Plugin Overview
Welcome to Enhanced Rails v1.1, a plugin that transforms your Minecraft rail systems with exciting features, from blazing-fast speeds to smart automation. Whether you're building complex transportation networks or simple automated item delivery systems, this plugin brings a new level of functionality to minecart travel.
Super-Speed Travel
Dramatically increase minecart speeds for players up to 10x faster than vanilla Minecraft, with smart handling of curves and slopes.
Automated Loading/Unloading
Create automated item transportation systems without complex redstone! Minecarts are dispatched automatically when full or empty.
Special Item Activation
Configure rare items that players must hold to activate super-speed, creating perfect quest rewards or VIP perks.
Block-Based Activation
Alternatively, enable special features when rails are placed on specific blocks, providing visible infrastructure upgrades.
Smart Slowdown System
Configure special blocks that automatically reduce speed for curves and slopes, preventing derailments.
Customizable Settings
Fine-tune all parameters to match your server's needs through a comprehensive configuration system.
Installation & Requirements
Requirements
- Minecraft 1.21.4+ (built specifically for Paper API 1.21.4-R0.1-SNAPSHOT)
- Paper server (functionality on pure Spigot servers is not guaranteed due to Paper's recent hard-fork)
- Java 17 or higher
Installation Steps
-
Download the Plugin
Get the latest EnhancedRails.jar from elfahja.com
-
Install on Your Server
- Stop your server (to avoid config conflicts)
- Place EnhancedRails.jar into your server's
plugins/folder - Restart the server—EnhancedRails will generate a default
config.ymlinplugins/EnhancedRails/
-
Verify Installation
- Check the server console for: "EnhancedRails is now enabled! Config loaded from [path]"
- You're ready to roll!
In-Game Commands
Need to update settings without restarting? Use the reload command:
- Command:
/enhancedrails reload - Permission:
enhancedrails.use(default: ops only) - Usage:
- Edit
config.ymlinplugins/EnhancedRails/ - Run
/enhancedrails reloadin-game or console - A "EnhancedRails config reloaded!" message confirms the changes
- Edit
Super Speed Feature
The Super Speed feature dramatically increases minecart speeds, making rail transportation much faster and more exciting in your Minecraft world.
How It Works
When specific conditions are met, powered rails will provide a significantly stronger boost to minecarts, allowing them to travel up to 10x faster than vanilla Minecraft's standard speed.
Activation Methods:
- Special Item: Player holds a specific item (configurable) in their main hand while riding
- Special Block: Powered rail is placed on a specific block type (configurable)
Player in minecart holding the trial key for super-speed activation
Configuration
The following settings in config.yml control the Super Speed feature:
Master Switch
super-speed:
enabled: trueSpecial Item Configuration
When enabled, provides super-speed only when players hold the specified item in their main hand.
special-item:
enabled: true
material: "TRIAL_KEY" # Recommended: use a rare item
custom-name: "Super Speed Key" # Optional custom name requirementSpecial Block Configuration
If you prefer not using the special item approach, you can enable super-speed based on the block beneath powered rails. Note: This section is ignored if special-item is enabled.
special-block:
enabled: true
material: "SMOOTH_STONE"Speed Parameters
Fine-tune speed settings for different track conditions. Exceed recommended limits at your own risk!
super-speed-parameters:
flat-speed-multiplier: 2.0 # Max recommended: 2.0
flat-max-speed: 4.0 # Max recommended: 4.0
slope-speed-multiplier: 1.1 # Must be greater than 1.0, max recommended: 1.1
slope-max-speed: 1.0 # Max recommended: 1.0
max-uphill-velocity: 2.0 # Max recommended: 2.0
max-downhill-velocity: 2.0 # Max recommended: 2.0Slowdown Blocks
Configure special blocks that reduce minecart speed automatically.
slow-down-parameters:
enabled: true
block1-material: "GRAVEL"
block1-max-speed: 0.4 # 0.4 is a relatively slow speed
block2-material: "SAND"
block2-max-speed: 0.1 # 0.1 for extreme slowdownMinecart Loader/Unloader System New in v1.1
The Minecart Loader/Unloader feature simplifies automated item transportation without complex redstone redstone circuits, making it easier than ever to build efficient transportation networks.
Key Features
- Automatic Unloading: Empty hopper minecarts are automatically sent on their way
- Smart Loading: Filled hopper minecarts or carts with items when source containers are empty are automatically dispatched
- No Redstone Required: Eliminates the need for complex redstone timing circuits
- Configurable Push Strength: Fine-tune how forcefully minecarts are launched
- Special Block Integration: Optionally require a specific block to activate the system
Automated minecart loading/unloading station setup
Minecart Loader Setup
The loader system automatically dispatches hopper minecarts when they're full or when the supply container is empty but the minecart contains items.
Setup Requirements:
- Place a powered rail on any block (not a hopper)
- Position a hopper or chest directly above where the hopper minecart will sit
- Place a hopper minecart on the powered rail
- If you have special block feature enabled, place the configured block at the end of the rail
How It Works:
- When the hopper minecart becomes completely full (all slots at maximum stack size), it will automatically be pushed along the rail
- When the container above becomes empty but the minecart has some items, it will also be pushed
- If both the container and minecart are empty, the minecart remains stationary, waiting for new items
Minecart Unloader Setup
The unloader system automatically dispatches empty hopper minecarts after they've transferred all their contents.
Setup Requirements:
- Place a powered rail above a hopper
- Make sure there is no hopper or chest above where the minecart will sit
- Place a hopper minecart on the powered rail
- If you have special block feature enabled, place the configured block at the end of the rail
How It Works:
- The hopper minecart will empty its contents into the hopper below
- Once completely empty, the minecart will automatically be pushed along the rail
Configuration
Add these settings to your config.yml file to configure the minecart loader/unloader system:
minecart-loader:
enabled: true
# How strong the push should be (default Minecraft minecart speed is around 0.4)
push-strength: 1.0
# Enable debug logging
debug: false
# Special block settings
special-block:
enabled: true
material: "SMOOTH_STONE"Configuration Options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
enabled |
Master switch for the entire minecart loader/unloader system |
push-strength |
Controls how forcefully minecarts are pushed (0.6 is recommended, 0.4 is default Minecraft speed) |
debug |
When enabled, logs detailed information about minecart loading/unloading for troubleshooting |
special-block.enabled |
When enabled, requires the specified block to be at the end of the rail for the system to work |
special-block.material |
The Minecraft block material that must be present at the end of the rail (when special-block is enabled) |
Track Design Guide
Creating effective rail systems with Enhanced Rails requires careful planning to ensure safe, efficient operation at high speeds and with automated loading/unloading.
1. Handling Curves
- Problem: At 4.0 meters/tick, tight 90-degree turns will derail carts
- Solution: Place two powered rails with gravel blocks underneath them before curves to slow carts to 0.4 meters/tick
- Tip: Add powered rails on normal blocks after the curve to re-accelerate to Super-Speed
2. Managing Uphill Slopes
- Problem: Approaching slopes at full speed can cause bounce-back or derailment
- Solution: Place two powered rails with gravel blocks underneath them before ascending rails to reduce speed to 0.4 meters/tick
- Tip: Chain multiple powered rails uphill for a consistent climb that reaches 2.0 meters/tick
3. Controlling Downhill Slopes
- Problem: High speeds can launch carts off descending rails
- Solution: Use two powered rails with gravel blocks underneath them before descent for safety, allowing controlled 2.0 meters/tick downhill travel
- Tip: Avoid sudden transitions from flat to downhill
4. Designing Loading/Unloading Stations
- Station Approach: Use powered rails with sand blocks (0.1 meters/tick) before stations for extreme braking
- Station Layout: For loader stations, place a hopper/chest above the powered rail; for unloader stations, place a hopper below
- Exit Rails: Ensure there's a clear exit path with powered rails after the loading/unloading point
- Special Blocks: If using special blocks for the minecart loader, place them at the end of the station rails
5. Creating Complete Transportation Networks
- Loading Stations: Set up minecart loaders at resource collection points
- High-Speed Transit: Connect stations with super-speed rails for rapid transport
- Slowdown Approaches: Place gravel/sand under rails before stations to safely slow carts
- Unloading Stations: Configure minecart unloaders at dropoff points
- Return System: Create a loop that sends empty minecarts back to loading stations
Troubleshooting & Support
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Carts Derailing | Add more slowdown blocks before curves or slopes |
| Super-Speed Not Working | Check that players are holding the correct special item or that rails are placed on the correct special blocks |
| Minecart Loader Not Activating | Verify your setup matches the requirements (hopper/chest above or below, special block at rail end if enabled) |
| Minecart Not Pushing With Full Inventory | Check that all slots are at maximum stack size (not just filled) |
| Config Not Applying | Verify you've used the reload command correctly and check console for errors |
| Plugin Not Working | Confirm you're using a Paper server (not Spigot) running Minecraft 1.21.4+ |
Common Issues With Minecart Loader
Minecart Not Moving After Becoming Empty
- Check that the rail is a powered rail and that it isn't being powered from another source
- Ensure there's no hopper or chest above the minecart
- Verify the minecart is completely empty (no items in any slot)
- If special block is enabled, confirm it's properly placed at the end of the rail
Minecart Not Moving After Becoming Full
- Verify all slots are at their maximum stack size (64 for most items, 16 for certain items like eggs, 1 for non-stackable items)
- Check that the rail is a powered rail and isn't on a hopper
- Ensure there's a hopper or chest above the minecart
- If special block is enabled, confirm it's properly placed at the end of the rail
Debugging
If you're experiencing issues with the plugin, you can enable debug logging in the configuration:
minecart-loader:
debug: trueThis will provide detailed console logs about minecart activities, helping to identify the source of problems.
Support
For further assistance, bug reports, or feature requests:
- Visit our website: elfahja.com
- Contact us via email: support@elfahja.com