Trains are an essential part of any successful Factorio factory. As your factory grows, setting up an efficient train network becomes key to connecting far-flung resource patches and production facilities. One important component of trains are the train stops themselves. Train stops allow trains to load and unload cargo, as well as re-fuel. When placing train stops, players can choose from a variety of different colors to help organize their rail network.
The Default Train Stop Colors
Factorio offers four default colors for train stops: red, green, blue, and yellow. Each color is distinct and easily identifiable at a glance. Here is a quick overview of the default train stop colors in Factorio:
| Color | RGB Code |
|---|---|
| Red | 255, 0, 0 |
| Green | 0, 255, 0 |
| Blue | 0, 0, 255 |
| Yellow | 255, 255, 0 |
These default colors allow players to set up color-coded rail networks right from the start. For example, red stops could collect iron ore, green for copper, blue for steel, and yellow for coal. The colors are distinct enough to identify at a distance without blending together.
Using Colors to Organize Train Networks
Choosing colors for train stops serves several useful purposes in Factorio:
- Quick identification of stop purpose – Different colors allow easy recognition of what material a stop handles.
- Coordination of multiple trains – Unique colors help trains path to the correct stops.
- Designating production areas – Color zones help delineate different factory sections.
- Mapping rail networks – Color coding aids in mapping out complex rail grids.
Organizing train stops by color is one of the most common practices in Factorio. It provides clarity into base layout and train movements at a glance. Keeping consistent color patterns is key. For example, always using red stops for iron pickup and green for copper dropoff.
Using More Colors with Mods
While the four default colors are useful, many players want more options for their train networks. Several Factorio mods add additional train stop colors to choose from:
- Color Coding – Adds cyan, pink, purple, gray, brown, and black stops.
- More Colors – Includes magenta, orange, pink, and lime green stops.
- Expanded Color Lamps – Provides over 20 additional lamp colors for customization.
These mods give players greater ability to differentiate stop purposes and designate specific factory sections. For very large rail networks with dozens of trains, having extra colors available helps tremendously in organization.
Common Color Schemes for Train Networks
While players can use any color system they choose, some common schemes have emerged for organizing train networks:
- Resource Type – Use a different color for each mined resource, such as red for iron, green for copper, etc.
- Factory Section – Color code for key factory areas, like red for smelting, blue for production, yellow for fuel creation.
- Train Purpose – Designate colors based on train function, like red for freight, green for fuel transport, blue for delivery.
- Geographic Region – Use colors to define different regions or branches of the rail network.
Blending these approaches is common, such as using red stops for all iron pickup regardless of location. Some players forego a structured system entirely, choosing colors arbitrarily just to differentiate stops. However, most players recommend sticking to some sort of consistent system when first establishing a rail network in Factorio.
Tips for Color Coding Train Stops
To get the most benefit from color coding train stops, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan the color scheme early before building your rail network.
- Use distinct colors that stand out and won’t be confused.
- Be consistent in applying colors to avoid mix-ups.
- Use map pins and blueprint labels to note color systems.
- Add new colors gradually if expanding an established rail network.
Advanced players will often have highly refined color systems for their massive rail grids. They may use up to 20 different colors to precisely identify every single train stop purpose and factory section. With proper color coding, even the most spaghetti-like rail networks take on an orderly appearance.
Conclusion
Color coding train stops is an invaluable organizational tool in Factorio. The default red, green, blue and yellow stops provide a solid foundation. Mods like Color Coding or More Colors add further customization options. Most players adopt some logical convention for using colors, whether by resource type, factory area, train purpose or geographic region. With a consistent and well-planned approach, color coding train stops helps tame even the most tangled rail networks. The ability to take one glance at the map and instantly identify what material gets loaded where makes train logistics smooth and headache-free. When it comes to organzing complex rail grids, color coding stops provides the visual clarity and order that Factorio factories need.
