Factorio Forums

When placing a Train Signal or Chain Signal, the game provides a very helpful visual overlay (white wagon outlines) showing exactly where train cars will sit. However, this visualization currently only works in one direction: it shows where the train cars will line up behind the signal (if a train were to stop at it).

This works perfectly when building a rail network forward in the direction of travel. But when designing or building a rail system in reverse (backwards against the direction of travel), it becomes very frustrating. Without a Train Stop acting as a reference point, the blueprint preview only shows the space behind the cursor, leaving the player blind to how many wagons will fit in the section they are currently approaching from the opposite side.

Visual Reference
Image 1: Shows the ideal visualization when a Train Stop is present. The entire train's footprint is perfectly clear, making it easy to align signals and track lengths. Image 2: Shows the issue when building a regular block without a station. While holding a signal, the ghost overlay only projects backward. When trying to space signals accurately while moving or building in reverse, you cannot see where the front of the block or the next wagon marks will land. Suggested Solution
It would be a massive quality-of-life improvement if the signal ghost visualization could dynamically show the wagon markers on both sides of the signal while being held in the cursor (or at least provide a toggle/shortcut to flip the visualization direction).

Ideally, holding a train signal should display:

The standard wagon marks behind it (where a train stops).

A secondary or continued set of wagon marks ahead of it, allowing players to easily measure block lengths and wagon capacities regardless of which direction they are actively laying down the tracks.

You can use a `show-stock-positions-reverse` debug setting for this (available in F4 menu). There is also `show-stock-numbers` option that was added roughly at the same time as it seems to help more advanced players. Those options were not approved for broad audience so they are kept in debug settings.

boskid wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 1:03 pm You can use a `show-stock-positions-reverse` debug setting for this (available in F4 menu). There is also `show-stock-numbers` option that was added roughly at the same time as it seems to help more advanced players. Those options were not approved for broad audience so they are kept in debug settings.

Thank You!