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Difference between revisions of "v0.34:Minecart"

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{{quality|Masterwork|22:56, 17 March 2013 (UTC)}}{{av}}{{Buggy}}
 
{{quality|Masterwork|22:56, 17 March 2013 (UTC)}}{{av}}{{Buggy}}
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A '''minecart''' is a [[tool]] used mostly for [[hauling]], which was introduced in version 0.34.08. It is made of [[wood]] at a [[carpenter's workshop]], or [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]] (using the [[Metal crafter|Metalcrafting]] labor.) Minecarts store up to five times as many items as [[wheelbarrow]]s and are quite a bit faster than hauling dwarves, but have the disadvantages of requiring a dedicated track network, a complex route planning phase, and the possibility of dwarves [[fun|blundering into the path of carts filled with lead ore]]. Above-ground tracks are possible, but more difficult due to their additional [[building material|material requirements]].
+
A '''minecart''' is a [[tool]] used mostly for [[hauling]], introduced in version 0.34.08. It can be made of [[wood]] at a [[carpenter's workshop]] or [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]] (using the [[Metal crafter|metalcrafting]] labor.) Minecarts store up to five times as many items as [[wheelbarrow]]s and are quite a bit faster than dwarves hauling objects by hand, but have the disadvantages of requiring a dedicated track network, a complex route planning phase, and the possibility of dwarves [[Fun|blundering into the path of carts filled with lead ore]]. Tracks may be carved into stone, or [[Construction|constructed]]; the latter allows above-ground routes, but these are more difficult to set up due to their additional [[building material|material requirements]].
  
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Just like wheelbarrows, minecarts are considered [[item]]s and are stored in a [[furniture]] [[stockpile]]. Despite their five times greater capacity, they are only one third larger than wheelbarrows and are identical in base [[item value|value]] when made from the same [[material]] (the value may differ due to the [[item quality]]). As items, [[thief|thieves]] or even mischievous animals can steal minecarts, even when moving on a track. If a minecart is moving fast enough, or if it has a rider, thieves will be unable to steal the minecarts.
+
Just like wheelbarrows, minecarts are considered [[item]]s and are stored in a [[furniture]] [[stockpile]]. Despite their five-times-greater capacity, they are only 33% larger than wheelbarrows and are identical in base [[item value|value]] when made from the same [[material]] (the value may differ due to the [[item quality]]). [[thief|Thieves]] or even mischievous animals can steal minecarts, even when they are moving on a track{{cite forum|109460/3289070}}. However, minecarts moving fast enough or being ridden cannot be stolen.
  
 
Although most of the utility of minecarts is in [[fortress mode]], an [[adventure mode|adventurer]] can also ride in a minecart. Adventurers can also pick up and relocate minecarts.
 
Although most of the utility of minecarts is in [[fortress mode]], an [[adventure mode|adventurer]] can also ride in a minecart. Adventurers can also pick up and relocate minecarts.
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== Basic Minecart Usage ==
 
== Basic Minecart Usage ==
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The minecarts can be used to swiftly transport both dwarfs and large amount of items, but before you have a functional minecart there are several preconditions that need to be met. First of all you need a actual minecart, constructed either in a [[carpenter's workshop]] or [[metalsmith's forge]]. For the minecart to be able to move you also need to carve or construct a track, which could be as simple as a straight line. Finally you need to construct stops on your track from where the minecart will start and stop.  
+
Minecarts can be used to swiftly transport dwarves, [[flow|fluids]], and/or large amounts of items, but before you have a functional minecart there are several preconditions that need to be met. First of all you need an actual minecart, constructed either in a [[carpenter's workshop]] or [[metalsmith's forge]]. For the minecart to be able to move you also need to carve or construct a track, which could be as simple as a straight line. Finally you need to construct stops on your track where the minecart will start and stop.  
  
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After you have created the stops and assigned a cart to the track, you must create logic routes connecting several stops and designate starting conditions for each stop. This is done with the {{k|h}}auling key. The most basic conditions are how the carts movement is initiated and in which direction the cart should start moving. Carts can be either be Pushed (a dwarf stand at a stop and gives the cart a single push) or Guided (a dwarf continually pushes the cart forward, guiding it along the track). The [[hauling]] [[labor]] required for pushing and guiding carts is called "Push/Haul Vehicles" and is turned on by default.
+
After you have created the stops and assigned a cart to the track, you must create logic routes connecting several stops and designate starting conditions for each stop. This is done with the {{k|h}}auling key. The most basic conditions are how the cart's movement is initiated and in which direction the cart should start moving. Carts can be either be Pushed (a dwarf stands at a stop and gives the cart a single push) or Guided (a dwarf continually pushes the cart forward, guiding it along the track). The [[hauling]] [[labor]] required for pushing and guiding carts is called "Push/Haul Vehicles" and is turned on by default.
  
 
To control which items to transport you can add conditions specifying: (1) which kind of items to be loaded, and unloaded, (2) stockpile links to define which stockpile(s) the items should be un/loaded to and from.
 
To control which items to transport you can add conditions specifying: (1) which kind of items to be loaded, and unloaded, (2) stockpile links to define which stockpile(s) the items should be un/loaded to and from.
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|}
 
|}
  
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The weight of the loaded minecart does not affect the initial velocity received from pushing or launching from a roller. Though, the load of a minecart do affect whether a [[pressure plate]] triggers or not, based on the pressure plate's setting.
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The weight of the loaded minecart does not affect the initial velocity received from pushing or launching from a roller. However, the load of a minecart ''does'' affect whether a [[pressure plate]] triggers or not, based on the pressure plate's setting.
  
 
'''Weights of different carts'''
 
'''Weights of different carts'''
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'''Carved'''
 
'''Carved'''
  
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A single-tile wide strip of natural stone can be designated to be [[Engraver|carved]] (with {{K|d}} {{k|T}}), which will create a straight two-way track. The creation of corners, crossings, and T-junctions is as simple as designating another strip of track that overlaps an existent or newly-designated track. Engraved tracks are removed by [[smoothing]] the rock they're on, which results in a smooth floor (that can be re-engraved if necessary), or by building a [[floor]] on top and subsequently removing it.
+
A single-tile wide strip of natural stone can be designated to be [[Engraver|carved]] (with {{K|d}} {{k|T}}), which will create a straight two-way track. The creation of corners, crossings, and T-junctions is as simple as designating another strip of track that overlaps an existent or newly designated track. Engraved tracks are removed by [[smoothing]] the rock they're on, which results in a smooth floor (that can be re-engraved if necessary), or by building a [[floor]] on top and subsequently removing it.  Dwarves can carve corner tracks in one pass by designating the track carving twice and canceling unwanted carvings (with {{K|d}} {{K|x}}). Tracks can be engraved in any natural floor tile, rough, smooth and even over engravings, providing an easy method to remove low-quality or undesired floor engravings.
  
 
'''Constructed'''
 
'''Constructed'''
  
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Tracks can also be built as regular [[construction]]s (through {{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|T}}). This method is resource-expensive, since each track tile requires one stone, [[bar]], or [[block]] for construction, and time-consuming, since you can't designate strips larger than 10 tiles at a time. Corners, crossings, T-junctions, and ramps also have to be designated individually. However, it is usually the only way to build tracks above ground or on soil (barring the [[Obsidian farming|creation of obsidian]]), and the only way to create one-way tracks. Constructed tracks are designated for removal like any regular construction; be aware that removing track ramps built on top of natural ones will also remove the original ramp, leaving a flat floor.
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Tracks can also be built as regular [[construction]]s (through {{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|T}}). This method is resource-expensive, since each track tile requires one stone, [[bar]], or [[block]] for construction, and time-consuming, since you can't designate strips longer than 10 tiles at a time. Corners, crossings, T-junctions, and ramps also have to be designated individually. However, it is usually the only way to build tracks above ground or on soil (barring the [[Obsidian farming|creation of obsidian]]). Constructed tracks are designated for removal like any regular construction; be aware that removing track ramps built on top of natural ones will also remove the original ramp, leaving a flat floor.  
  
 
====Ramps====
 
====Ramps====
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you would need to connect the ramp on z +0 both to the west and to the north by issuing two "carve track" commands, one selecting the ramp and the track tile to the west, and another connecting the ramp tile with the wall to the north. An engraver would then carve a NW track corner into the ramp, allowing carts to pass the corner correctly both going up and down. Such track corners are perfectly serviceable for guided carts, but moving down a route of several of them by pushed or ridden cart is problematic - the ramp-induced acceleration can easily lead to collisions with walls, dropping all contents of the cart and battering the rider.
 
you would need to connect the ramp on z +0 both to the west and to the north by issuing two "carve track" commands, one selecting the ramp and the track tile to the west, and another connecting the ramp tile with the wall to the north. An engraver would then carve a NW track corner into the ramp, allowing carts to pass the corner correctly both going up and down. Such track corners are perfectly serviceable for guided carts, but moving down a route of several of them by pushed or ridden cart is problematic - the ramp-induced acceleration can easily lead to collisions with walls, dropping all contents of the cart and battering the rider.
  
 +
{{anchor|Tracks}}
 
=== Hauling route ===
 
=== Hauling route ===
 
The proper setting up of routes is essential for a working rail system. Routes, stops, departure conditions and stockpile links are managed from the {{k|h}}auling menu.
 
The proper setting up of routes is essential for a working rail system. Routes, stops, departure conditions and stockpile links are managed from the {{k|h}}auling menu.
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==== Track stop ====
 
==== Track stop ====
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Track stops are not mandatory; in fact, their main use is in automated rail systems, to stop and hold extremely fast-moving minecarts or to dump contents mid-way without stopping. However, even in basic rail systems it can be useful to set a track stop to dump items: this saves time that dwarves would otherwise spend in removing items from the cart, time that is better spent driving the cart back to where it's needed. Take care not to set track stops at a loading site to dump their contents, or dwarves will never be able to fill the cart.
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There are two types of stops.  The first is the type you set in the {{k|h}}auling menu, by hitting {{k|s}} while highlighting the route (or a stop within) you've already designated.  This designates a loading/unloading location for a minecart. For clarity in this section this will be referenced as a hauling stop, otherwise this gets confusing with Track Stops.  The actual Track Stop, which is constructed via {{k|b}} {{k|C}} {{k|S}}, allows for slowing/halting of pushed and/or ridden carts as well as automated dumping.
  
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Track stops are designated by moving the cursor on top of the desired tile and pressing the {{k|s}} key afterwards. They can be removed with and nicknamed with the same hotkeys as routes. Stops can also be reordered with the {{k|p}}romote key. Without a definition, however, a stop is fairly useless: pressing the {{k|Enter}} key with a stop selected in the route menu opens its stop definition screen, from which departure conditions and stockpile links can be set up.
+
Hauling stops are designated by moving the cursor on top of the desired tile and pressing the {{k|s}} key afterwards. They can be removed with and nicknamed with the same hotkeys as routes. Stops can also be reordered with the {{k|p}}romote key. Without a definition, however, a stop is fairly useless: pressing the {{k|Enter}} key with a stop selected in the route menu opens its stop definition screen, from which departure conditions and stockpile links can be set up. 
 +
 
 +
It is important to note that hauling stop order is enforced, even if there is no track.  A dwarf will drag the cart overland back to a skipped stop in the route's list if your tracks bypass it somehow.
  
 
Each new stop get the same default conditions regardless of the track it is placed upon (e.g. guide the cart to the north). For this reason new stops might get marked by yellow exclamation marks ({{DFtext|!|#ff0}}) due to invalid directions.  
 
Each new stop get the same default conditions regardless of the track it is placed upon (e.g. guide the cart to the north). For this reason new stops might get marked by yellow exclamation marks ({{DFtext|!|#ff0}}) due to invalid directions.  
 +
 +
Track stops are not mandatory; in fact, their main use is in automated rail systems. However, even in basic rail systems it can be useful to set a track stop to dump items: this saves time that dwarves would otherwise spend in removing items from the cart, time that is better spent driving the cart back to where it's needed. Dumping will occur even with a guided cart.  Take care not to set track stops at a loading site to dump their contents, or dwarves will never be able to fill the cart.
  
 
Counter-intuitive to their construction method, track stops are considered [[building]]s and must be removed by {{k|q}} {{k|x}}.
 
Counter-intuitive to their construction method, track stops are considered [[building]]s and must be removed by {{k|q}} {{k|x}}.
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===== Stockpile links =====
 
===== Stockpile links =====
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By placing the cursor on top of a stockpile and using {{k|s}}, you can create stockpile links for a track stop. Links can also be redefined by selecting them, placing the cursor over a different stockpile, and pressing {{k|p}}.
+
By placing the cursor on top of a stockpile and using {{k|s}}, you can create stockpile links while defining a hauling stop. Links can also be redefined by selecting them, placing the cursor over a different stockpile, and pressing {{k|p}}.
 
[[#More_on_Track_stop| See More on Track stop]]
 
[[#More_on_Track_stop| See More on Track stop]]
  
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=== Danger ===
 
=== Danger ===
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Minecarts are not without [[Fun|danger]]. Although designating a track automatically sets the [[traffic]] designation to low, dwarves ''may'' still walk on them, and [[creature]]s ignore traffic designations altogether. If an unlucky dwarf or creature fails to [[dodger|dodge]] a minecart, they can be injured. Most of this danger can be avoided by setting the minecart {{k|h}}auling commands to guide instead of push or ride, as dwarves guiding minecarts will ignore traffic restrictions, by [[pasture|pasturing]] domestic animals, and preventing the access of other creatures to the tracks. Note that removing the track doesn't reset that tile back to normal traffic priority, so you may wish to manually clean up traffic designation afterward. Also note that bridges that are used as tracks don't have their traffic priority changed automatically (since they're just normal bridges), which could cause dwarves to pathfind normally through dangerous minecart entrances in your fort's walls if you're not careful.
+
Minecarts are not without <strike>danger</strike> [[fun]]. Although designating a track automatically sets the [[traffic]] designation to low, dwarves ''may'' still walk on them, and [[creature]]s ignore traffic designations altogether. If an unlucky dwarf or creature fails to [[dodger|dodge]] a minecart, they can be injured. Most of this danger can be avoided by setting the minecart {{k|h}}auling commands to guide instead of push or ride, as dwarves guiding minecarts will ignore traffic restrictions, by [[pasture|pasturing]] domestic animals, and preventing the access of other creatures to the tracks. Note that removing the track doesn't reset that tile back to normal traffic priority, so you may wish to manually clean up traffic designation afterward. Also note that bridges that are used as tracks don't have their traffic priority changed automatically (since they're just normal bridges), which could cause dwarves to pathfind normally through dangerous minecart entrances in your fort's walls if you're not careful.
 +
 
 +
The only <s>fool</s>''dwarf''-proof method is to make the tracks inaccessible. There are several ways to create a track which works for minecarts but doesn't allow creature-traversal; the simplest is perhaps a single-tile hole. Minecarts moving at reasonable speed will jump the gap, while creatures will not. Other options include adding vertical drops, minecart-triggered doors, small pools of liquid (4/7 water or 2/7 magma), and hostile creatures overlooking the tracks. For safety, both ends of the track should be isolated, making the dangerous center sections completely inaccessible (though maintenance access can be provided by a locked door).
  
 
Danger does not always involve living victims: careless route designation can also result in minecarts careening off tracks or colliding with each other. If this occurs, the [[item]]s may be scattered; this can cause even more hauling jobs than the minecart aimed to eliminate. Even <s>better</s> worse, scattered items, especially [[weapon]]s, can injure passing [[dwarf|dwarves]] or other [[creature]]s; in the words of Toady One the Great, "Accidental grapeshotting of the dining room should be possible now."
 
Danger does not always involve living victims: careless route designation can also result in minecarts careening off tracks or colliding with each other. If this occurs, the [[item]]s may be scattered; this can cause even more hauling jobs than the minecart aimed to eliminate. Even <s>better</s> worse, scattered items, especially [[weapon]]s, can injure passing [[dwarf|dwarves]] or other [[creature]]s; in the words of Toady One the Great, "Accidental grapeshotting of the dining room should be possible now."
  
−
Of course, the danger of using minecarts means they can also be [[Trap_design#Minecart_launcher|used as weapons]] by imaginative players.
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Of course, the danger of using minecarts means they can also be [[Trap_design#Minecarts|used as weapons]] by imaginative players.
  
 
== Advanced usage and automation ==
 
== Advanced usage and automation ==
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Track stops are constructions that allow further automation of minecart systems via adjustable features such as braking by friction and automatic dumping of contents. They can be built from logs, bars and blocks through {{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|S}}; friction amount, dumping toggle and dumping direction must be set '''before''' construction, and these settings can be neither changed nor seen thereafter; however, track stops can be linked to [[pressure plate]]s or [[lever]]s to toggle friction and dumping On or Off (trigger state is inverted: switch On = track stop Off).  
 
Track stops are constructions that allow further automation of minecart systems via adjustable features such as braking by friction and automatic dumping of contents. They can be built from logs, bars and blocks through {{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|S}}; friction amount, dumping toggle and dumping direction must be set '''before''' construction, and these settings can be neither changed nor seen thereafter; however, track stops can be linked to [[pressure plate]]s or [[lever]]s to toggle friction and dumping On or Off (trigger state is inverted: switch On = track stop Off).  
  
−
If a [[stockpile]] is placed on the tile that a track stop is set to dump to, it can act as a [[Exploit#Quantum_stockpiles|quantum stockpile]] and any items dumped from a minecart that match the storage settings of the stockpile will remain there and accumulate.  Normally trackstops are built on top of existing track to operate on moving minecarts, but they can also be used without tracks to create [[Exploit#The_Minecart_Stop|automatic quantum stockpiles]] (see also [[#Example|route example]]).  It is not always desirable to collect ALL of certain items into one quantum stockpile, such as when distributing a material to multiple separate industries. You can link your quantum stockpile to various other stockpiles, ensuring that your dwarves will keep them supplied as necessary. Because quantum stockpiles never fill up like regular stockpiles, it may be a good idea to add a switch to turn them off.   
+
If a [[stockpile]] is placed on the tile that a track stop is set to dump to, it can act as a [[Exploit#Quantum_stockpiles|quantum stockpile]] and any items dumped from a minecart that match the storage settings of the stockpile will remain there and accumulate.  Normally trackstops are built on top of existing track to operate on moving minecarts, but they can also be used without tracks to create [[Exploit#The_Minecart_Stop|automatic quantum stockpiles]] (see also [[#Step-by-step_tutorial|step-by-step tutorial]]).  It is not always desirable to collect ALL of certain items into one quantum stockpile, such as when distributing a material to multiple separate industries. You can link your quantum stockpile to various other stockpiles, ensuring that your dwarves will keep them supplied as necessary. Because quantum stockpiles never fill up like regular stockpiles, it may be a good idea to add a switch to turn them off.   
  
 
Items dumped from a minecart at a track stop (or dumped by any other means) into open space fall through z-levels until they land on a solid surface.  Items falling onto a designated [[stockpile]] will automatically be considered part of that stockpile, even if the stockpile is set to disallow those items (they will, however, be automatically moved to a more appropriate stockpile, if available).  Items falling on top of a minecart will '''not''' fall "inside" the minecart.  Use with caution; dwarves have fragile skulls.{{bug|5945}}
 
Items dumped from a minecart at a track stop (or dumped by any other means) into open space fall through z-levels until they land on a solid surface.  Items falling onto a designated [[stockpile]] will automatically be considered part of that stockpile, even if the stockpile is set to disallow those items (they will, however, be automatically moved to a more appropriate stockpile, if available).  Items falling on top of a minecart will '''not''' fall "inside" the minecart.  Use with caution; dwarves have fragile skulls.{{bug|5945}}
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=== Automated propulsion ===
 
=== Automated propulsion ===
 
==== Roller ====
 
==== Roller ====
−
{{Machine component|name=Roller|key=r
+
{{Main|Roller}}
−
|construction=
+
 
−
* 1 or more [[Mechanism]]s
+
A '''roller''' is a [[power]]ed [[machine component]] for the automated propulsion of minecarts. They are built over the top of existing tracks with {{K|b|M|r}}, requiring a [[mechanic]], ''(length/4)+1'' [[mechanism]]s and a [[rope]]. Rollers may also be placed directly on ramps to help pull carts up Z levels. Rollers are very useful to maintain a cart's momentum along long routes, to get them to climb Z-levels without dwarfpower involved, and to get them to reach speeds unattainable by guiding dwarves. These devices are variable-length (1-10), variable-direction and variable-speed ([[Minecart#Numbers_behind_the_scene|see below]]), all traits that can be set at construction time; a roller uses two units of power per tile it is long.
−
* 1 [[Rope]]
 
−
|construction_job=
 
−
* [[Mechanic|Mechanics]]
 
−
|power=Uses 2 power per tile (independent of speed).
 
−
}}
 
  
−
A '''roller''' is a [[power]]ed [[machine component]] for the automated propulsion of minecarts. They are built over the top of existing tracks with {{K|b}} {{K|M}} {{K|r}}, requiring a [[mechanic]], one or more [[mechanism]]s and a [[rope]]. Rollers are very useful to maintain a cart's momentum along long routes, to get them to climb Z-levels without dwarfpower involved, and to get them to reach speeds unattainable by guiding dwarves. These devices are variable-length, variable-direction and variable-speed, all traits that can be set at construction time; a roller uses two units of power per tile it is long.  
+
Single-tile rollers transfer power in all four cardinal directions, while other rollers generally only transfer power perpendicular to their activity direction. Longer rollers can also transfer power along their activity direction if built in the correct order, although this can be hard to accomplish and is easily broken. Rollers cannot be powered from above.
  
 
Rollers do not provide acceleration but rather set the cart's velocity to a new value: if a cart moves across an active roller in the direction the roller works and moves slower than the roller's specified speed, the cart will be set to the roller's speed. Carts going faster than the roller are unaffected. A cart going against a roller's movement direction will be sent back the way it came (once again at the roller's speed), unless it was moving extremely fast, well over derailing speed. A cart crossing over a roller perpendicular to its current movement direction will gain the roller's amount of speed in the perpendicular direction without directly changing its forward motion. Without an adjacent wall to constrict its movement, this will typically send a cart off the rails on a diagonal path, completely unable to follow any tracks until it collides with a wall or is otherwise brought to rest.
 
Rollers do not provide acceleration but rather set the cart's velocity to a new value: if a cart moves across an active roller in the direction the roller works and moves slower than the roller's specified speed, the cart will be set to the roller's speed. Carts going faster than the roller are unaffected. A cart going against a roller's movement direction will be sent back the way it came (once again at the roller's speed), unless it was moving extremely fast, well over derailing speed. A cart crossing over a roller perpendicular to its current movement direction will gain the roller's amount of speed in the perpendicular direction without directly changing its forward motion. Without an adjacent wall to constrict its movement, this will typically send a cart off the rails on a diagonal path, completely unable to follow any tracks until it collides with a wall or is otherwise brought to rest.
  
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Rollers may be placed directly on ramps to help pull carts up Z levels. Currently rollers can only be placed on up or down ramps or open spaces if this results in being connected to existing powered components (gears, axles, or pumps).  For that matter, rollers themselves transfer power along their sides but not from their front or back (the edges on the track) - the opposite of how horizontal [[axle]]s work. Care must be taken in [[glacier]]s and other extremely cold [[biome]]s, since rollers can be rendered inoperable when exposed to freezing [[temperature]]s. Rollers can be constructed over trackless floor or without any floor at all (supported by other machinery) but will not affect carts in either case.
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Because of their one-way nature, rollers are unsuitable for most two-way minecart tracks. However, a minecart set to be ''guided'' is not affected by rollers at all{{cite forum|109460/3286235}} &mdash; this allows a one-way track to be used in both directions. In addition, unpowered rollers do not affect minecarts.
−
 
 
−
Because of their one-way nature, rollers are unsuitable for most two-way minecart tracks. However, a minecart set to be ''guided'' is not affected by rollers at all &mdash; this allows a one-way track to be used in both directions. In addition, rollers do not affect minecarts when disengaged: switching mechanisms (such as a [[pressure plate]] attached to powering [[gear assembly]]) can be used to create complex paths.
 
  
−
Rollers cannot be powered from above.
+
Care must be taken in [[glacier]]s and other extremely cold [[biome]]s, since rollers (and the machinery used to power them) will not operate when constructed on natural [[ice]] floors.
  
 
==== Impulse ramps ====
 
==== Impulse ramps ====
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Carts can be given momentum without rollers or changing z-level through a phenomenon called "impulse ramps". If a cart derails onto an upward ramp, the ramp accelerates the cart as though it was dropping a z-level, even if the cart doesn't actually change z-level at all.
+
Carts can be given momentum without rollers or changing z-level through a phenomenon called "impulse ramps". A track ramp which is connected both to a wall and to a floor will ''always'' accelerate a cart towards the connected floor tile, no matter where the cart enters the tile from. This means carts can be accelerated as though dropping z-levels, even if the cart doesn't actually change z-level at all.
  
 
Example of straight impulse acceleration:
 
Example of straight impulse acceleration:
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  ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
 
  ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
 
═╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚═
 
═╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚═
 +
▒ : Wall
 
═ : Normal track  
 
═ : Normal track  
−
╔,╚,╗,╝ : N/E Track/Ramp
+
╚ : Track ramp (NE)
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
If a cart enters from the left, it will speed up on every track/ramp and exit to the right going very very fast.  
+
If a cart enters from the left, it will speed up on upward track and exit to the right going very very fast - more than one tile every step. If it enters from the right then it will bounce back impulsed by the ramp if it's going slow enough.
  
 
The other crazy thing about impulse ramps is that they produce slightly more acceleration than it takes to move a cart up one ramp. So you can just make an upward spiral alternating impulse ramps and regular upward ramps. It takes no power, is quick and cheap to build, requiring only channeling and track carving, and the cart goes up fast, but not so fast that it launches its contents.
 
The other crazy thing about impulse ramps is that they produce slightly more acceleration than it takes to move a cart up one ramp. So you can just make an upward spiral alternating impulse ramps and regular upward ramps. It takes no power, is quick and cheap to build, requiring only channeling and track carving, and the cart goes up fast, but not so fast that it launches its contents.
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░ : Wall
 
░ : Wall
−
╔,╚,╗,╝ : Track/Ramp
+
╔,╚,╗,╝ : Track ramp
 
▼ : Down Ramp (empty space)
 
▼ : Down Ramp (empty space)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
 +
A sort of opposite effect to impulse ramps also exists: ramps lacking the proper "up" and "down" connections are treated as flat track, even if they actually go up or down z-levels. This allows building "anti-impulse" slopes consisting entirely of ramps only connected up, which a minecart can travel up forty levels and more, needing no more than a single push.
  
 
=== Controlling traffic ===
 
=== Controlling traffic ===
Line 311: Line 315:
 
==== Switching ====
 
==== Switching ====
 
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−
As constructions or tile features, [[door]]s and other furniture can be built on tracks. A [[door]] or [[floodgate]] can be turned on or off by a [[lever]], effectively controlling the flow of automated minecarts. This may be <s>dangerous</s> [[fun]], however. <!-- How, exactly? -->
+
As constructions or tile features, [[door]]s and other furniture can be built on tracks. A [[door]] or [[floodgate]] can be turned on or off by a [[lever]], effectively controlling the flow of automated minecarts. This may be <s>dangerous</s> [[fun]], however.  
 +
 
 +
      ->
 +
A╞════RD════╡B
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The roller 'R' pushes the cart east, but until the "departure condition" is fulfilled, the door 'D' remains closed and blocks the path.
  
 
[[Bridge]]s can also act as tracks, but only if they're lowered or not retracted. This property can enable levers to turn tracks on and off. However, care should be taken to ensure that such bridges are never operated while a cart is on top of them, as the cart will be flung off the track. It's worth noting that it's often faster, and cheaper, to construct large bridges than long sections of constructed track.
 
[[Bridge]]s can also act as tracks, but only if they're lowered or not retracted. This property can enable levers to turn tracks on and off. However, care should be taken to ensure that such bridges are never operated while a cart is on top of them, as the cart will be flung off the track. It's worth noting that it's often faster, and cheaper, to construct large bridges than long sections of constructed track.
  
−
A rudimentary track switch can be constructed by building a T-junction as illustrated below.
+
A powered track switch can be constructed by building a T-junction as illustrated below.
  
 
       B╥                  B╥
 
       B╥                  B╥
Line 323: Line 334:
 
  A╞════╚════╡C      A╞════R════╡C
 
  A╞════╚════╡C      A╞════R════╡C
  
−
The 'R' is roller pushing from  East to West.
+
The 'R' is a roller pushing from  East to West.
−
If the cart is pushed East from the stop at 'A' while the roller is activated, it will arrive at 'B'. If the roller is not running, it will arrive at 'C'.
+
If the cart is pushed East from the stop at 'A' while the roller is activated, it will arrive at 'B'. If the roller is not running, it will arrive at 'C'. The switch works by the roller first reversing the incoming cart's movement and the cart ''then'' following the track corner.
  
−
This switch has a disadvantage - it requires power.  An alternative non-powered solution uses controlled derailment, or a connecting bridge.
+
This switch is very reliable, reacts instantly to on/off signals, and carts of any speed can be switched by this design, although very fast carts will require rollers that are several tiles long, up to three. The requirement for power can be inconvenient or impractical.  Non-powered solutions may use controlled derailment, or a connecting bridge.
  
 
       B╥
 
       B╥
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Here the track between A and C is not continuous. The only continuous track is A->B, with a corner (not a T section). Fast moving carts will tend to derail at D and rejoin the track to C. Placing a door at D will prevent the derailment, so the cart continues to B. The door is operated by mechanisms elsewhere (typically, a lever, but some fun can be had with pressure plates).
 
Here the track between A and C is not continuous. The only continuous track is A->B, with a corner (not a T section). Fast moving carts will tend to derail at D and rejoin the track to C. Placing a door at D will prevent the derailment, so the cart continues to B. The door is operated by mechanisms elsewhere (typically, a lever, but some fun can be had with pressure plates).
  
−
If carts are moving too slowly to reliably derail at the corner, a retractable bridge may be used as a connector between A and C.   
+
Since it depends on derailing, this switch requires a very fast cart, faster than what can be achieved with rollers alone. To gain sufficient speed, a cart must be accelerated further, usually by descending several levels or through impulse ramps. The high speed makes the cart much more dangerous and harder to control.
 +
 
 +
If carts are moving too slowly to derail at the corner, a retractable bridge may be used as a connector between A and C.   
 
       B╥
 
       B╥
 
       ║
 
       ║
 
       ║
 
       ║
 
  A╞════bbb════╡C
 
  A╞════bbb════╡C
−
The bridge must overlap the corner so that it acts as if a T junction track when extended. When retracted, the corner reappears, so the slower carts will continue to B.
+
The bridge must overlap the corner. Bridges behave like a track crossing, allowing carts to pass in a straight line. When retracted, the corner reappears, so the carts will continue to B. Bridges take 100 steps to react to a signal, necessitating rather long "lead times" when switching tracks via bridge.
 +
 
 +
As mentioned above, special care must be taken to make sure the bridge doesn't change state while the cart is passing over it. Retracting bridges will throw the cart, causing it to stop dead. Raising bridges can even crush the cart.
  
 
==== Controlling Speed ====
 
==== Controlling Speed ====
 
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−
Minecarts can reach extremely high speeds, especially when descending multiple Z-levels. A minecart will derail at a track corner if its speed exceeds 0.5 m/s (here m/s really means tiles per step), '''unless''' the route in the direction of travel is blocked:
+
Minecarts can reach extremely high speeds, especially when descending multiple Z-levels. A minecart will derail at a track corner if its speed exceeds 0.5 t/st (tiles per step), '''unless''' the route in the direction of travel is blocked:
  
−
Will derail at > 0.5 m/s:
+
Will derail at > 0.5 t/st:
  
 
  in  ═╗->  
 
  in  ═╗->  
 
     out
 
     out
  
−
Will not derail at > 0.5 m/s:
+
Will not derail at > 0.5 t/st:
  
 
  in  ═╗O
 
  in  ═╗O
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This behavior can be used to build a "speed limiter", that will ensure that when a minecart exits it is traveling below derail speed:
 
This behavior can be used to build a "speed limiter", that will ensure that when a minecart exits it is traveling below derail speed:
  
−
       OOOO
+
       OOOO     OOOOO        OOOOO
−
  in  ═╔═╗O
+
  in  ═╔═╗O     O╔S╗O        O╔S╗O
−
  out ═╬═╝O
+
  out ═╬═╝O out ═╗═╝O    out ═╗═╝O
−
     O╚S╝O
+
     O╚S╝O    O╚═╝═ in    O╚S╝O
−
     OOOOO
+
     OOOOO     OOOO          ║OOO
 +
                              in
  
 
O is wall, S is a Track Stop set to High Friction or lower. If the minecart is traveling below derailment speed it will not be affected.
 
O is wall, S is a Track Stop set to High Friction or lower. If the minecart is traveling below derailment speed it will not be affected.
  
 
=== Loading liquids ===
 
=== Loading liquids ===
−
[[Water]] and [[magma]] can also be loaded into minecarts by submerging them to a depth of at least 6/7, and dumped by a constructed track stop. Loading fluids onto minecarts can be difficult because their weight can slow the minecart down greatly. Curiously, filling a minecart with magma does not injure a dwarf ''riding'' it. A minecart will hold enough magma to increase the depth of a single tile by 2. This amount is listed as 833 units, which weigh 999Γ. An iron or steel cart filled with magma weighs 1313Γ. An adamantine one weighs 1007Γ.
+
[[Water]] and [[magma]] can also be loaded into minecarts by submerging them to a depth of at least 6/7, and dumped by a constructed track stop. Loading fluids onto minecarts can be difficult because their weight can slow the minecart down greatly. In addition, minecarts will not fill if they are moving too quickly. Curiously, filling a minecart with magma does not injure a dwarf ''riding'' it. A minecart will hold enough fluid to increase the depth of a single tile by 2. This amount is listed as 833 units, which weigh 459Γ (water) or 999Γ (magma). An iron or steel cart filled with magma weighs 1313Γ, while an adamantine cart filled with magma weighs 1007Γ.
  
 
== Quirks ==
 
== Quirks ==
−
This little quirk concerns dwarf managed minecarts and may or may not apply to automatic minecarts. If a track which was previously open becomes blocked (ex. flipping a switch connected to a floodgate you've built on the track to raise it) and the conditions for departure are met, instead of refusing to ride/guide the minecart or ride/guide it until it reaches the obstacle, the dwarf will pick up the minecart off the tracks and haul it to its scheduled destination on foot. If the distance is long enough and the weight of the cart heavy enough (due to being filled with heavy items such as stones), the dwarf may drop the cart because of fatigue/hunger/thirst before reaching the destination. This will cancel that vehicle setting job and make another dwarf come by and attempt to haul the cart to the nearest appropriate stockpile where another dwarf will pick up the cart and attempt to haul it to its initial stop. If the stockpile is far enough from initial stop, this second dwarf who is attempting to place the minecart on its tracks may also drop the minecart out of fatigue/hunger/thirst creating a loop that will go on until a dwarf with enough endurance manages to place the minecart where it belongs.
+
This little quirk concerns dwarf-managed minecarts and may or may not apply to automatic minecarts. If a track which was previously open becomes blocked (ex. flipping a switch connected to a floodgate you've built on the track to raise it) and the conditions for departure are met, instead of refusing to ride/guide the minecart or ride/guide it until it reaches the obstacle, the dwarf will pick up the minecart off the tracks and haul it to its scheduled destination on foot. If the distance is long enough and the weight of the cart heavy enough (due to being filled with heavy items such as stones), the dwarf may drop the cart because of fatigue/hunger/thirst before reaching the destination. This will cancel that vehicle setting job and make another dwarf come by and attempt to haul the cart to the nearest appropriate stockpile where another dwarf will pick up the cart and attempt to haul it to its initial stop. If the stockpile is far enough from initial stop, this second dwarf who is attempting to place the minecart on its tracks may also drop the minecart out of fatigue/hunger/thirst creating a loop that will go on until a dwarf with enough endurance manages to place the minecart where it belongs.
  
 
In fact, it seems dwarves are more than happy to attempt to carry a minecart from one stop to another even if just waiting until the track is open again would be the more sane option.
 
In fact, it seems dwarves are more than happy to attempt to carry a minecart from one stop to another even if just waiting until the track is open again would be the more sane option.
  
 
Dwarves will also carry a minecart to its next stop if the direction specified is incorrect (or invalid). This can often occur when using the default departure settings and forgetting to set the direction of each condition.
 
Dwarves will also carry a minecart to its next stop if the direction specified is incorrect (or invalid). This can often occur when using the default departure settings and forgetting to set the direction of each condition.
 +
 +
Dwarves can admire buildings while riding mine carts. Dwarves will not fall asleep during a ride (at least not from being drowsy). If riding on a continuous powered track loop, the dwarf will die of dehydration/starvation as they can not jump off to get sustenance{{cite forum|109460/3377228}}. Dwarves riding in submerged minecarts will gain experience in [[swimming]].{{cite forum|129889}}
  
 
== Physics ==
 
== Physics ==
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=== Falling ===
 
=== Falling ===
−
When falling, a minecart appears to cause no damage upon collision, possibly to allow cart "stacking" across Z-levels. [http://www.bay12games.com/dwarves/#2012-04-06] A dwarf riding in a minecart that is dropped multiple z-levels suffers normal fall damage. Minecarts can fall through up/down stairs.
+
When falling, a minecart appears to cause no damage upon collision, possibly to allow cart "stacking" across Z-levels.{{cite devlog|2012|04|06}} A dwarf riding in a minecart that is dropped multiple z-levels suffers normal fall damage. Minecarts can fall through up/down stairs.
  
 
=== Stacking ===
 
=== Stacking ===
 
If a minecart lands on top of another minecart, they may form a stack, with the upper cart on the z-level above the lower. Subsequent carts do not form a stack, but rather quantum stockpile in the same space. This behaviour is useful for [[megaprojects]] and [[trap design]] with minecarts as the weaponry.
 
If a minecart lands on top of another minecart, they may form a stack, with the upper cart on the z-level above the lower. Subsequent carts do not form a stack, but rather quantum stockpile in the same space. This behaviour is useful for [[megaprojects]] and [[trap design]] with minecarts as the weaponry.
  
−
These minecarts on the upper level generally need to be struck with another minecart to move out, or have their support removed. The latter option can be somewhat dangerous, however.
+
These minecarts on the upper level generally need to be struck with another minecart to move out, or have their support removed. The latter option can be somewhat <s>dangerous</s> [[fun]], however.
  
 
=== Numbers behind the scene ===
 
=== Numbers behind the scene ===
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According to [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=112831.msg3536975#msg3536975 this post]:
 
According to [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=112831.msg3536975#msg3536975 this post]:
  
−
The minecart has a variable for speed. Speed is measured in tiles/100000 ticks, so a speed of one hundred thousand means one tile per tick. The maximum speed is 270,000. You can hit it exactly by going down enough ramps.
+
The minecart has a variable for speed. Speed is measured in tiles/100000 ticks, so a speed of one hundred thousand means one tile per tick. By going down a large number of ramps, a maximum speed of 270,000 can be reached, which presents the limit for most practical applications. Short bursts of (much) higher speeds are possible through carefully planned collisions of high-speed carts.
  
−
Every tick the cart accumulates distance units, as well as slows down depending on current title (speed is reduced by "friction" of the tile). Once cart accumulates 100000 distance units, it moves to the next tile (or several tiles in case of great speed). Since most deceleration and acceleration is applied per step, with the notable exception of corners, a cart going at twice the speed of another one can cover about four times the distance in a straight line, but only twice the distance along a winding track with very many corners.
+
Every tick the cart accumulates distance units, as well as slows down depending on current tile (speed is reduced by "friction" of the tile). The cart will move to the next tile the tick before accumulating 100000 distance units, (or several tiles in case of great speed), then the leftover distance units are added to the default 100000 distance u. of the next tile. Since most deceleration and acceleration is applied per step, with the notable exception of corners, a cart going at twice the speed of another one can cover about four times the distance in a straight line, but only twice the distance along a winding track with very many corners.
  
−
When cart is pushed, it will start in the middle of the next tile (so it takes only half of 100.000 to get past it), with the speed of 20000-10 = 19990.
+
A push will teleport a cart to the beginning of the next tile (NOT the middle!) in one tick with 19990 speed (10 speed is lost due to track friction), while a roller will accelerate a cart to roller speed, and it will start to accumulate regular track friction past the middle of the roller tile. Some track features will affect a minecart when it is past the middle of the previous tile: entering a ramp or a hole/drop will happen when the cart has left the middle of the previous tile, and the ramp will gain additional distance unit depending on the leftover units from the previous tile. When a cart leaves a ramp it will emerge after one tick in the middle of the next regular tile, so its entry coordinate is "50000-speed+friction". Rollers also affect the speed of minecart from the middle of the previous tile.
  
 
Friction of tiles:
 
Friction of tiles:
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|-
 
|-
 
| Upwards ramp
 
| Upwards ramp
−
| 4910 (4900+10)
+
| 4910 (10+4900)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Downwards ramp
 
| Downwards ramp
−
| -4890 (4900-10)
+
| -4890 (10-4900)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Corner track  
 
| Corner track  
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| Water
 
| Water
 
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 100
 
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 100
−
| [[#Skipping|See Skipping]]
+
| rowspan="2" | [[#Skipping|See Skipping]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Magma
 
| Magma
 
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 500
 
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 500
−
| [[#Skipping|See Skipping]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Empty space
 
| Empty space
 
| 0
 
| 0
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
Impulse sources:
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Feature
 +
! Speed
 +
|-
 +
| Push
 +
| 20000
 +
|-
 +
| Roller lowest
 +
| 10000
 +
|-
 +
| Roller low
 +
| 20000
 +
|-
 +
| Roller medium
 +
| 30000
 +
|-
 +
| Roller high
 +
| 40000
 +
|-
 +
| Roller Highest
 +
| 50000
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
== Non-standard uses ==
 +
Minecarts include some interesting characteristics that have motivated uses beyond hauling. They can be useful for creating fully-automated [[exploit|quantum stockpiles]] and [[garbage disposal]]s. Storing perishable goods (meat, meals, etc.) inside a minecart appears to guard against rot and vermin. Minecarts trigger [[pressure plate]]s, which means a trap can be designed to trigger when a thief attempts to steal a minecart.
  
 
== Adventure mode ==
 
== Adventure mode ==
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If you want to test this out without creating an adventurer, the [[object testing arena]] allows you to spawn minecarts ({{k|k}}-{{k|c}}-{{k|n}})
 
If you want to test this out without creating an adventurer, the [[object testing arena]] allows you to spawn minecarts ({{k|k}}-{{k|c}}-{{k|n}})
 +
 +
== Forging and Melting ==
 +
* Metal minecarts cost '''two''' [[metal]] bars to forge, or '''one''' {{bug|6230}} [[adamantine]] wafer. (The latter is a bug in the smithing code - it's actually supposed to cost '''six'''.)
 +
* When a non-adamantine metal minecart is melted down, it will return '''1.8''' metal bars, for an '''efficiency of 90%'''.
 +
* When an adamantine minecart is melted down, it will produce '''1.8''' wafers, for an '''efficiency of 180%'''.
  
 
== Bugs ==
 
== Bugs ==
−
*A dwarf will drop its [[child|baby]], if it has one, when boarding a minecart set to be ridden.
+
*A dwarf will drop her [[child|baby]], if