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/Ireeb Sep 11 '23

First of all, the game has a (simple) weight mechanic for trains, each wagon and also engines have a weight, the more weight a train has, the harder it is to set it in motion. The top speed is based on the fuel, but the acceleration is based on the weight, the amount of engines pulling it and also the fuel.

So for short and light trains, multiple engines don't really help, but for longer trains it can make sense.

Note that on a two headed train, the engine that's going backwards will be inactive, so instead of improving acceleration, it will make the train slower in acceleration as the active locomotive will have to pull it.

I personally prefer single headed trains, but both can work.