This tutorial details how to operate a railway in Railway Operation Simulator. First you will need to download a simulation from the website, or create your own.
Loading the Simulation
After loading up the ROS program, you can load a route using "Load Railway", under "File" (or alternatively, Ctrl+L).
Once the route is loaded, select "Load Timetable" under "File" (or use Ctrl+I) to select the timetable you wish to operate. All routes on the website should come with at least one timetable ready made for operation.
Finally, select "Operate railway" from under "Mode" (or press Ctrl+O) to enter the operation mode.
Most routes also come with a session file, which can be selected from "Load Session" under "File" (or Ctrl+N), instead of the above steps. This file will load the railway and timetable, and any routes that have been preset. This is also how a previously saved game can be re-opened in the future, as a session file saves the time and position of every train.
'Pre-Start' Mode
In pre-start mode, the clock is paused and no trains will move, until the "run" button is pressed. Routes may be set and train information is available in this mode.
It is best practice to set up some initial routes at this point - particularly automatic (blue) routes. Start by pressing the "Preset automatic signal routes" button in the toolbar. This sets all routes that don't cross points, crossovers, level crossing or facing signals, and only have a single preferred direction set. Optionally, you may then choose to add more automatic routes using the "Create automatic route" button (see below). However, remember that automatic routes can be difficult to cancel, and so they should not be set over crossings and points that may be used during operation, no matter how little.
The following can also be done in pre-start mode.
Changing Simulation Speed
Select the clock icon, and choose the speed you wish the simulation to run at. Time can also be skipped in this menu, but note that the simulation remains paused - trains will not move and so may end up late.
Actions Due Panel
The Actions Due panel can be opened and closed at any time by clicking the sand-timer icon. This panel shows the headcode of each train that will require an action in the next hour, and the time until that action.
By left-clicking a headcode in this panel, the screen and cursor will be centred on that train. By right-clicking, the list of scheduled events for that train will appear.
In-Game Performance Log
The in-game performance log can be opened and closed at any time by clicking the icon with a document and green check mark. This log shows all events on the railway, such as arrivals and departures. The log will state whether these events are occurring early, on time or late, and if anything goes wrong (such as a train leaving via the wrong exit).
Both the Actions Due panel and the in-game Performance Log can be moved around the screen by holding left click and dragging them.