs) would cut your number of grids in half.

[@Pystro]

I know I'm writing this after episode 21 is already out, but I wouldn't have relied on the rearmost car's brakes to keep the wobbles down. It keeps your speed down quite drastically; Which is what you need for this collection run, but not what you'll want for the assault run(s). I would have increased the braking force on the hinges instead. You found out that it works with 4 times more than you ended up using (by forgetting to switch your hinges off). Now, the braking force on the hinges may not work perfectly (because it also wants to keep the train bent when it happens to be bent), but if you run into those problems you could re-introduce caboose breaking. Also, I'd probably put braking only on the front wheels of each carriage, as those are supposed to be at lower friction anyways.

[@drag0nmare]

I'm adoring this train motif!

[@MysteriouSpace]

For the water tower, maybe use the fish tank block for the sides to show water?

[@midnightbonbon5591]

you could run double trains and double te chance of returning with ice. Just a idea. As for your bridges if you get them high enough you could get the train to go below them into a station like proper stations irl.

[@darthbuzz1]

Put the spinning sign on top of the water tower that someone took ages to make you and you have so far ignored. Grrr!

[@Splitsie]

I had been planning to put it above the bar, but the water tower could work too :)

[@darthbuzz1]

@@Splitsie WOOHOOO!

[@jajwarehouse1]

A couple of thoughts I have, a large battery in the water tower would be funny, and elevated train tracks encircling the entire base to park the train on would look cool. Bonus points if you could get the train to autonomously follow the path of the elevated tracks so that it can drive round and round like an RC train, stopping at the water tower every so often to refill.

[@tokusutakechi7632]

that seems ... ambitious xD

[@martinwyke]

You have two of everything, two locomotives, two storage, two turret cars and two drills. I think the legs of the power tower should be longer, so it's higher.

[@ronaldfutcher7239]

You can always use teh large flat thrusters to be able to help deploy the, "deployable turret".

[@NShredder]

Maybe should invest a solar array carriage, folded in for travelling and when parked can charge for when you're offline, a few pistons to give it height over the rest of the carrage or expand width wise

[@illuminations_of_sorrow2672]

For the scout bikes, 2 front wheels and 1 back would make it more stable, especially for steering.

[@Hellscream420]

I think you should a a small flatmo on the last car to consistently pull back, also the water tower looks great but its legs seem too small, loving the train!!!

[@CloudHindlen]

You are going to have a problem with friendly fire if you aren't careful with all those auto turrets. They need to see the whole train as friendly.

[@Splitsie]

The whole thing is owned by me and our only enemies should be in the sky, which will hopefully reduce the risk of damage to our own stuff. Though tbh, the turrets are there more to distract than to destroy

[@spyke1890]

You need a terminal now for the train! Seats, signage and bathrooms for your passengers...

[@voidphilosopher42]

You may want to add a sign to the bathroom car. A very real sign in old bathrooms of old trains reads: "No usar si el tren esta en movimiento" "Do not use while the train is in motion" There is a good reason for it, old trains did not have a plumbing system, the waste was thrown directly down, the problem of the motion was that, well... The splash that made maintenance crew jobs.... Let's say harder. Problem is, trains at the time were slow, and in some cases, they only stopped at mayor stations because it was hard to get the train going again. So a train could go on for half a day straight. There is a fantastic graffiti answer to this sign by an unknown passenger: "Me causa sorpresa y congojo este anuncio estrafalario, pues ha de saber la empresa que el culo no tiene horario" Which roughly translates to: "This outlandish sign causes me surprise and distress, for the company must know, that the arse has no schedule"

[@NathanGibbs3]

Train needs a party car with proximity activated fun music. :-)

[@renevile]

11:20 if your train gets too long and unstable, perhaps make rigid connections on half of the links so instead of right now you have 2 trains and 6 cars you link them 2 and 2 so you end up with 1 train and 3 cars but it looks excatly the same as now. perhaps you need to weaken the suspension in the middle so the longer cars dosen't sesaw over a sharp edge.

[@m4c0br]

Water towers are so simple IRL. Honestly, I was expecting a train station... 😄

[@Splitsie]

I was planning a full on station but didn't want to further delay the train journey given how long I knew it would take me to build the station :D

[@m4c0br]

@@Splitsie I love that kind of compromise you can make. It takes a lot of effort for me to drop an idea and come up with a simpler one like that... 😅

[@mattp1337]

Yep, save your atmo thrusters to make flying ice miner gunships on polar expedition #4.

[@Exile_066]

I think you should ask one of your mates to make there own engine to drive in both trains together, or maybe a 3rd if you think that it'll be needed; having them design their engines is so they'll be familiar with the controls

[@paul_8472]

Don't worry, Splitie. Doc Brown would be impressed with your Mad Max, Polar Express, hover train.😅 even if it doesn't have a flux capacitor on it yet.

[@camerondocherty4244]

Might be a good Idea to have two trains for the expedition. That way your eggs arent all in the same basket

[@OccamsRaygun00]

It seems like not salvaging enough of the rail bridge sections to build a bridge over the base that the whole train can park on is a real missed opportunity.

[@PeterVanCampenhout-h6o]

I think a station or depot would add nicely to the water tower.

[@karelmclean1164]

Hey Splits, loving the series. You might want to start getting everyone to delivering any hydrogen/oxygen parts to you so that you can get an idea of how you want to build the escape rocket. Personally, I'd suggest making a massive booster rocket section then attach a three or more block expanded bus section as the control/seating area.

[@ProWhitaker]

Thanks for the video

[@bioboy1819]

32:25 I just had to boot up SE and play after seeing that.

[@armastat]

reminiscent of 'Petticoat Junction's' water tower (look it up)

[@ethanhahn5621]

Hi Guy who knows a lot about trains The reason why the road train does that snaking motion is because as you make ting movements it gets transferred to the rest of the cars and intensifies, the faster you go the more unstable the train is Going slow and applying your breaks in all cars is how I’d prevent you from crashing and burning

[@Oearth]

Train looks amazing!!! ...but I agree that second car wobble is ???

[@Splitsie]

It's so weird, but it's consistent with the gigantic rover in wrong way up, I don't know what it is about second cars in these chains that causes the jitter

[@Hollowsoldi3r]

Could always be grain instead of water. Maybe even spice like in dune since its mostly a desert planet...I'm also surprised you didn't connect to the whole base with conveyers to unload the ice later...I imagined an uderground pipe connection to base from water tower.... but cool either way. Loving the series!

[@gggoose4121]

Cmon splitsie go all in bring all the cars

[@jkirkwood2018]

You could set all the "engines" wheels to a single group then use "Propulsion Override" on the hot bar to make them go :)

[@Punnikin1969]

Mental Max: Beyond Clangdome

[@chadrickglossup7535]

Suggestion: Use the train bridges for a charging/parking spot. Lower them and line them up under the water tower. Not sure if that will work or too labour intensive.

[@randallvolk8437]

You could line the train cars up like at a parking lot and and as a team you guys choose which ones go on what train, if make, or obtain another locomotive or two, you could just have tow complete train!

[@pkwork]

So satisfying!!!

[@DJ_NOOB]

I think that you need to make the lead locomotive larger. Often times the engine is larger than the cars it is pulling. Right now you can't really tell the first car is actually the engine car. Just a thought.

[@kevinspyrle5538]

It would be epic to take the whole train.