better to build train tracks on ground or elevated platforms?

[Lou]

i've built my first train tracks this game and the tracks are on very high elevated platforms, then i have seen a lets play where the guy had all the tracks on the ground.

what is the better variant?

[▰▰ Kkaengi ▰▰]

better in what way?

in my opinion for optimised factorys and perfect performance.... everythink on a sky platform... like... everything

better looking on the other hand? ground rails or small bridges. something fitting for the terrain

[TH3R4BB!T]

Monorails are best looking when elevated, the stations however are better placed when on ground level of the factory, so you can easily transport the products inside the factory

[HuMaNgUtAn]

It is better to build everything on foundations. Not necessarily elevated.

[Zak]

Originally posted by ▰▰ Kkaengi ▰▰:

everything on a sky platform... like... everything

Elevated platforms solve all problems with space and object placement. Building right on the ground gives you a more lowkey, organic feel but is not sustainable due to to ground curvature. You will soon find that you're running out space. Only elevated platforms will provide plenty of flat space since you can't flatten the ground.

[Kimo]

Also, if you use road vehicles, they need to be able to cross rail lines.
So, elevated is best for future proveness.

[Fenix]

I built a tunnel for mine
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3347955990
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3347956107

[🎮AliveSince1961🎮]

I don't lay the track directly on the ground, but leave a space and try to keep the rails as horizontal as possible.

I use 1m and 2m ramps for the slope, as 3m slows down the train too much.

[anmana]

No correct answer to this one in my opinion.

I like pushing tracks through the nature and just put a set of foundations where the tracks need to connect, sometimes foundations aren´t even neccessary. Sometimes I like a clean smooth looking Trainline for which I would put the tracks on stelts and use some tricks to get the foundtions look perfect (2 pillars under the curved track, then use foundations to get the curving right), sometimes I go into the sky and don´t even bother trying to be physically correct...as long as you like your builds and they do what they are supposed to it is fine.

So, it all comes down to your personally preference. Want a smooth clean looking track? That´ll cost you some extra time, especially when you want to decorate or build some nice looking buildins around.
Want things done without even bothering the look? Smash those tracks on the bottom or support the connecting ends with foundations for better control.

[Evilsod]

Originally posted by Lou Zephyr:

i've built my first train tracks this game and the tracks are on very high elevated platforms, then i have seen a lets play where the guy had all the tracks on the ground.

what is the better variant?

Do you want quick, or do you want pretty?

Building rails on the terrain looks awful because it doesn't follow the ground, so you end up with floating sections, clipping sections, etc. everywhere.
But it takes no effort to do. You can drag the rails almost anywhere you want, the train will happily move through the terrain too.

Creating elevated platforms that you can design yourself (likely aligned with the world grid) will look so much better, but take a lot of time, and ultimately work exactly the same way.

[Grandaddypurple]

Originally posted by ▰▰ Kkaengi ▰▰:

everythink on a sky platform... like... everything

lemme puke real quick