Trains

With many of the recent space engineers update trailers ,we have been seeing more and more mono rail/train like builds used in them. In some of the recent scenarios, we have had mono rail like vehicles. I think this is a compelling argument for some kind of actual train components to be added to the game

Implementation

With the addition of the structural blocks, a few specilized strucual blocks could be added. I believe that a monorail like rail wether imbeded in a block or free standing would be the best implementation of a train system, as these should work on both planetary systems, and in zero g environments. As for the actual trains, I think the Vrage 2 engine is capable of performing the needed math to do custom train cars, however I think to reduce both performance issues and chances of clang getting involved, a few dedicated engines, and car types would be better.

In my ideal implementation of this idea, the actual rail system would be very similar to what can be found in other game titles such as factorio, or satisfactory. Individual rail tracks in this idea would be able to bend and straighten based on the lay out decided on by the player, however a simpler implementation could be done, for example by having dedicated 180° tracks (horizantal) 90° flat tracks, 45° flat tracks, along with ramp, and elevated track varieties.

Expectations

My expectations for such a system would be for the system to be able to be its own "grid" type of system, not allowing power transfer between other grids connected by the rail. I would also like for this system to conform to terrain, both planetary and asteroid based terrain. It should also some what intergrated with the already existing automation/ AI systems allowing for easy automation of movements on the rail system. I would like to see cars/ grids that go on these rails be able to move both cargo and gases, along with people, and possibly other grids depending on how well the physics engine plays. Again dependent on the physics engine, the implementation of these rails on mobile grids, instead of just static grids.

DLC

Love it or hate it DLC exist and funds the continued development of space engineers, so I think it would be fair to acknowledge how this proposed train system could work with dlc. If the non custome cars are implemented, new car/ engine models could be added in Additional dlc. Should the custom engine/car implementation be done, dlc content becomes much harder. Perhapse train new wheel types, like maglev, or some sci fi varieties of the train wheel types could be added to a dlc, or new rail types, again harder for future dlc production but could prove to be an interesting source of new cosmetic greeble blocks

If you made it to the end of this very long idea/brainstorm I thank you and if the community has any other ideas, or simply want to tell me how dumb of an idea this is I welcome that.

To Keen. I know I am probably in the minority of people who want trains in a space game, but I do think that this idea could provide some interesting directions for further development of SE1. Keep up the good work on both SE1 and SE2, I know I enjoy still being able to find new things to do in SE1 even after playing the game for over 10 years now.