This building within the Train Station generates Research Points that can be spent on developing new standard engines or upgrades to improve them (excludes bonus engines of any type).
As your Laboratory increases in level, points will be generated faster and you will be able to store more of them. By spending 40 gold, you can use a researcher for 24 hours to get points faster. This researcher is included as part of Plus, which can be activated for a full 7 days by spending 150 gold. The Scientist provides a 25% bonus to research speed. Without an active Plus Account, you can upgrade only one building at a time; starting a second building upgrade requires additional Gold.
When you start a round the level this building starts at varies depending upon the Era:
Era 1: 1
Era 2: 5
Era 3: 9
Era 4: 13
Era 5: 16
Era 6: 18
If you purchase the Super Starter package within the Rail Nation Shop when beginning a round your Laboratory will be increased by 1 level.
On x2 speed worlds the upgrade time is reduced to 50% and on x4 worlds to 25%.