Factorio Forums

TL;DR

Show some type of numerical indicator when placing new signals/stations, for how many train cars can fit between signals/stations.

What ?

When placing a new signal or train station (or ghost), numerically display how many train cars (regardless of type) can fit between the potential placement, and the next signal/station before or after it.

Having the numbers rotate with different arrow directions would solve the "does left mean up or down". I'm not a UI/UX guy, so I don't have a suggested solution for how to implement that, unfortunately.

Why ?

Visual feedback is king.

This makes adjusting things on-the-fly much easier, especially for long trains and/or signals which go off screen. It allows for visualizing things more easily and quickly.

It'd be especially helpful for signals in front, so that you don't have to plan things out in a specific direction or meticulously down to the singular rail placement. Lay it out, place the signals, then add a track or two if necessary at the end.

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Could be also a number like tiles beetween last and to set signal. that would be helpful not only for planing a station but also to place signals on a track that made sure there is enough space between each signal for a train. For straight tracks it is easy to make a short blueprint and carry that around, but for a curve its a little bit annoying. So i like the suggestion.

I think a mod should work to achive that to show how useful it is.

It can be done as mod in 0.17!

It can even be done as a mod in 0.16 ! ( And was )

I didn't even know I needed this until I read your suggestion.
This would be an amazing addition to the ALT view mode or when hovering over a rail signal/train stop.

Thank you for adding more train cars to the display in 0.17.0!!!

I need this to happen!!!

I mean numeric amount of cars somewhere where the cursor is. Because I can't see all displayed cars on the screen for lengths over 8.

Well, looks like the mod has been updated to 0.17 ?

To the rail tools mod: tested about half year ago, removed it, too many bugs.

Edited for clarity (I hope), and added a better image.

Boskid, any interest in this for 1.2 while you're poking around with the train stuff?

This would be very nice and helpful to have!

I would really love to have this. Never counting cars by hand again.

I was actually going to post a similar suggestion, to add the numbers to the existing train-length visualization when placing signals or stations. But this one's even better, because I can't see the end of the train if I'm not zoomed out, or using very long trains. Would love to see this in the game!