Producing Steam Motors in Anno 1800 is a complex chain that requires many buildings before we get to Motor Assembly Line. Steam Motors are core ingredient of of Steam Carriages production chain and also need for the production of steam ships at the Steam Shipyard.
What is produced
In this production chain we will be producing Steam Motors. Steam Motors are used in the production of Steam Carriages and also in the production of Steam Ships.

Buildings in this chain
Here we will look at what buildings are in this production chain. When looking at the buildings that are required we will first need to look at four mines that are needed. These are Iron Mine, Coal Mine, Copper Mine, and Zinc Mine. Obviously when using this many mines the production chain becomes quite cumbersome as you will be unlikely to find all of these resource on the same island. You will need to transport these from other islands to an island that can produce the final product. When you get these on an island you will then need to have Furnaces and Brass Smelteries to convert these into Steel in the Steel production chain and Brass in the Brass Smeltery. The final step is for these materials to go to the Motor Assembly Line to produce Steam Motors.
| Building | No. needed | Cost per building | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Mine | 1 | $800 Credits 4 Timber 4 Bricks | $800 Credits 4 Timber 4 Bricks |
| Coal Mine | 1 | $600 Credits 4 Timber 5 Bricks | $600 Credits 4 Timber 5 Bricks |
| Copper MIne | 2 | $5000 Credits 8 Timber 15 Bricks 12 Steel Beams 10 Windows 10 Reinforced Concrete | $10000 Credits 16 Timber 30 Bricks 24 Steel Beams 20 Windows 20 Reinforced Concrete |
| Zinc MIne | 2 | $5000 Credits 8 Timber 15 Bricks 12 Steel Beams 10 Windows 10 Reinforced Concrete | $10000 Credits 16 Timber 30 Bricks 24 Steel Beams 20 Windows 20 Reinforced Concrete |
| Furnace | 2 | $500 Credits 4 Timber 5 Bricks | $1000 Credits 8 Timber 10 Bricks |
| Brass Smeltery | 4 | $17000 Credits 8 Timber 15 Bricks 12 Steel Beams 10 Windows 10 Reinforced Concrete | $68000 32 Timber 60 Bricks 48 Steel Beams 40 Windows 40 Reinforced Concrete |
| Motor Assembly Line | 3 | $75000 Credits 16 Timber 30 Bricks 24 Steel Beams 20 Windows 20 Reinforced Concrete | $225000 Credits 48 Timber 90 Bricks 72 Steel Beams 60 Windows 60 Reinforced Concrete |
| Total | $315400 Credits 128 Timber 229 Bricks 168 Steel Beams 140 Windows 140 reinforced Concrete |
Iron mine

You can only build an Iron Mine on islands that actually contain iron deposits. To check this, start by looking at the resource bar, which lists all materials available on that island. If you prefer a more hands‑on approach, you can also explore the island directly and hover over each mining site to see what resource it provides. Additionally, iron deposits are always found near mountains, so those areas are the best places to check first.
To build an Iron mine, you will need the following items:
- $800 credits
- 4 timber
- 5 bricks
- Iron deposit on the island
As well as the build costs, you will also need the following ongoing costs:
- 50 workers
- $50 credits per minute for maintenance
Once these conditions are met, the mine will begin producing two iron ore per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your production chains running smoothly. In turn, this consistency helps prevent shortages, ensuring that your city can continue growing without interruption.

- Function : mines iron ore.
- Limitation : can only be placed on top of iron ore deposit.
- Unlocks : unlocks at 300 workers.
- Depletion : Iron mines do not deplete over time.
- Region : available in the Old World and Cape Trelawney
Coal mine

You can only build a Coal Mine in specific areas of the map. To find the right spot, start by checking which mining sites are designated for coal. Once you’ve identified a coal deposit, try to place your Coal Mine as close as possible to your Iron Mine, since this setup creates a more efficient production chain. Furthermore, keeping both mines nearby reduces transport time and helps maintain a steady flow of materials. In addition, remember that the Coal Mine only becomes available once you reach 250 Artisans, so it’s important to plan your progression with this milestone in mind. By preparing early, you can transition smoothly into a more efficient steel production setup.
To build the Coal mine, you will need the following:
- $600 credits
- 4 timber
- 5 bricks
- Coal deposit on the island
You will also need the following ongoing costs:
- 50 workers
- $50 credits per minute for maintenance
Once these conditions are met, the mine will continuously produce four tons of coal per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your Furnace running without interruption. Furthermore, this consistent fuel flow helps maintain smooth production, preventing slowdowns and keeping your Steel production chain efficient. Ultimately, with dependable coal coming in, the rest of your industry can operate at full speed.

- Function : mines coal.
- Limitation : can only be placed on coal deposits.
- Unlocks : unlocks at 250 Artisans.
- Depletion : Coal mines do not deplete over time.
- Region : available in the Old World and Cape Trelawney
Copper Mine

This is the Copper Mine. You will need to place down Copper Mines on top of Copper deposits. The Copper Mine is one of two mines that are required for the production of Brass io the Brass Smeltery. When dealing with the Copper Mine you will have to locate which island have Copper on them and then either build the extra factories on these islands or transport the Copper to another island.
To build the Copper Mine it will cost you:
- $5000 Credits
- Timber 8
- Bricks 15
- Steel Beams 12
- Windows 10
- Reinforced Concrete 10
In addition to these construction costs you will also need to account for the following:
- 25 Workers
- 250 Credits per minute in Maintenance
When working at 100% the Copper Mine will produce two tons of Copper per minute. This will enable your production chains to run at maximum efficiency.

- Function: To mine Copper
- Placement: The Copper Mine can only be placed on islands that have Copper deposits available. You can only place the Copper Mine directly on top of these deposits.
- Production Rate: Produces two tons of Copper per minute.
Zinc Mine

This is the Zinc Mine it is placed directly on top of Zinc deposits that are located on some of the islands in Anno 1800. The Zinc Mine is one of two mines that are required for the production of Brass in the Brass Smeltery. If you can it is best to place both of these mines on the same island if possible. This will limit the amount of transportation that you will need to do.
To build the Zinc Mine it will cost:
- $5000 Credits
- Timber 8
- Bricks 15
- Steel Beams 12
- Windows 10
- Reinforced Concrete 10
In addition to these construction costs you will also need to account for the following:
- 25 Workers
- 250 Credits per minute in Maintenance
When working at 100% the Zinc Mine will produce two tons of Zinc per minute. This will enable your production chains to run at maximum efficiency.

- Function: To Mine Zinc.
- Placement: Can only be placed on top of Zinc deposits. On an island with Zinc available.
- Production rate: Will produce two tons of Zinc per minute.
- Region: Old world only.
- Unlocks at: 1 Engineer
Furnace

The Furnace is the last building in the Steel production chain in Anno 1800. The Furnace will take the coal and the iron ore and turn these into Steel. Steel in Anno 1800 is an important material, as it is needed for the Steel beams production chain and Weapons, and in later game items such as the Sewing machines production chain.
To build the Furnace, you will need the following items:
- $500 credits
- 4 timber
- 5 bricks
- 4×7 tile space
As well as the above, you will also need the following:
- 100 workers
- $100 credits per minute for maintenance
Once these conditions are met, the Furnace will continuously produce Two tons of Steel per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your empire building going without interruption.

- Function : converts iron ore and coal in to steel.
- Placement : can be placed anywhere.
- Unlocks : unlocks at 300 workers.
- Regions : available in Old World, Cape Trelawney and the New World.
Brass Smeltery

This is the Brass Smeltery. It is used in Anno 1800 for the production of Brass. The Brass Smeltery can be placed on any island as their is no requirement for fertility or availability of items that it requires. It is best placed on to an island that has both Copper and Zinc as these are the items that it requires for the production of Brass. If these items are not available on the island then they will have to be transported there.
To build the Brass Smeltery it will cost you:
- $17000 Credits
- Timber 8
- Bricks 15
- Steel Beams 12
- Windows 10
- Reinforced Concrete 10
In addition to these costs you will also have to account for these running costs:
- 25 Workers
- -250 Credits per minute in maintenance
- -10 Attractiveness
When these conditions are met the Brass Smeltery will produce ton of Brass every 60 seconds.

- Function: To turn Copper and Zinc into Brass
- Placement: Can be placed anywhere
- Production rate: One ton of Brass every 60 seconds
- Regions: Old World
- Unlocks at: 1 Engineer
Motor Assembly Line

This is the Motor Assembly Line in Anno 1800. This can be placed on any island as long as it has access to Electricity. The Motor Assembly Line will not function with out Electricity. It can only be built in the Old World. Ensure that you have a Furnace and Brass Smeltery on the same island as this is what it requires to build the Steam Motors. The Motor Assembly Line produces 1.33 tons of Steam Motors every minute.
To build the Motor Assembly Line it will cost you:
- $75000 Credits
- 16 Timber
- 30 Bricks
- 24 Steel Beams
- 20 Windows
- 20 Reinforced Concrete
In addition to these costs you will also have to account for these running costs:
- 250 Engineers
- -1800 Credits per minute in maintenance
- -10 Attractiveness

- Function: To produce Seam Motors
- Production rate: 1.33 tons per minute
- Regions: Old World
- Unlocks at: 500 Engineers
- Requirements: Electricity
Tech tree
This is the Tech tree for the production of Steam Motors. It is important to have a balanced layout for the Steam Motors production chain. As you can see from the Tech tree to produce a perfect production layout.

Layout
This is a very basic layout for the Steam Motors production chain. When dealing with this production chain it is very difficult to have it all placed on the same island. This is because it requires four different mines for it to operate at maximum efficiency. The likely hood is that you will have to transport some materials from other islands to the island that contains the Furnace and the Brass Smeltery. It will also be best to place the Motor Assembly Line close to the Furnace and the Brass Smeltery for maximum efficiency.

Improving productivity
In this section we will look at what we can do to improve the Steam Motors production chain in Anno 1800. We will be looking at the Trade union and what benefits it gives to the buildings that it influences. Here we can see that we have placed down two Trade unions for assisting the production of Steam Motors.

Lets now take a look at what items we can add to the Trade union to assist with these buildings.
Trade union items for Iron mine
Here are some of the best items for the Iron mine.
| Item name | Effect | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammable Concoction | +100% productivity, +50% chance of explosion | Common – destroyed after 2 hours use Expedition bonus – +5 crafting |
| Big box of Dynamite | +200% productivity, +100 chance of explosion | Uncommon – destroyed after 2 hours Expedition bonus – + 5 force, +4 naval power |
| Ventilator | -50% workforce needed | Uncommon Expedition bonus – +20 crafting |
| Safety Elevator | +35% productivity, -25% maintenance costs, +30% chance of explosion | Rare |
| Simmons Electrifying Elevator | +40% productivity, -35% maintenance costs | Epic |
Trade union items for Coal mine
Here are some of the best items for the Coal mine.
| Item name | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamite | 100% productivity +50% chance of explosion | Common – destroyed after 2 hours use Expedition bonus – +2 naval power +3 force |
| Miner | +20% productivity | Common Expedition bonus – +10 crafting |
| Freight Elevator | +25% productivity -15% maintenance costs +50% chance of explosion | Uncommon |
| First-rate Sapper | +50% Productivity -75% workforce needed | Rare Expedition bonus – +30 crafting +10 force |
| Micaela the Mining Engineer | -100% maintenance costs -100% workforce | Epic Expedition bonus – +40 craft +20 force |
| Jorg von Malching, Augur of the Auric | +70% productivity occasionally produces gold or oil | Legendary Expedition bonus – +50 crafting +30 force |
Trade union items for Furnace
Here are some of the best items for the Furnace.
| Item name | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calciner | +40% productivity, +50% chance of fire, -3 attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Coal Permit | +25% productivity, +20% attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Night Pollution By-law | -10% productivity, -40% attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Heavy Coal Permit | +40% productivity, +40% attractiveness | Rare |
| Bechamel Converter | +60% productivity, -1 attractiveness, -50% workforce needed | Epic |
| Greens Law to Postpone the Apocalypse | -30% productivity, -80% attractiveness | Epic |
Trade union items for Zinc and Copper Mines
| Item name | Effets | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamite | 100% Productivity +50% Explosion Chance Duration:02:00:00 Destroyed after use | Common Expedition bonus – +3 Force +2 Naval Power |
| Miner | +20% Productivity | Common Expedition bonus – +10 Crafting |
| Big Box of Dynamite | +200% Productivity +100% Explosion Chance Duration:02:00:00 Destroyed after use | Uncommon Expedition bonus – +5 Force +4 Naval Power |
| Freight Elevator | +25% Productivity -15% Maintenance Cost +50% Explosion Chance | Uncommon |
| Ventilator | -50% Workforce | Uncommon Expedition bonus – +20 Crafting |
| First Rate Sapper | +50% Productivity -75% Workforce | Rare Expedition bonus – +30 Crafting +10 Force |
| Mad Mary, Dynamite Enthusiast | -35% Productivity +50% Workforce Needed +250% Maintenance Cost +50% Chance of Illness +50% Explosion Chance New Input The building now processes Dynamite. Extra Goods Occasionally produces extra output | Rare Expedition bonus – +25 Crafting +15 Force |
| Safety Elevator | +35% Productivity -25% Maintenance Cost +30% Explosion Chance | Rare |
| Micaela the Mining Engineer | -100% Maintenance Costs -100% Workforce | Epic Expedition bonus – +40 Crafting +20 Force |
| Simmons Electrifying Elevator | +40% Productivity -35% Maintenance Cost | Epic |
| Jörg von Malching, Augur of the Auric | +70% Productivity Extra Goods Occasionally produces extra Gold Ore Occasionally produces extra Oil | Legendary Expedition bonus – +50 Crafting +30 Force |
Trade union items for Brass Smeltery
Here are some of the items for the Brass Smeltery
| Item name | Effects | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calciner | +40% Productivity -3 Attractiveness +50% Chance of fire | Uncommon |
| Coal Permit | +25% Productivity +20% Attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Night Pollution Bye-Law | -10% Productivity -40% Attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Heavy Coal Permit | +40% Productivity +40% Attractiveness | Rare |
| Night and Day Pollution By-Law | -20% Productivity -60% Attractiveness | Rare |
| Reverberatory Furnace | +50% Productivity -2 Attractiveness +30% Chance of fire | Rare |
| Bechamel Converter | +60% Productivity -1 Attractiveness -50% Workforce | Epic |
| Green’s Law to Postpone The Apocalypse | -30% Productivity -80% Attractiveness | Epic |
| Lord Footprint’s Gargantuan Smokestack Act | +55% Productivity +660% Attractiveness | Epic |
Trade union items for the Motor Assembly Line
Here are some of the items for the Motor Assembly Line
| Item name | Effects | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calciner | +40% Productivity -3 Attractiveness +50% Chance of fire | Uncommon |
| Coal Permit | +25% Productivity +20% Attractiveness | Ucommmon |
| Night Pollution By-Law | -10% Productivity -40% Attractiveness | Uncommon |
| Heavy Coal Permit | +40% Productivity +40% Attractiveness | Rare |
| Night and Day Pollution By-Law | -20% Productivity -60% Attractiveness | Rare |
| Reverberatory Furnace | +50% Productivity -2 Attractiveness +30% Chance of fire | Rare |
| Bechamel Converter | +60% Productivity -1 Attractiveness -50% Workforce | Epic |
| Green’s Law to Postpone The Apocalypse | -30% Productivity -80% Attractiveness | Epic |
| Lord Footprint’s Gargantuan Smokestack Act | +55% Productivity +60% Attractiveness | Epic |
Using Electricity
Iron mine

The Iron Mine’s production will double once it receives electricity. As soon as you connect the mine to a Power Plant’s radius, its output increases immediately, allowing you to gather iron ore much faster. As a result, your entire production of Steel and Steel beams in Anno 1800 becomes more efficient, giving you a stronger and more reliable supply for the rest of your industry
Coal mine

The Coal mine’s production will double when it is supplied with electricity. Once the mine is within a power plant’s radius, its output increases immediately, allowing you to generate coal at a much faster rate.
Zinc Mine

This is the Zinc Mine it will massively benefit from the addition of Electricity, When added the Zinc Mine output will double.
Copper Mine

This is the Copper Mine. Like the Zinc Mine the Copper Mine‘s output will double.
Furnace

When a Furnace is supplied with electricity, its productivity receives a significant boost. Once the building is inside a power plant’s radius, its output immediately doubles, allowing it to process iron ore into steel at twice the normal speed.
Brass Smeltery

Adding Electricity to the Brass Smeltery will double it output.
Motor Assembly Line

The Motor Assembly Line requires Electricity to work. Without Electricity the Factory will sit idle. When you add Electricity to it the standard output will be 200%.