Space elevator
Note
New in 0.0.10. Only with the mod Space Exploration, which runs without Space Age. Without it, this part does not exist and the checkbox below stays hidden.
UTL delivers through a finished space elevator between a planet and its orbit – in both directions. The train leaves at the provider, goes through the elevator to the requester on the other side and back through the elevator to its depot.
The checkbox “Deliver via space elevator” exists per network, off by default:
- in the station window, network section, or
- in the UTL Manager, tab “Networks”, below the link bar.
It applies to the network with the same name on both sides: if the network on the planet is called “Iron”, it delivers to requesters in network “Iron” in orbit and the other way round.
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Elevator fully built and powered | Only then do trains pass. If it fails, UTL plans no new trips through it. |
| Provider and requester in the network with the same name | The network is the link across the elevator. |
| Depot with trains on the provider side | The train comes from the side where it loads. For deliveries in both directions: depots on both sides. |
| Tracks to the entrance and from the exit | The elevator has an entrance and an exit on opposite sides. Easiest is a loop on each side that leads from the exit back to the entrance. |
- UTL finds a provider behind the elevator and a free train on its side.
- The train loads at the provider and drives to the stop inside the elevator.
- The elevator takes it to the other side. A new train (with a new number) is created on the way – UTL simply carries on with the delivery.
- It unloads at the requester.
- Back through the elevator to its depot. If it needs fuel first or has leftover cargo, it goes to a fuel station or cleanup on the side where it currently is.
If a delivery is cancelled while the train is on the other side, it also goes back through the elevator.
- UTL cannot check the route behind the elevator in advance (a different rail network). If it is missing, the “finds no path” alert appears over there.
- If a train is torn apart in the elevator (for example because the power fails), UTL cancels the delivery; SE puts both parts into manual control.
- A second provider is only used on the same side, never behind the elevator.
- Other mods that move trains in a similar way can report it through the interface, see For mod authors.