Keep a remote ore train fueled by loading coal directly into its locomotive at a scheduled stop.
PC / Global, Space Age edition included as optional expansion; base game scope
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
A remote Nauvis ore outpost with a coal receiving stop beside the ore train’s waiting position.
On Nauvis, a coal delivery train can refuel an ore-hauling locomotive at the outpost without requiring coal to be transferred between trains. The key is to unload coal to a belt or chest beside the stopped ore locomotive, then use an inserter to place that coal directly into the locomotive’s fuel inventory. The ore train still needs its own schedule and loading and unloading stations; the coal route only supplies its fuel.
A working ore train with a locomotive, named stops, and a schedule.
A separate coal supply and delivery train with a cargo wagon.
A belt or chest to receive coal beside the ore locomotive’s stop.
An inserter positioned to transfer coal directly into the locomotive.
Build a coal loading station at a Nauvis coal patch and load coal into a cargo wagon with inserters.
At the outpost, name a coal receiving stop and unload the delivered coal into a chest or belt beside the ore train’s locomotive position.
Place an inserter so it can take coal from that stock and insert it directly into the locomotive while the train is stopped.
Set the coal train’s schedule to its loading and receiving stop names, with wait conditions that let loading and unloading finish.
Keep the ore train’s loading stop clear of the coal train’s receiving position, then set its schedule between the ore patch and factory stations.
Run both trains and check that the inserter adds coal to the locomotive and that ore unloads at the factory.
Restock coal at the outpost before the ore train runs out of fuel; inspect both schedules if either delivery stalls.
Farming tips
Test the inserter with the ore locomotive stopped at the receiving position; coal sitting in a wagon or chest does not fuel it by itself.
Use separate named stops and receiving positions for coal and ore so the trains do not block each other.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat coal deliveries as the outpost consumes fuel, and ore deliveries as the factory needs ore. Coal and ore patches are finite; relocate mining and loading when a patch is exhausted.
Common mistakes
Unloading coal without an inserter that reaches the locomotive; position the inserter to insert into the stopped locomotive’s fuel inventory.
Assuming the coal delivery train fuels the ore train automatically; verify the direct inserter transfer at the station.
Letting the coal and ore trains use a blocked or ambiguous stop; give their stations distinct names and ensure each train can reach its scheduled stop.
When to stop or switch
Stop or reroute coal deliveries when the ore outpost closes or the locomotive is fueled by another working supply; move the mining operation when its ore patch is exhausted.
