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Quick answer
- Minecarts reach up to 8 blocks per second with powered rails.
- On flat track, place a
Powered rail about every 38 blocks. - Powered rails need redstone power, like a
Redstone torch.
A rail line is a cheap way to connect your base, farms and villages. Getting the spacing right saves gold.
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Powered rail spacing
| Track | Powered rails |
|---|---|
| Flat | 1 every 38 blocks |
| Flat, full speed guaranteed | 1 every 34 blocks |
| Uphill | 1 in every 2 rails |
Unpowered = brakesA powered rail with no power slows your cart right down. Make sure every one has power.
Powering them
Put a redstone torch, lever or Block of redstone next to or under the powered rail. A redstone torch beside the track is the easiest way.
Special rails
- Detector rail: sends a redstone signal when a cart rolls over it. Use it to open doors or power the next rail.
Activator rail: when powered, it acts on carts, like kicking out riders or lighting TNT minecarts.
Cost
Powered rails need Gold ingot items to craft, so long lines eat gold. Normal rails only need iron and sticks.
StationsPut a button-powered rail at each stop so you can push off from a standstill.
Cheat sheet
- Top speed: 8 blocks per second
- Flat: 1 powered rail per 38 blocks
- Uphill: every other rail
- Unpowered powered rails act as brakes
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