better to have the train tracks on ground or elevated?

[Lou]

i am about to build the train to connect some nice areas with my (elevated) main base.
is it better to build the tracks on the ground or doesn't it matter at all?

[LazerRay]

It would be situational based with what you are running the tracks through, if there are a lot of obstacles go elevated, if the terrain is relatively flat with few obstructions you can lay the track on the ground.

I went with an elevated track between my main base and refineries since I had arches and a jungle in the path (clearing the path would have been tedious and there were spitters and spiders in there to deal with), plus the only place I found room for the stations was on the upper floor of my main factory and on a ledge near my refineries.

[Arch]

I tend to elevate my train tracks. This way I can run vehicles below them without obstructions. Also, I often run conveyor belts just below the tracks to keep things a little neater -- which is also helpful sometimes when bringing conveyor lines to train stations.

[kantalarski]

Elevated. Always. Trains are not good on uphills.

[Tenzek]

Some people insist on the aesthetic of keeping them on the ground. It works just fine if you don't mind a little extra hassle, but for ease of use you'd always want them elevated.

I recommend using an appropriate floor of your main factory as a standard, depending on how high it's elevated. In my case, the 3rd floor of my first major factory was high enough to avoid most obstacles on the map, so I built my first train station even with that. This way, when I extend the tracks out in any direction, the resulting base will connect properly with my main and any other factories attached to the network.

If you do run into a place where you must change elevation, try to do so gradually. Don't go steeper than the 2m ramp, or your tracks won't sit properly on the foundation. Use the 1m ramp if you can.

[Stamgast]

elavated. becouse then there never in the way of cars or trucks if you use them

[Vectorspace]

I elevate mine. The few places where they are at ground level annoy me because the explorer can't cross railway tracks

[DrNewcenstein]

You can put ramps on either side of the tracks where you want to cross, but ideally I'd say elevate the tracks. I use the pillars out in the open just to keep from having to place a string of foundations to try to match the track curves. As well, you can make down-sloped sections to build up speed on the way out, and then upward slopes to assist with braking.

[Tenzek]

Originally posted by Vectorspace:

I elevate mine. The few places where they are at ground level annoy me because the explorer can't cross railway tracks

Just build a bridge over the tracks. Make it a building. Add a cafe. Maybe a tennis court.

[Mist of Majora]

I always put mine elevated for one simple reason - the ground doesn't stay flat. Too many rocks, slopes, and obstructions on the 'ground' level. That way you can get a nice even ride without feeling like a roller coaster (unless that's what aiming to do, in which case go for it haha)

[Vectorspace]

I tell a lie, I have more non-elevated trains, I have my coastal railway line. That runs over the water, just above the water level, all the way from the waterfall in the south to the giant stone arch at the north. Very picturesque

[Veeshan]

There's some good elevated train looks but I just haven't found the one for me yet. I'd really like to place all mine on the ground but I hate when it floats in the air so it's a no-go for me except in rare places. To mods I go!

[JakeURb8ty]

ground and i never let the actual rails clip into it

[LazerRay]

Originally posted by Veeshan:

There's some good elevated train looks but I just haven't found the one for me yet. I'd really like to place all mine on the ground but I hate when it floats in the air so it's a no-go for me except in rare places. To mods I go!

When I built my elevated track, I periodically put pillars under it to make it look anchored to the ground instead of just floating.

[Veeshan]

Originally posted by LazerRay:

Originally posted by Veeshan:

There's some good elevated train looks but I just haven't found the one for me yet. I'd really like to place all mine on the ground but I hate when it floats in the air so it's a no-go for me except in rare places. To mods I go!

When I built my elevated track, I periodically put pillars under it to make it look anchored to the ground instead of just floating.

Yeah there are a few great ways to use pillars specifically but so far they've all left the actual track just suspended, which I don't like. I want every inch of my track supported and just haven't found that perfect look yet. Need more curved pieces!

[tritscwa]

Technically it doesn't matter, but you'll find that putting the tracks on elevated foundations makes your life so much easier in the long run. First it gives you just a nicer look. Next it gives you a reliable unit of measure for turns and such. It also makes determining your hill grade much easier. Also, those foundations can act as a good guide to ensure all your facilities are on the same grid.