Connecting locomotives in Overfreight allows players to link multiple engines together on a single consist to boost power, climb steep elevations, and maintain speed while hauling heavy rolling stock. Unlocked through the mid-tier research tree, this upgrade expands your default single-engine limit to a maximum of three locomotives per train.
Connecting Locomotives Research Requirements
To unlock multi-engine capabilities on your rail network, you must research Connecting Locomotives in the logistics research menu. This tier becomes accessible once you accumulate sufficient operational stars from successful cargo deliveries.
| Research Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Research Name | Connecting locomotives |
| Stars Required | 70 Stars |
| Function | Allows purchasing extra locomotives per train (up to 3 total) |
| Delivery Prerequisites | Observed in player logs as requiring Glass Panes |
| Base Price / Gems | Not confirmed in current wiki documentation |
In standard career saves, research progression is tied to that specific save slot, with players unlocking research step-by-step alongside track upgrades like Generic Rails and capacity upgrades like Longer Trains.
How Connected Locomotives Impact Train Performance
Adding extra locomotives behind or ahead of your rolling stock provides tangible physical benefits across your network:
- Acceleration and Tonnage Handling: While adding locomotives increases overall train length, multi-engine setups produce significantly higher pulling power. This prevents heavy cargo consists—such as 11-car ore or sand trains—from crawling when accelerating from a dead stop.
- Grade Climbing: On maps featuring steep hills or elevated rail bridges, single engines often struggle under full loads. Coupling two or three locomotives maintains consistent climb speeds without stalling on inclines.
- Track Compatibility Considerations: Diesel locomotives can operate seamlessly on all rail types, including basic, abandoned, and electrified lines. Electric locomotives offer higher top speeds and acceleration, but require fully electrified tracks along their entire journey.
Locomotive Types and Coupling Options
Overfreight features distinct locomotive tiers based on real-world European rolling stock (predominantly Czech České dráhy designs). You can mix or match available locomotives once the research is unlocked.
| Locomotive | Type | Tier | Top Speed | Length | Verified Base Price | Track Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ČD 740/742 "Tomcat" | Diesel | 1 | 80 km/h | 13.6 m | $2,500 – $3,250 | All track types |
| ČD 750/754 "Goggles" | Diesel | 2 | 110 km/h | 16.6 m | $20,000 – $20,750 | All track types |
| ČD/ZSSK Class 362 "Fast Eso" | Electric | 3 | 140 km/h | 16.8 m | $120,750 | Electrified track only |
| Rusty Electric Locomotive | Electric | 3 | 91 km/h | 16.8 m | N/A (Badge reward) | Electrified track only |
| ES 64 U "Taurus" | Electric | 4 | 230 km/h | 19.3 m | $650,750 | Electrified track only |
Note: Base locomotive prices vary slightly between legacy community wiki documentation ($2,500 vs. $3,250 for Tier 1), but performance tiers and maximum train limits remain consistent.
Managing Multi-Engine Operations in Realistic Mode
For networks operating under Overfreight's Realistic Mode, locomotive handling follows distinct operational rules compared to standard arcade delivery:
- Independent Rolling Stock Purchasing: Locomotives and wagons are purchased individually rather than locked into pre-assembled sets.
- Yard Requirements: Locomotives must have an accessible rail yard designated as their depot. When unassigned or between duties, engines automatically route to the nearest connected yard. If no yard exists, the game flags a "No yard found, build one" alert.
- Terminus Maneuvers: While single engines use push-pull (which imposes a speed penalty in reverse) or loop-around turnaround maneuvers, a terminus platform maneuver utilizes a second locomotive waiting at the station to couple to the opposite end and take over the outbound leg.
Overfreight Multi-Engine FAQ
What is the maximum number of locomotives allowed on one train in Overfreight?
The maximum number of locomotives supported in a single train consist is 3.
Can I connect diesel and electric locomotives together?
Diesel engines can run on all rail types, but electric engines stop operating if any portion of the route lacks electrification. If an electric engine is in the consist, the entire traversed line must have overhead electrification.
Does adding more locomotives increase the top speed of my train?
No. Extra locomotives improve tractive power and acceleration, helping heavy trains reach top speed faster.
Can I clone a train with multiple connected locomotives?
Yes. Using the in-game Clone button purchases the exact combination of locomotives and attached rail cars from the target consist and duplicates the assigned route.
