Originally shared on the public FactorioPrints / Factorio School archive (factorioprints.com · factorio.school). Authorship preserved from the public catalog.
Simple Smart Trains Based on LTN
Now Works For Fluid Trains!
This setup comes with stations, depots, and some basic track blueprints to efficiently manage train logistics in your network.
Train Station Setup Guide
This guide walks you through setting up a system of Depot, Requester, and Provider stations for trains of different sizes. Each station type is part of an interconnected circuit network to facilitate automated item requests and deliveries.
Step 1: Set Up the Depot
Choose a train size: Place a Depot blueprint based on the train size you want to use (available sizes are 2, 4, or 8).
Connect the Depot station: This blueprint includes the Depot station, where trains wait for new requests, and a pre-configured train schedule.
Circuit connection: Use a red wire to connect the Depot station (via the train stop) to the network. This connection allows the Depot to receive item requests and dispatch trains as needed.
Step 2: Set Up Requester Stations
Place a Requester blueprint: Select the correct train size for the Requester blueprint (e.g., size 2, 4, or 8) then turn it on by switching on combinator with the requested Item.
Note: The Requester station size must match the Depot and Provider station sizes. For example, a size 2 Requester needs a size 2 Depot and size 2 Provider.
Configure station settings:
Requested item: Specify the item(s) to be requested from the Provider stations.
Requested train loads: Set this value to 2 (recommended) or higher, depending on how many train loads the station requires.
Train capacity: Set the maximum number of trains the station can handle at once, based on demand and station limits.
Circuit connection: Connect the Requester station to the circuit network with a red wire (via the Big Electric Pole).
Tip: You can use radars to extend red wire connections across long distances instead of using power poles.
Step 3: Set Up Provider Stations
Place a Provider blueprint: Select the correct Provider blueprint to match your train size (e.g., size 2, 4, or 8).
Note: The Provider station size must also match the sizes of the Depot and Requester.
Configure station settings:
Provided item: Specify the item that will be made available to Requester stations.
Train capacity: Set the maximum number of trains that the Provider station can manage at once.
Circuit connection: Connect the Provider station to the circuit network using a red wire (via the Big Electric Pole).
Providers will automatically cancel requests once a train is dispatched to a Requester station.
Additional Notes
Multiple train sizes can operate side by side within the same network. However, each train size requires at least one Depot and one Provider of the same size to fulfill any requests.
For instance, to fulfill a size 2 Requester’s request, you’ll need at least one size 2 Depot and one size 2 Provider within the network.
Track blueprints provide simple, pre-configured track layouts with circuit connections to efficiently link Requester, Provider, and Depot stations. These blueprints are optimized for streamlined setup, but feel free to substitute other blueprints that might better suit your base layout.
Refuel stations ensure trains automatically refuel when fuel levels drop below a certain threshold. Place multiple refuel stations throughout your base as needed to avoid any train delays due to low fuel.
With these steps completed, your stations should be set up to handle requests and deliveries efficiently. Check all connections to avoid interruptions.
How It Works
Requester stations send out item signals via the circuit network when they need a resource. The Requester station activates with a train limit set to either the station’s train capacity or the requested train load count, whichever is appropriate.
Provider stations set their train limit based on the station’s capacity or requested train load count, whichever is higher. Once a request is active, the Provider sends out a train to fulfill it.
Train Path and Request Fulfillment
When a request is made, the train follows a predefined route to pick up and deliver the requested item. The route sequence is:
Depot [size] → The train starts at the Depot of the matching train size.
[item] Provider [size] → The train goes to a Provider station to pick up the requested item.
[item] Requester [size] → The train delivers the item to the Requester station.
Depot [size] → After delivery, the train returns to the Depot to await further requests.
This setup enables multiple train sizes to work seamlessly within the same network, dynamically responding to requests based on configured limits.
Stations Overview
Depot
Depots serve as waiting spots for trains between tasks. When placing the Depot blueprint, the train comes preloaded with the relevant schedule. Make sure to connect the station to the network using a red wire.
Provider
Providers supply items requested by the network. Place the Provider blueprint, set up the required parameters, and connect it to the circuit network using a red wire on a large power pole.
Requester
Requesters signal for items from Providers. Place the Requester blueprint, configure the requested item and train settings, and connect it to the circuit network with a red wire on a large power pole.
Support
If you run into any issues or bugs, feel free to comment below or DM me on Discord: toothlessbrush.
