I started a new game (default settings) at patch 1.08. played for a while then, and only recently picked my save back up. considering we're at 1.2.39 there's obviously been a lot of changes.

currently, I'm a ways into the electricity age though most of my base runs on steam. resources are pretty tight with the 3-1 conversion of ores to ingots, so I'm rather desperately trying to unlock deep ore mining. still got a few techs to go before I unlock that, but I already need about 1600(!) science packs per tech.
I need 18 assemblers (steam or electric 1) just to make 1 single electric science pack per second, which is typically my go-to for casual early-game. even a full belt of copper ore and iron ore each isn't enough for even just this.
because each tech is expensive, I still need to wait over 26 minutes per tech. that kinda seems insane to me.

did my tech progression get broke across patches or did I underestimate this pack? is there a mod setting I can change mid-game that doesn't screw things up even more, like the ceiling one?

Settings > Mod settings > Remembrance -> Tech scaling options are there along with explanations.

Technology cost scaling was altered to apply immediately/generally as expected after configuration changes in 1.2.39.

Quarries mining rate is 4x regular miners, with less resource depletion—steam quarries added in 1.2.40.

Bear in mind both trains and logistic robots exist in the Steam age. 🥳

thanks for the quick response. steam quarries sound useful, and I'll check the settings.
cheers ✌️