The idea is quite simple. Logistics-enabled train with cargo wagons as inventory. Functionality similar to personal roboport.
More details:
- Train with construction area active around it (or possibly attached wagons themselves)
- Optionally: way to increase construction area radius (similar to how more personal roboports increase it)
- Can pull from/store to any cargo wagon attached
- Bots can be stored in the train itself (somehow?) and/or any attached cargo wagon
- Prioritizes storing materials in cargo wagons with matching item-filters set up (similar to current roboport behaviour - store where already exists)
- Optionally: will not try to deconstruct when no more cargo space available (including pending deconstructs already sheduled)
- Disable logistics when moving.
- Takes priority over players personal roboport (will use personal roboport only when out of train range/train out of materials)
- Multiplayer compatibile
I've already had experience with VehicleGrid and as much as I love this mod, it's problematic to use personal roboports in wagons on a bigger scale (train with more than 1-2 wagons - look at bold points on the list).
MK3/MK4 power armor and "bigger inventory" seems to solve my problems but... Having entire base in your pocket? Really? It's more like creative mode than anything else. Train dedicated to expansion - thats the factorio way!
Some background:
I love to build megabases. Megabases with sparse resources and trains. Loads of trains. Modular, specialized cells are the best. So are dozens of mines where you need to fight for land with biters (robotarmy mod ftw). Some of my favourite mods are Marathon and Infinite Research. You can keep going and going and... you get the point.
Most of players I've meet online don't plan big enough for me. 1/2 ore dropoffs with 4 mines? No! 10 async unloading stations with 40 waiting bays IN and OUT! 30 active mines! 2 wagon trains, 2 rail lanes? No! At least 4 wagons per train, at least 2-3 lanes EACH direction!
But the more you grow, the faster you need to expand. FARL helps a lot. Personal roboport and book full of clever blueprints with entire mining sites (including all the logic network stuff already set up) helps as well.
Still, there comes the point, when to build one blueprint, you need at least few inventories full of items. Resupplying from cargo wagons you took with you is one way, but... why not just lay the blueprint and roll in with the train watching magic happen?
*puppy eyes*
