Beginner looking for advice.

[ivegotideas]

Hello,
I am a mechanical engineering student, looking to start a passion project involving model trains. Part of this project relies on getting a train with a variable load to stop at a designated checkpoint/stop, wait for an interval of time, and then continue onto the next. If you've ever played factorio, something similar. I am going to likely use an Arduino to communicate to the train, but that is where my first two issues arise. Firstly, is there any way to communicate to the train via Arduino, and if so, is it wireless? If it is not wireless, how can I charge the arduino whilst it is atop the train?  I know nothing about model trains, so I apologize if these are stupid questions.

[AVRProject]

Back in the early 1960s, MIT had a train layout where all the future computer masters of the microprocessor age got their start.
Several trains would run a schedule around the track, using passing sidings and other interlocks.
Sequenced DC operations like this could now more easily be accomplished with PLCs.  (or Arduino acting as a PLC)
As an engineering student, this is where I'd advise you to go.
I'm an electronics engineer, so I'd go a different route.  I'd program an AVR to directly give commands to the locomotives through DCC.  I've been doing this stuff with AVR processors before there was an Arduino.  I use Bascom AVR so I can't help you with the Arduino C code.