Why can't I builld RR tracks?

[jb1964]

I'm playing a conquest 5CC and the team is in the process of clearing off the only other large continent. Although we do not have a city on the other continent we have access to both iron and coal via colonies, but cannot build RR tracks. Why would this be the case?

Thanks in advance for what is probably a simple answer.

 

[thetrooper]

You must have a harbour on the other continent to hook up iron and coal. It is not enough with the colonies. Ergo you need a city on that continent (which will screw up your 5CC, I guess).

 

[sealman]

or build a road from your colony to another AI's city on that continent and use their trade network.

 

[jb1964]

Thanks for the feedback. The other civs aren't on speaking terms with us at the moment.

 

[Turner]

And be very nice to that civ. You go to war with them, and you lose those resources. Of course, once you have all the needed tiles RR'd, you can let the colonies go.