Everyone loves the trains in Factorio - right?

[DerivePi]

This is my basic layout for a sorter. It is composed of the following:
- The main loop - I usually use a 4xlength loop although for smaller outposts that require sorting, a single loop (2xlength) is appropriate - the main loop usually gets upgraded to a express belt when practical
- The input - should be located at the midpoint of the main loop and should evenly feed each length of the loop with a splitter (note, the first run will lose some material at the splitters without modification - not a problem for ores)
- The sorted outputs - these outputs are sorted using smart inserters to remove "filtered" items off of the main loop and either directly on to a collector belt or into a buffer chest (shown). Some variations:
- outputs can face either direction (I have them all shown towards the right, but they can face left as easily)
- outputs can be a single inserter per loop length for small quantities of items (only loads one side of the output belt) or, for express belt outputs, a group of 4 inserters per loop length (4 lengths x 4 inserters = 16 at 2 per second to exceed the capacity of an express belt) I have shown a standard 2x4 output with room to grow.
- I have shown a buffered system that provides immediate storage for items removed from the main loop. Although not preferred, the sorter size can be reduced if the buffer storage is not desired (you will learn).

Main problem - input material must be controlled. A continued imbalance of input material may overload it's local storage capacity and jamb the sorter preventing other material from reaching the factory.

[Nova]

Could you upload a real picture of the sorter?

[Urbs]

This is my basic layout for a sorter. It is composed of the following:
- The main loop - I usually use a 4xlength loop although for smaller outposts that require sorting, a single loop (2xlength) is appropriate - the main loop usually gets upgraded to a express belt when practical
- The input - should be located at the midpoint of the main loop and should evenly feed each length of the loop with a splitter (note, the first run will lose some material at the splitters without modification - not a problem for ores)
- The sorted outputs - these outputs are sorted using smart inserters to remove "filtered" items off of the main loop and either directly on to a collector belt or into a buffer chest (shown). Some variations:
- outputs can face either direction (I have them all shown towards the right, but they can face left as easily)
- outputs can be a single inserter per loop length for small quantities of items (only loads one side of the output belt) or, for express belt outputs, a group of 4 inserters per loop length (4 lengths x 4 inserters = 16 at 2 per second to exceed the capacity of an express belt) I have shown a standard 2x4 output with room to grow.
- I have shown a buffered system that provides immediate storage for items removed from the main loop. Although not preferred, the sorter size can be reduced if the buffer storage is not desired (you will learn).

Main problem - input material must be controlled. A continued imbalance of input material may overload it's local storage capacity and jamb the sorter preventing other material from reaching the factory.

wow looks great. Will try something like that today to see how it works. Thank you for sharing!

[Urbs]

I have created something very similar to DerivePi. It works really well. I added more insterters and buffers as the few in the original plan just was not enough.

[Darthlawsuit]

So i herd you like trains so heres my main trainyard for you, Supplies my entire factory

http://i.imgur.com/1q5NGVY.png?1

[Freddie612]

Hey, I'd like to show you my train systems on my map, I have trains pulling 10 cargo wagons

[Zourin]

I will be honest, nearly all train stations benefit from having their own logistic bot network and a pile of drones to do the sorting/loading across the tracks. it saves a LOT of space and brainpower (at the cost of the up-front resources and electrical power). The two go together like peanutbutter and jelly because of the extremely short distance.

Sadly, my particular flavor of OCD makes it really hard for me to comprehend the space it takes for a proper train station. I build things so close together without thinking >.<