TRAIN SIMULATOR V0.0.1 (DEMO)

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How to Use the Current Alpha Build

This build is a hands-on sandbox. It’s designed for experimentation, learning the controls, and getting a feel for the underlying train systems rather than completing structured scenarios or objectives. Expect to place trains, move them around the map, and explore how the locomotive and braking systems behave.

Some systems are simplified or still evolving, but the intent is always to preserve believable railroad behavior.

Basic mindset

• This is not yet a “game loop.” There are no missions, scoring, or progression.
• You are effectively operating a test railroad.
• Expect to experiment, reset, and try things again.
• If something feels odd, that feedback is valuable.

Camera and navigation

• Pan: Click and drag to move the camera around the map.
• Zoom: Mouse wheel zooms in and out.
• The world is large and performance may vary depending on zoom level and density of visible track.

Spawning and selecting trains

• You can place locomotives and rolling stock onto the map using the available spawning tools.
• Multiple vehicles can be coupled into a consist.
• Once placed, the currently controlled locomotive drives the entire consist.

Spawning behavior is still evolving, so avoid placing vehicles directly on top of each other unless intentionally testing coupling behavior.

Core locomotive controls

The following controls exist in the current build. Exact key bindings may evolve as the UI stabilizes, but the functional behavior is consistent.

• Reverser:
  • Forward, Neutral, Reverse.
  • Controls direction of traction and braking effort.
  • Neutral removes traction force.
• Throttle:
  • Multiple notches (0 through full power).
  • Higher notches apply more traction force.
  • Power application matters when handling long or heavy consists.
• Automatic (Train) Brake:
  • Controls brake pipe pressure for the entire consist.
  • Reductions propagate through the train with realistic delay.
  • Releasing takes time as air recharges.
• Independent (Locomotive) Brake:
  • Applies braking only to the locomotive.
  • Useful for holding the engine while charging air or during coupling.
• Dynamic Brake (if equipped):
  • Provides electrical braking through the traction motors.
  • Effective for speed control on grades.
• Sanding: (to be included)
  • Manual and automatic modes are available.
  • Sand improves adhesion under low-traction conditions.
  • Sand supply is finite.

Handbrakes (important)

Handbrakes are modeled and must be managed manually.

• Rolling stock will spawn with handbrakes applied to the first few cars.
• Handbrakes will prevent cars from moving even if air brakes are released.
• You must manually release handbrakes on a consist before attempting to move. This is done by right clicking and opening the inspector window.
• If a train will not move despite throttle and released air brakes, check for applied handbrakes.

This mirrors real-world railroad practice and prevents “magic” movement of parked equipment.

Braking and air system behavior

• Brake pipe pressure changes take time to propagate through the train.
• Longer consists respond more slowly.
• Charging air after spawning or heavy braking takes time.
• Expect some delay between control input and physical response.

While charging times are shortened for playability, the system still behaves directionally like real air brakes.

Coupling and movement

• Approach cars slowly when coupling.
• Slack action and coupler forces are simulated.
• Avoid high-speed impacts.
• Light throttle and careful brake handling produce the best results.

What is NOT in yet

• No signaling or dispatch system yet.
• No AI / NPC trains.
• No structured jobs, switching tasks, or economy.
• No save/load persistence beyond basic experimentation.
• Audio, polish, and visual effects are incomplete.

These systems are planned, but the current focus is building a solid foundation first.

How to get the most out of this build

• Practice smooth braking and acceleration.
• Experiment with long consists vs short consists.
• Observe air behavior and recharge timing.
• Test coupling behavior and slack action.
• Explore the map and rail layout.