The first main feature of Railway Operation Simulator is the process of creating railways.
The option to enter railway building mode is from the mode menu. It is possible to start from a blank canvas, or edit an already loaded railway. On the top row of this menu you can select to edit the elements, add text, name stations and locations, set the element distance and speed, change the signal type and add user graphics.
All track elements are placed on a grid, with a maximum of one track element per grid square. It is possible for text and user graphics to be placed anywhere on the screen. (Not aligned with the grid.)
Once the elements have been placed and locations have been named, the railway can be linked and made into a .rly file. Although not necessary, adding speed and distance information to elements is highly recommended, especially if the railway reflects the real world. This is because it will mean a timetable will fit the railway correctly.
The user also has the option to add preferred directions to the railway, this will allow any operator to use the preferred and automatic routing when operating the railway.