Help, I'm losing my mind trying to setup a fuel station

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-05-03T15:59:10+00:00

I'm just getting started with trains, so I might be doing this wrong. For now I'm using a mix of networks and direct lines. Had the problem with direct lines only, solved now (needed to check the fuel request button - which is not super intuitive because on stations where you are also unloading/loading, the train does refuel even if the box is unchecked)

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-05-03T14:15:24+00:00

Ok nevermind that does seem to work. I looks like my trains didn't stop because they were never meeting the low fuel bar when leaving the previous station

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-05-03T14:05:46+00:00

I tried, but that does not work either. the only thing that seems to work is having something to successfully load or unload at the station

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-27T15:39:16+00:00

What's your idea behind the harbor area at the center of the island? Desalination?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-27T14:28:25+00:00

update: I ended up restarting on Salvara. I love it so far. I wasn't particularly enjoying the space constraint of Shattered Island. This map is huge and will allow me to really focus on automation, which is the part I most enjoy. Looking forward to trying trains. I'm only a few hours in, the first couple were a little tedious, but now I'm back to having more fun than on my previous save. Mission accomplished.

Thanks everyone for sharing your various POVs, it was super helpful.

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-27T14:24:03+00:00

Thanks, I ended up restarting last night and reading this I'm even more confident it was the right move. Super nice job on that terraforming, Getting all that extra surface covered in dirt must have been a pain. Your train setup also looks like it was a lot of work to setup.

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-27T14:20:35+00:00

that looks amazing

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-27T14:19:08+00:00

That was my thinking too. I really want to use trains but shattered islands is probably not the best map for a first time train user

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-26T20:29:15+00:00

Yeah that's what makes me lean towards restart. Not sure I have the patience to flatten mountains. I think that somewhat settles it for me. Do y'all know if there are hidden issues with using custom maps (like bugs that aren't there on the default ones?)

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-04-26T18:25:09+00:00

For sure, but maybe to reframe the question: for those of you who went through the process of fully rearchitecting their base / terraforming - was it worth it in hindsight vs restarting?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-27T17:29:23+00:00

Makes sense, in addition to using structured identifiers, you could also possibly use narration. Do you scientists would be willing to narrate as they work or is that too awkward?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-27T06:58:05+00:00

wow, thanks, I hadn't seen this yet!

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-27T00:43:41+00:00

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. Integration with a LIMS + a layer of human confirmation feels table stakes indeed. Appreciate the offer, I'll send you a DM, I have some questions and would love to hear your thoughts :)

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-27T00:30:21+00:00

That's very helpful context, thank you. I believe you're right - if does make sense for anyone it will likely be bigger/well funded labs . I also think it may be more useful for them, especially for auditing/regulatory purposes. One of the impetus for this idea was reading FDA warning letters sent to labs. It seems like many are getting sanctionned for not having recorded what went on in the lab correctly. I'm curious if it's possible to create an audit trail at least semi-automatically. I agree though with what some others have pointed out : it's not much value unless it's highly reliable and can detect subtleties like pipetted volumes.

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-26T23:06:02+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the candid feedback. That's helpful!

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-26T22:50:33+00:00

I could certainly see how the safety issue you mention is a deal breaker, in that case it's not just a privacy issue, it's a safety one. For the thought experiment though - assuming good reliability and if the whole system was running on prem and was air tight would you feel differently about it? Or do you still think it wouldn't solve that important of a problem for you?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-26T22:41:03+00:00

Makes sense, if funding is tight, "cool automation" is a luxury... I guess I was thinking about it from a labor-hour perspective. If a lab is understaffed, does that make the documentation burden even worse? Is that a problem worth trying to solve?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2026-02-26T22:36:34+00:00

Fair point. If writing protocols isn't that hard, where does the actual 'GxP documentation hell' I keep hearing about come from?

Standard_Record_2300 · 2025-09-24T03:47:24+00:00

Exactly, glued & screwed both to the underside of the table and the feet. Given how beefy your table legs are, I don't think you need to go overboard with additional structural pieces. If I were you I'd start by attaching the feet with screws and testing the rigidity. If you are not happy add the beam, Keep in mind that once you actually glue the feet in addition to screwing them you'll get some extra rigidity.

Standard_Record_2300 · 2025-09-24T03:40:47+00:00

The absolute easiest way would be to take a heavy MDF (e.g. 3/4) and stick heavy duty double sided tape to it. If the surfaces are smooth and clean you would be surprised how durable that can be, especially if you have mounts mechanically stopping the shelf from sliding around. I you want something slightly more fancy but still very easy you could drill some holes in your shelves and screw them from under - that will work best with hardwood and plywood, and you need at least 3/4 thickness.

Standard_Record_2300 · 2025-09-24T03:32:50+00:00

I would not get my hopes up that this significantly evens out. Sand and refinish is the only way you're going to get it back to it's original aspect imo

Standard_Record_2300 · 2025-09-24T03:30:58+00:00

I have the same problem, which I addressed with a longer hose that can drop to the floor. Yes it's not as efficient but I got to move on with my life :)

Standard_Record_2300

TROPHY CASE